Swagging the Top End

[jafo74]

HI all, I am going on a 'boys only trip' next July, my first trip to the Cape. My question is really via the missus as she is concerned that my 13yr old son and myself with my 5yr old in another swag are going to be eaten by crocs as one of her 'friends' told her that you only sleep in or on top of the car. Can I please have sum advise for her from you that as long as we are a safe distance from anything watery that we will be okay/
Thanks
Jafo

[ljboons]

On all my recent trips to the Cape I only ever swag it on the ground.
Just don't camp to close to the water.
The first pic is my set up at Coen and the second is a 5ft freshie on a sandbank on the Archer river. He/she came to us for a feed of sooty grunter as we fished nearby (propery owners pet).

[ant]

Jafo,
Given the time of year and a little common sense, you shouldn't really have any issues.
If you are camping near fresh water then you generally are a little safer than the same camp near a saltwater estuary.
Try to camp on top of a high bank and obviously away from the waters edge.
Do not clean your cooking gear and fish at the waters edge near your camp.

I have spoken to a few mates in the Cape this year and they have all reported that the crocs this season (the last few months) are more 'edgy' than normal so as always, pay attention and don't be silly.

Again, as I said at the start of this post, if you are heading up there in the 'cooler' part of the year then your chances are generally reduced significantly.

If in doubt, move on and find another camp spot.

[Nedly]

G'day Jafo74, welcome to the forum.

We've been to the Cape a couple of times, and will be going there again in a little under 2 weeks, in the past we have slept at ground level in a smallish tent, and will be doing so again this year.
As long as you keep in mind that you are visiting there area you'll be fine.
Check out the Qld Gov EPA website, they have a document called "Crocodiles - Be Croc Wise", full of useful information.

You'll have more to worry about from the mossies than the crocs.

[the tractor]

i'm a commercial tour operator and always sleep in a swag at the bullbar.

the EPA site has enough guidance for you

[maverick01]

I did a trip to the cape last year around october and thats all i used for near enough 3 weeks.

Just stay clear of the waters edge