Swim with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove Darwin

By Leah McLennan
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For many, the thought of encountering a giant crocodile is the stuff of nightmares. But swimming with saltwater crocs is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that lets you eyeball some of the fiercest, yet most majestic, creatures on Earth.

Darwin lays claim to more crocodiles than any other city in the world, and many of them are right in the heart of the city at Crocosaurus Cove. A visit to this three-storey venue is an absolute must for wildlife lovers and offers the chance to feed, photograph and swim with crocodiles from three months to 80 years old.

Consider this your comprehensive guide to visiting Crocosaurus Cove.

What to expect at Crocosaurus Cove

Crocosaurus Cove is home to some of the largest – and most problematic – crocodiles in Australia.

The large resident crocs at Crocosaurus Cove are usually problem animals brought in from the wild, meaning they got too close to people on beaches and fishermen. (There are even reports of these crocs stealing farmer’s cattle!)visitors at Crocosaurus Cove viewing from a huge croc aquarium at

See giant crocodiles at the huge aquarium. (Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr)Beyond these ancient beasts – which you can see from above, below through underwater viewing tanks and while floating in an acrylic tube – Crocosaurus Cove boasts a reptile house that features 70 species found across northern Australia, such as goannas, blue tongues lizards and a swag of snakes.

a staff at Crocosaurus Cove holding a baby croc beside a visitor on a wheelchair

Crocosaurus Cove is accessible to all visitors, including those with a disability. (Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr)

Crocosaurus Cove highlights

Hold a baby crocodile, feed the friendly whiprays, join one of the daily reptile shows (must see: snake snack on a rat) and witness the metre-long barramundi being fed in the giant four-metre-high aquarium – these are just some of the highlights at Crocosaurus Cove.

holding a baby Croc at Crocosaurus Cove

Get a chance to hold a baby croc at Crocosaurus Cove. (Image: Leah McLennan)

Big Croc Feed Show

At this twice daily show, you can get to know some of Australia’s largest saltwater crocodiles and learn how they’ve remained relatively unchanged for over 200 million years.

feeding a huge croc at Crocosaurus Cove

Crocosaurus Cove is home to some of Australia’s largest crocodiles in captivity. (Image: Tourism NT/Kane Chenoweth)

Fishing for Crocs

Join one of three daily shows at the Fishing for Crocs platform, where there are around 100 juveniles below vying for food. As you lower a stick with juicy meat towards the bask of crocs, each one claws over its scaly brethren to gain prime pouncing position.

visitors crocodile 'fishing' and feeding baby crocs at Crocosaurus Cove

Feed juvenile saltwater crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove. (Image: Tourism NT/ Shaana McNaught)

Crocosaurus Cove Cage of Death

Picture this: floating in tropical water, the dulcet sounds of ripples in your ears, the warm sun on your back – and a giant croc circling around wanting to eat you. The Cage of Death is about the closest you can get to realising this primal image. If you’re a little scared, you can always take a friend as the large acrylic cage can carry up to two adventurers.

Leah McLennan inside the Cage of Death swimming with a huge Croc at Crocosaurus Cove

Get up close with a huge croc inside the Cage of Death. (Image: Leah McLennan)

When I took on the Cage of Death, I bravely went on alone. First the safety briefing and next, signing the indemnity release form. Then I climb in the tank, and off I go, transported via an overhead monorail into one of four separate crocodile enclosures for a 15-minute encounter.

a crocodile encounter at the Cage of Death, Crocosaurus Cove

Conquer the Cage of Death. (Image: Tourism NT/ Shaana McNaught)

A group of spectators gather to watch and take photos as I’m lowered in my tube into the croc pool. It’s not long before I’m face to face with a huge crocodile – William and over in the corner is his partner, Kate. He’s 4.6 metres long and weighs in at 690 kilograms, while his diminutive lady stretches only 2.8 metres and weighs 110 kilograms.

two people inside the Cage of Death, Crocosaurus Cove

Swim with massive saltwater crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

When William bares his woman-eating teeth, he scares the living daylights out of me. It’s exhilarating, pure excitement, a great adrenaline rush. I watch William in awe for quarter of an hour, as he snaps for food being lowered into the pool by a trained handler. It’s all over too quickly, and for the rest of the day I’m buzzing and in awe of these pre-historic creatures.

a woman inside the Cage of Death Crocosaurus Cove getting up close and personal with a huge Croc

The Cage of Death experience is truly memorable. (Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Crocosaurus Cove tickets

General entry costs for Crocosaurus Cove: $40 for adults, $32 for seniors, $25 for children under 16. Family passes are available.

visitors holding a baby saltwater crocodile during a function held at Crocosaurus Cove

Feel free to hold a baby croc. (Image: Tourism NT/Nick Pincott)

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Costs of extra experiences

Cage of Death costs $195 per person or $295 for two people. It includes general entry to all attractions. Cage minimum age is 15 years. Children 15-17 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older
a child holding a baby croc

The writer’s daughter Ebi holding a baby croc. (Image: Leah McLennan)

Details to know before visiting

Opening times: Open daily (except for Christmas Day) from 9am until 6pm.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Getting there: 58 Mitchell Street in Darwin’s city centre.
Parking: Parking is easy in Darwin’s CDB.

Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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Can you swim at any beaches in Darwin? Here’s what you need to know

    By Leah McLennan
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    Darwin’s beaches stretch out in shades of soft turquoise, easy on the eyes and tempting in the heat. In the dry season, locals and visitors alike wade in, but swimming here comes with a few caveats best not ignored.

    The risks? Crocs and stingers – because, well, this is the Top End. But on a dry season weekend, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve teleported to Bondi Beach, with 30 or so people splashing about at Nightcliff Beach and plenty more braving the ocean at Casuarina for a proper swim.

    Swimming at the beach in Darwin is a personal call. Weigh up the risks, get informed, stick to patrolled areas when surf lifesavers are on duty, wear protective gear if it makes you feel better – and jump in if it feels right.

    Here’s the lowdown on where you can swim, where to stay dry and how to enjoy Darwin’s blue waters safely.

    Where’s the safest place to swim in Darwin?

    people swimming in Nightcliff Beach, Darwin

    Nightcliff Beach is one of the patrolled beaches in Darwin that is considered safe for swimming. (Image: Jeremy Simons)

    Zero stress, zero surprises? Head to Darwin Waterfront Lagoon. It’s man-made, croc- and jellyfish-free and patrolled all year. There’s even a netted section and grassy banks for lounging. The Wave Pool is nearby, with timed swells for boogie boarding. It’s the safest splash you’ll find.

    Top beaches for swimming in Darwin

    From June to August, things shift. The water’s clearer, jellyfish numbers drop and locals start dipping their toes – and more – in the ocean.

    Nightcliff Beach

    a scenic view of Nightcliff Beach, Darwin

    The picturesque Nightcliff Beach feels like a hidden gem. (Image: Jeremy Simons)

    At high tide, Nightcliff Beach is magic. The water turns turquoise, locals swim and wade, and confident swimmers jump from the rocks (safely). The Darwin Surf Life Saving Club patrols on Sundays during the dry season, and there’s a laid-back vibe that makes it feel like a hidden gem.

    Early riser? Join the Wednesday Dippers at 6.30am for a group swim and post-dip coffee at The Foreshore Restaurant & Cafe. Want to float instead of swim? Hire a paddleboard from Fun Supply.

    Casuarina Beach

    sunset at Casuarina Beach in Darwin

    Witness a pretty, pink-hued sunset at Casuarina Beach. (Image: Tourism NT/ James Maddock)

    Part of the Casuarina Coastal Reserve, this wide 4.5km beach is home to Darwin Surf Life Saving Club and its little nippers’ training sessions (Sundays, June to September). It’s also where ocean swims happen each August, with lifesavers patrolling on boards and watercraft.

    No rock jumping here – just calm waves and wide-open space. After your swim, refuel at De La Plague Cafe – one of the city’s best spots for post-beach brunch.

    Mindil Beach

    sunset at Mindil Beach, Darwin

    Soak up magnificent sunsets at Mindil Beach. (Image: Tourism NT/Sean Scott)

    People do swim at Mindil Beach during the dry season, but let’s be honest – you’re really here for the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Lifeguards patrol from 2pm to 6pm, Thursday to Sunday (and during incoming tides earlier in the week). Grab a laksa, sit on the sand, and soak up that famous sunset – swimming optional.

    East Point Beach

    an aerial view of East Point Beach in Darwin

    East Point Beach is surrounded by dense and thick mangroves. (Image: Tourism NT)

    Patrolled by Mindil Beach Surf Life Saving Club on Sundays in the dry season, East Point Beach is part of the East Point Recreation Reserve, a curved 1.5km stretch ending in mangroves and rocky outcrops. Bonus: Lake Alexander is right behind the beach, offering a croc-free alternative if you’re not keen on the ocean.

    What about stingrays?

    Box jellyfish and Irukandji are no joke. They’re dangerous, sometimes deadly, and hard to spot. Stinger season runs from October to May, but stings have happened year-round. Kids are more at risk, and since 1975, all 14 recorded stinger-related deaths in the NT have been children.

    Box jellyfish are clear with a boxy body and long venomous tentacles and their stings can be fatal. Irukandji (a group of smaller, highly venomous species) are tiny, but nasty. Some species are only the size of a thumbnail. If stung pour vinegar on the area (not fresh water) and call 000 or find a lifeguard.

    Are there crocs at Darwin beaches?

    a wild saltwater crocodile swimming in the Northern Territory

    Darwin is home to dangerous saltwater crocodiles. (Image: Caroline Brundle Bugge)

    Yes, saltwater crocs live in Darwin’s waters, but there hasn’t been a fatal attack at these beaches in over 120 years. Why? Because lifesavers manage the risks and beaches close immediately if crocs are spotted. But always check the water before you enter when swimming at the beach. Any natural body of water in the Top End may contain large and potentially dangerous crocodiles.

    What about tides?

    an aerial view of Nightcliff Beach, Darwin

    Nightcliff Beach is moderately steep and narrow at high tide. (Image: Tourism NT)

    Darwin has some of the biggest tidal shifts in the country, with changes of up to eight metres between low and high tide. At low tide, beaches can turn into vast stretches of exposed mudflats, making swimming tricky (and unappealing). High tide is your best bet – the water is deeper, clearer, and safer, with fewer sharp rocks and critters underfoot.

    Top tips for beach swimming in Darwin

    • Stick to patrolled beaches.
    • Swim in the dry season (June–August).
    • Check signs for warnings and the water for crocs before diving in.

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