Summary:
- Crocodile sightings in Noosa have sparked an official investigation after reports of a large saltwater crocodile in the area.
- Initial reports emerged over the weekend, with a crocodile potentially over three metres long appearing far outside its typical range.
- Local residents, including James Graham, captured sonar images that heightened public and official interest.
- The Queensland Department of Environment is actively reviewing these reports and urging the public to share further sightings.
- Sightings in Noosa are rare, as the area lies nearly 300 km south of the saltwater crocodile’s known habitat.
- Despite concerns, recreational activity in and around Noosa River continues, with officials advising caution.
Crocodile sightings in the coastal town of Noosa have prompted an official investigation, after several residents reported encounters with what they believe was a large saltwater crocodile—an uncommon presence in the region. The reports, which surfaced over the weekend, suggest that a crocodile estimated at over three metres in length may be inhabiting waters hundreds of kilometres south of its typical range.
James Graham, who was fishing in the Noosa River near Tewantin with his friend Kai Tapley, said the pair captured a sonar image of a distinct shape moving beneath their boat. “It’s not a turtle. It’s not a dolphin. It’s not a mermaid. It’s a croc,” Graham told local media, adding that the sighting helped explain why their fishing trip had been unusually quiet.
The sonar image, which appears to show the crocodile’s outline in profile, quickly gained attention online and prompted other locals to come forward. Among them was Ross Buckley, a resident who posted on a community Facebook page that he had seen what he believed to be a crocodile paddling just metres from shore at Noosa Spit, a popular spot for swimming and dog-walking.
State officials have begun investigating. A spokesperson for Queensland’s Department of Environment confirmed they are reviewing reports and urged members of the public to report any additional sightings through official channels. “We are taking this matter seriously,” the spokesperson said. “Our team is assessing the validity of recent crocodile sighting reports in the Noosa area.”
The prospect of a crocodile living in Noosa has raised eyebrows, as the town lies nearly 300 kilometres south of the species’ normal habitat. Saltwater crocodiles are known to inhabit northern Queensland rivers and estuaries, but sightings this far south are extremely rare. Wildlife authorities have said that while individual crocodiles can sometimes travel long distances along the coast, such an event remains highly unusual.
Multiple people have claimed to have spotted the animal at different times over the weekend, with some accounts describing it as more than three metres long. The Department of Environment is expected to continue monitoring the area and reviewing any photos, videos, or sonar data submitted by the public as part of their investigation.
In the meantime, officials are urging caution for those spending time near the water. Fishing, boating and recreational activities along the Noosa River and adjacent coastline are continuing without restriction, but residents are being asked to remain vigilant.
“We didn’t expect it—this is Noosa, not Cairns,” Graham said. “But the moment we saw it on the sonar, we knew. There’s no mistaking that shape.”
Background:
Here is how this event developed over time:
- July 20, 2025 – Local resident Ross Buckley reported seeing a crocodile approximately 3.5 meters long just meters from the shore at Noosa Spit.
- July 21, 2025 – Fishermen James Graham and Kai Tapley detected a roughly 3-meter crocodile using sonar equipment while on the Noosa River.
- July 21, 2025 – The Queensland Department of Environment launched an investigation into the reported sightings but stated no physical evidence had yet been found.
- July 21, 2025 – Authorities confirmed the sighting locations are roughly 300 kilometers south of the typical saltwater crocodile habitat, prompting concern due to the anomaly.