Guide to the saltwater crocodile in Aboriginal cultures
Found across the coastal waters and inland rivers and wetlands of northern Australia, saltwater crocodiles – also known as ‘salties’ – are the largest crocodile species and can grow up to seven metres long and weigh over 1,000 kilograms.
Crocodile in the Top End, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia
What is a saltwater crocodile?
Found across the coastal waters and inland rivers and wetlands of northern Australia, saltwater crocodiles – also known as ‘salties’ – are the largest crocodile species and can grow up to seven metres long and weigh over 1,000 kilograms. The Australian saltie is one of the most aggressive and dangerous crocodiles, with visitors advised to obey warnings and be crocwise.
The saltie and the smaller freshwater crocodile are protected species in Australia. Found in fresh and brackish waters in northern Australia and beyond, ‘freshies’ have also been known to bite, but they are generally timid and quick to flee from human disturbance.
Why are saltwater crocodiles significant to Aboriginal cultures?
Low in fat and cholesterol and high in protein, crocodile meat has been an important food source for many Aboriginal communities in northern Australia for generations.
Crocodiles also features in Dreaming stories used to teach important lessons about respect for nature and the importance of following traditional laws. “We know the saltwater crocodile as ginga,” says Murumburr man Dennis Miller, who guides Kakadu Tourism cruises on the Northern Territory national park’s wildlife-rich Yellow Water Billabong. “The only time we get eaten by ginga is if we disrespect culture or disrespect community.”
For the Tiwi people of the Tiwi Islands visited by SeaLink NT from Darwin / Garramilla, the saltie or yirrikipayi is a significant Totem animal and only eaten by old people.
Kakadu Tourism, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia
Where can I see saltwater crocodiles?
There are few better places to see salties up close than Cahill’s Crossing in Kakadu National Park. On the incoming tide, water covers a narrow causeway on the East Alligator where crocodiles converge to feast. Enjoy the ultimate vantage point aboard Kakadu Cultural Tours’ Guluyambi Cultural Cruise, which departs upstream from the action. Learn from your Aboriginal guides how the local people have lived and fished alongside these prehistoric predators for tens of thousands of years as huge salties lunge for fish just metres away.
There are plenty of opportunities for croc-spotting on a tour with Lords Kakadu & Arnhemland Safaris, beginning with an exhilarating airboat safari on the teeming Mary River wetlands near Kakadu. You’ll gain another perspective on salties when you visit Injalak Arts in Arnhem Land, where Aboriginal artists produce works inspired by kinga, the name for the saltie in the local Bininj Kunwok language.
Crocodile, Mabu Buru Tours, Broome / Rubibi, Western Australia
Yawuru, Karrajarri, Nyul Nyul and Bardi man Johani Mahmid shares his deep knowledge of Broome / Rubibi in Western Australia’s Kimberley region as well as his love for crocodiles on his Mabu Buru Tours. Johani has a license that allows him to own salties – join him on his Wakaj experience, and you might get to meet his pets.
Gator vs Croc - Who would be victor?
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