Encountering Saltwater Crocodiles and Exotic Birds on the Kakadu Wetlands Tour

I’ve previously mentioned boat rides and how much fun they can be, but occasionally, walking is better. The Kakadu crocodile tour is different; unless you enjoy wading through wetlands riddled with salties – one of the numerous things in Australia genuinely trying to kill you. This tour takes you on a boat ride through the Wetlands of Kakadu National Park, where you can see saltwater crocodiles up close and personal.

The Kakadu Crocodile Tour

Now saltwater crocodiles are pretty common in this part of Australia, and they can grow to ridiculous lengths. You don’t want to have to fight one. That is why you make this trip in a boat, and you ensure your arms don’t dangle over the edges.

The saltwater crocodiles spend lots of time chilling on the riverbanks and lurking around the mangrove trees. If you’re looking to spot one, I’d say the mangroves are probably your best bet. If you don’t know what a mangrove looks like, it’s the tree growing in the water to the left side of the picture above.

As I mentioned, you’ll want to keep your arms and hands within the confines of your boat. Crocodiles are unusually adept at leaping out of the water and they’ll have no trouble taking your body parts with them. If they don’t rip your arm off, you can expect to be dragged underwater and death-rolled. Not fun, nor a pretty way to go – though you might provide a lasting spectacle to any on-lookers.

Crocodiles aside, the wetlands in Kakadu National Park are home to many species of birds. It’s also the first time I spotted a kingfisher, and even better, watched a kingfisher fish. I’ve never been more desperate for a better camera lens than I was on this day (except when I was trying to capture a peregrine falcon) – you can probably tell that from my kingfisher below. Sadly I’m nowhere near quick enough to snap him diving, so you’ll need to pretend.

Don’t be fooled by the saltwater crocodiles. The water here is actually freshwater – salties are happy in either, and it’s more that they can comfortably survive in salt water that gives them their names. Anyhow, that also means that this area is a great watering hole for the local wildlife bringing in even more birds.

Bird Spotting in Kakadu

You get a whole range of different birds, both large and small, and occasionally you find a bit of a poser who only comes here to get their picture taken by the visiting tourists.

In all fairness, I think he’s only posing because those feathers contrast against the water lilies. Either that or he’s trying to dry off after diving for his dinner. Fair enough, not all models need to live up to ridiculous beauty standards. Birds especially.

Not every bird that rocks up at the watering hole is a friendly, fish-eating bird. Some of them are pretty mean looking, and massive. Or just average-sized. That kind of depends on the bird.

This one is an absolute beauty. Ever seen any creature looking so damn majestic sat up in a tree? Because I haven’t.

All in all, if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the Kakadu crocodile tour is not to be missed. Just, stay on the boat. Keep your arms inside, and enjoy the ride. And when you’re back on land, be sure to share your photos and memories with us!