Cahills Crossing: Family fishing in notorious crocodile-infested river in Kakadu National Park

A popular tour operator has appealed to families fishing and picnicking near a notorious river crossing where a deadly crocodile attack “looms large”.

Cyaround Australia Tours shared stunning footage on Tuesday of a group fishing just metres away from at least 10 crocodiles at Cahills Crossing in Kakadu National Park, 285km east of Darwin.

“I’ve been a regular at Cahills Crossing for about six years,” the operator began.

‘Over the years I’ve seen some absolutely insane things happen here, with people risking their lives in the presence of multiple large saltwater crocodiles.

‘From people walking with their children and dogs on the road at low tide, to people slipping while trying to reel in a fish, while a large crocodile is chasing the fish.’

The frustrated tour operator watched in horror as a family with young children fished in the murky water, unaware of the deadly dangers lurking there.

“This family was literally having a picnic in the street, the children were sitting by the water’s edge all the time and they had absolutely no crocodile sense,” they fumed.

‘At that time there were about ten large crocodiles visible within 50 metres of them and probably another 25 crocodiles that we couldn’t see at that time.

Cyaround Australia Tours called the group to fish at Cahills Crossing in Kakadu National Park, 285km east of Darwin, on Tuesday

The frustrated tour operator said they watched in horror as a family fished just metres from at least 10 crocodiles

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it’s only a matter of time before another fatality occurs. Hundreds of people will see this.”

Cahills Crossing is only a few metres wide, but is considered one of the most dangerous waters in Australia. It is home to around 120 crocodiles, some of which are up to five metres long.

The tirade ended with an appeal to tourists not to spoil the beauty of the Northern Territory for others.

“I love training here and have built my life around it. I don’t want to see places like this close,” the operator wrote.

‘Parents! Please! Be careful of crocodiles when travelling to the Top End!’

“Teach your children about the dangers of crocodiles and we can continue to enjoy the natural wonder of Cahills Crossing for many years to come.”

Many viewers agreed, calling for parents to be fined and criticizing tourists who had not properly informed themselves about the dangers of crocodiles.

“Honestly, people have completely lost their perspective on wildlife. This is completely insane and unacceptable on all levels,” one person wrote.

Another added: ‘I know very little about this place compared to people like you but this is one of the dumbest things I have ever come across on the internet.’

“My god I can’t believe some parents… This is really scary,” wrote another.

Viewers called for parents to be fined and criticised tourists for not properly educating themselves about the dangers of crocodiles.

Others were shocked to see the group so comfortable in the crocodile-infested water, just weeks after a father was attacked in front of his wife.

David Hogbin, 40, died after being attacked by a crocodile in the Annan River, south of Cooktown in far north Queensland, on August 3. He was on holiday in the region with his wife and their three children.

The crocodile was shot dead by park rangers the following Monday at 2pm.

Queensland Police later released a statement saying human remains had been found inside the predator.

Cahills Crossing has seen its share of tragedies in the past. In 2017, a man was killed while trying to cross the dangerous zone on foot.

In 1987, 40-year-old Kerry McLoughlin was decapitated by a crocodile while fishing in the area.

And in 2021, a group of tourists were forced to swim through crocodile-infested waters after their Subaru Forester became stuck in the river.