British tourist shocked is by crocodile travel rule in Australia - after she assumed that it was a scam

By ASHLEY NICKEL, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 10:30, 6 July 2026 | Updated: 10:40, 6 July 2026 A British tourist has shared the strange rule that led her to think she was being 'scammed' by a tour operator in the Northern Territory. Millie Mclay, from London, recently shared a video recapping her experience touring the Top End during wet season, from November to April. The Brit was part of a $300 day tour exploring Kakadu National Park but was shocked to hear passengers weren't allowed to leave the guide's vehicle. 'The first thing we saw was the Fogg Dam Reserve but, because it's wet season, we weren't allowed to get out of the vehicle,' Ms Mclay said. 'I thought, 'Is this a scam?'. It's advertised that you can walk around. 'Somebody asked why we're not allowed and it's because there are (thousands) of saltwater crocodiles that kill people in this area.' Ms Mclay added the saltwater crocodiles posed a deadlier threat than freshwater crocodiles as 'they've evolved to ambush'.  'They could literally be in the puddles and you wouldn't be able to see them,' she said. Is this a scam?! 🇦🇺🐊 📍 Kakadu national park, Northern Territory #australia #darwin #kakadu #backpacking #travelgirl British tourist Millie Mclay was surprised when she wasn't allowed to leave her tour vehicle during an excursion to Kakadu National Park due to the presense of saltwater crocodiles '...They don't make any ripples in the water as they move so you would not even know one was stalking or about to attack you.  'The only moment you would know is when it goes for you, and then it's too late. 'So, I think it's kind of fair enough they don't let you out of the van.' Kakadu National Park is home to about 10 per cent of the NT's 100,000-strong saltwater crocodile population.  Tourists wanting to see saltwater crocodiles in the wild are advised by the NT Government to consider going on a tour or visit the state's wildlife parks. However, it warned dangerous crocodiles aren't limited to coastal areas. 'Don't be fooled by the name – saltwater crocodiles may be found over 200km from the coast, inhabiting fresh or salt water,' the NT Government said. 'This is particularly so during heavy rain periods when rivers rise creating easy passage for crocodiles.  Ms Mclay (above) said she initially thought the rule was a 'scam' but quickly realised how dangerous the crocodiles were 'Crocodiles can travel up to a kilometre on land, remain concealed for long periods inland, stay submerged without moving during a hunt, and run incredibly fast.  'Just because you can't see them, doesn't mean they're not there.' Tourists in areas inhabited by crocodiles were urged to follow local advice.  'Don't attempt to feed any wild crocodiles and never swim in any waterway or camp, fish, or walk in any area where crocodile hazard signs are posted,' the NT Government said. 'Be safe and respect crocodiles and their environment.' The comments below have not been moderated. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.