Theme : Wildlife & Adventure
Best Time to Visit : Dry Season (May-Oct).
Highlights
- Seeing wild crocodiles jump
- Meeting ‘Aggro’ the bull croc
- Spotting baby crocs
- Birdwatching (Jabiru, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Whistling Kites)
Cost : From $71
A Must-Do Wildlife Experience Just East of Darwin
We’d heard about the jumping crocodiles on the Adelaide River, just east of Darwin, but even though we thought we knew what to expect, it was quite an experience.
What to Expect on the Pathfinder Crocodile Cruise
We boarded the Pathfinder Jumping Crocodile Cruise vessel, a single-level boat that sits low in the water. During our safety briefing, our skipper Connie advised us to NEVER hang anything over the side of the boat; not an arm, hand, phone or head, as the crocs see it as potential food. Given we were here to see these big fellas jump, we took this advice seriously.
A few hundred metres up the river we witnessed our first surprise, out of the trees flew a beautiful female Jabiru. Her huge wingspan looked very majestic flying down river.
How Do They Make the Crocodiles Jump?
The wild crocs are accustomed to the feed they get for interacting with the skipper’s bait pole. A couple of chunks of raw pig meat are tied to this long bamboo pole to bait an interaction. The crocs are territorial, so the guides know were to find them, and once they sense the boat motors they are often alert and ready.
They don’t always jump, some are a bit lazy and try to steal the meat, but the skipper perseveres until they jump, or moves on. After a few disappointments the crocs start to learn.
Meeting ‘Aggro’: The Adelaide River’s Big Bull Croc
We saw many crocs, all named by the staff, each with their own temperament. Some are cooperative and some are not. Some are dominant and some are ‘rogue’, usually younger males seeking to take over an old bull’s territory.
The awe you feel as a fully grown bull approaching boat seems to meet your eye is unforgettable. Their size and power – a true hallmark of wildlife in the Northern Territory –are amazing and we couldn’t believe how fast they snap, jump and attack. Their speed is incredible. After seeing many crocs, some jumping and some not, the skipper enticed the big bull croc named ‘Aggro’ onto the muddy bank so we could see his true size.
More Than Crocs: Baby Crocs and Sea Eagles
On the way back to the dock Connie stopped to show us six baby crocs that were only a few days old. This was really interesting, especially as their survival rate is low. While we were looking a White Bellied Sea Eagle swooped down as if to have a crack at the babies, but the eagle was harried away by Whistling Kites. Connie told us the Sea Eagle often swoops down to pinch the pork from her pole.
Is the Pathfinder Cruise Caravan Friendly?
This Pathfinder Jumping Crocodile Cruise was an absolute blast and far exceeded our expectations. Cruise host, the Original Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruises, is beside the Adelaide River Bridge, so it’s easy to find and easy to park, even with a caravan on tow.
Happy trails,
Fireman Ron & Di
| Highlights: Top Experiences | Practical Info for Caravanners |
| * Watching massive, wild crocodiles lunge out of the water. | Proximity: Just east of Darwin on the Adelaide River. |
| * Getting a close-up look at ‘Aggro’, a giant bull croc, on the bank. | Road Access: Very easy; located right beside the Adelaide River bridge. |
| * Spotting other wildlife like baby crocs Jabirus and Sea Eagles. | Caravan Parking: Yes. Caravanners will find iit “easy to park, even with a caravan on tow”. |
Q: Where is the jumping crocodile cruise?
A: The cruise is on the Adelaide River, just east of Darwin. The departure point for the Original Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruises is right beside the Adelaide River bridge.
