General News
2 January, 2026
‘Bully’ croc rules marina
A SALTWATER crocodile filmed sunbathing on a marina pontoon on the Cassowary Coast has raised concerns about changing crocodile behaviour around people and boats.
Footage shared on social media shows the crocodile resting on a private pontoon at Port Hinchinbrook Marina, between Cardwell and Hinchinbrook Island, as vessels passed nearby.
Hinchinbrook Island Tours (HI Tours) operator Joey Bugelli, who occasionally uses the pontoon, said the crocodile was a resident and had developed bold habits around boats and pontoons.
“It’s probably a 2.2 or 2.3m croc and he’s a bit of a bully resident. He does pick on all the little crocs, but he’s definitely not the biggest one that floats in and out of there,” Mr Bugelli said.
“There are a couple of big ones that come in and out of the marina … but that croc is starting to become now really comfortable being on pontoons and around boats.
“Crocs and people don’t really go well together. I’m all about protecting crocs … but there’s got to be some better management system than hoping for the best in marinas and around boat ramps.”
Mr Bugelli said crocodiles had become increasingly accustomed to human activity.
“Fundamentally, we’re in their neighbourhood. I really think they should be heavily protected everywhere, except for sort of marinas.
“In a marina where there are kids who could walk on those pontoons all the time, a croc over 2m is a man-killer.
“Crocs are happy to sunbake and you can get quite close to them. They’re getting really comfortable with human activity, which is alarming.”
He also called for more proactive management of crocodiles in populated areas.
“There needs to be some sort of review done to see the best way to manage crocs in marinas. If you take a croc out, another male will move in and claim that territory,” Mr Bugelli said.
A Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation spokeswoman said a sighting report of “a small crocodile” at the Port Hinchinbrook marina was made on 10 December 2025.
“Wildlife rangers promptly conducted a site inspection and installed additional temporary signs for public safety, in addition to the permanent signage at the marina,” she said.
“Our top priority is public safety and we will remove crocodiles from the wild that pose a threat to people.
“We encourage people to report all sightings to us via the QWildlife app, online or by calling 1300 130 372.
“We investigate every sighting report received.”
Read More: Cardwell