Kakadu ranger suggests harsher fines could deter risky visitor behaviour around crocodiles

While Parks Australia, the federal body that manages Kakadu, suggests crocodiles can be viewed safely from Kakadu National Park's most popular crocodile viewing spot - the Cahills Crossing viewing platform - they also advise to pay attention to croc warning signs.

However, a video captured there last week (and now circulating in the media) shows adults and children close to the water's edge with as many as 10 large crocodiles close by.

This irresponsible behaviour has led Kakadu crocodile management supervisor Gary Lindner to suggest harsher fines to deter risky behaviour around crocodiles.

Lindner has spent more than three decades keeping an eye on live crocodiles and is tasked with managing crocodile-human interactions at Cahill's Crossing.

Crocodile warning signs are prominent around the crossing, and Lindner said signage and education measures in Kakadu were adequate.

However, Lindner told ABC Radio Darwin "[The footage] is absolutely alarming. It's basically a tragedy that's ready to unfold.

"Other events have been recorded … unfortunately, a minority of people continue to ignore the obvious dangers there.

"But if a crocodile sees you and it decides to eat you that day it's very capable of doing so, especially if you're at the water's edge."

Park rangers can evict and fine visitors to Kakadu who ignore the risks around crocodiles.

Lindner said those fines were now being reconsidered under a review of environmental regulations that could bring in heftier penalties.

"A big part of [the review] will be putting in a component for visitors, residents and local fishermen that are completely disengaged and ignore the obvious danger that is at Cahills Crossing, and any other water body in the park where saltwater crocodiles inhabit," he said.

"And if the current [penalties] aren't working, increasing them [is an option], and basically broadcasting those penalties when they're issued.

Cahills Crossing is the main river crossing into Arnhem Land over the East Alligator River and the crossing can become inundated on a rising tide, when crocodiles are able to swim right up to the road.

The new $3 million viewing platform was opened at Cahills Crossing in 2022.

Images courtesy Parks Australia