Search continues for crocodile north of Brisbane amid new sighting reports

Wildlife officers are searching for a crocodile in the Inskip Point area, north of Brisbane, after they received fresh sightings of the animal in the area.

The 2m-crocodile was first observed by a ranger on the beach at the Sarawak camping area on Monday (February 3).

Qld Environment says it received four extra sighting reports; video taken by a camper on Monday showed the crocodile swimming close to the beach near the barge landing.

Senior wildlife officer Joshua Morris said land-based searches on Monday and Tuesday with a drone failed to find it amid poor weather.

“Wildlife officers will conduct further land and water-based searches, including an intensive vessel-based spotlight search at night,” Morris said.

“We believe this is the same crocodile that was recently seen in the Bundaberg region on January 23, 2025.”

The department says the animal is a vagrant and not indicative of a species migration.

“We thank the people who provided the sighting reports and urge anyone who sees what they believe to be a crocodile to make a sighting report as soon as possible,” Morris says.

“Fishers and people on the beach are an extra set of eyes in the search for this crocodile.”

Rangers installed crocodile warning signs and will advise campers in the area.

“This crocodile fled into the water at the sight of people and so far avoided crowded beaches but we still need people to be vigilant around the water,” Morris says.

“Make considered choices when it comes to swimming and use a barrier such as an esky when fishing from the beach.

“We believe the crocodile might head back north to its habitat when weather conditions improve but if it stays in the south-east Qld region, it will be removed from the wild.”

Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372.

The department investigates every crocodile sighting report they receive.