Airlie Beach Queensland: Urgent warning for tourists and holidaymakers as VERY large croc is spotted near busy tourist area

Tourists have been issued an urgent warning after a large crocodile was spotted near a popular beach.

The crocodile was spotted near Shute Harbour, about 12km east of popular tourist hotspot Airlie Beach in the Whitsunday region of north Queensland.

Four crocodile sightings were reported to the Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES) on Monday.

The reptiles were reportedly spotted in several areas near Airlie Beach.

Conservationists from the DES have been searching for the animal and posting crocodile warning signs.

Photos show the reptile briefly appearing on the surface of the water on the beach.

DES authorities have warned that Airlie Beach has been classified as a ‘Zone E’, meaning crocodiles found to be exhibiting dangerous behavior will be removed.

DES Senior Wildlife Officer Officer Jane Burns said she and her team are yet to determine whether the animal should be removed from the water.

“Crocodiles often use the ocean to travel and our hope is that this will continue to a more remote area,” Ms Burns said.

‘Based on the images provided to us, it appears that this crocodile is in poor condition and may be injured or unwell, which could alter its behavior and movements.

‘It is very important that anyone who sees a crocodile in the area reports it to us quickly so that we can respond as quickly as possible.’

Several crocodiles have been spotted in various places around Airlie Beach (photo) this week and have been reported to the DES

Tourists and locals have been advised to report any crocodile sightings to the DES by using the QWildlife app or by contacting the department by telephone on 1300 130 372

Conservationists have also provided ‘Croc Wise’ education services to people in the area, as part of safety programs to ensure people know what to do if they see the animal.

Some of the tips to minimize damage include keeping a distance of at least five meters from the water’s edge, disposing of all food and fish scraps in a container, and avoiding traveling on the water with kayaks or paddleboards.

Tourists on a recent river cruise in the Northern Territory were left terrified when they saw a six-metre crocodile eating a smaller crocodile just meters away from their boat.

Tourists on a river cruise in the Northern Territory were left scared after seeing a six-metre crocodile eat a smaller crocodile a meter away from their boat.

Crocodiles can grow very large and are very dangerous to humans.

Saltwater crocodiles, the largest living reptile species on Earth, can grow up to six meters in length.

They are commonly found in freshwater and saltwater along oceans, rivers and creeks.

Although the reptiles are commonly seen in coastal areas along Queensland’s east coast and far north coast, tourists and locals are warned that there are no waterways and inland areas are off-limits to the reptiles.