Swimming at Crocosaurus Cove Darwin

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)

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)

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.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

Swim with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove Darwin