A luxury resort in Port Douglas became the scene of a wildlife nightmare this weekend when guests discovered a 2.5-metre crocodile casually swimming in the resort's swimming pool.
The shocking incident occurred at the upscale Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel, where the saltwater crocodile had somehow managed to access the pool area, sending shockwaves through the exclusive tourist destination.
Emergency Response and Capture
Queensland's Department of Environment, Science and Innovation swiftly responded to the emergency call. Wildlife officers successfully captured the reptile, which measured approximately 2.5 metres in length.
"This serves as a stark reminder that we share the environment with these animals," a department spokesperson stated. "Crocodiles can turn up in unexpected places, especially during the warmer months when they're more active."
New Safety Warnings Issued
Following the alarming discovery, authorities have issued renewed crocodile warnings for the Far North Queensland region. Residents and tourists are being urged to:
- Stay at least five metres from water's edge in known crocodile habitats
- Never swim in waters where crocodiles may be present
- Keep pets away from water's edge
- Never clean fish or discard food scraps near water
- Camp at least 50 metres from water sources
Impact on Tourism Hotspot
The incident has raised concerns in Port Douglas, a premier tourism destination renowned for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Local businesses are emphasising that while such encounters are rare, visitors must remain crocodile-aware at all times.
This isn't the first unexpected crocodile appearance in the region. Recent months have seen increased crocodile activity, with another specimen captured just days earlier from a local creek, highlighting the ongoing challenge of human-wildlife coexistence in tropical Queensland.
