Here comes Stumpy...
Marylou is the first to appear, her light-coloured head breaking the surface as she glides towards the boat. Then comes Stumpy, a 70- year-old crocodile missing a leg but still capable of moving his 4.5- metre frame with surprising power. The largest we encounter is Casanova, a 5.1-metre heavyweight that commands attention the moment he surfaces.
Spotting them is not always easy. The Adelaide River is often murky and deceptively calm. Depending on the time of year, many crocodiles can be found sunning themselves on the muddy banks, soaking up warmth before slipping back into the water.
Then comes the moment everyone is waiting for. A sudden explosion of muscle and speed sends a crocodile launching vertically from the water beside the boat. One second there is nothing but ripples. The next, several metres of prehistoric predator is airborne. It is over in an instant but impossible to forget. Current estimates suggest that about 1200 saltwater crocodiles inhabit the Adelaide River, and after an hour on the water that number feels entirely believable.
White-bellied sea eagles and whistling kites circle overhead while freshwater crocodiles and other wildlife occupy the quieter reaches of the river. Together, they serve as a reminder that this is not a staged attraction but a thriving Top End ecosystem where apex predators still reign.
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