Is that a Croc in Noosa? Strange sightings, old stories and a tooth from the past

By Queensland Museum

A recent “what did I just see?” moment on the Noosa River has reignited the age-old mystery of crocodiles in southern Queensland. Dominating the news this week is a story of a seasoned fisherman, James Graham, who captured a mysterious silhouette on his fish sounder this week that looked suspiciously like a saltwater crocodile – over 300 kilometres south of their typical habitat.

While Queensland Parks and Wildlife rangers found no evidence during their initial investigation, follow-up searches are planned. And although rare, sightings this far south aren’t entirely unheard of. Just this year, crocodiles have been reported as far down as the Mary River and Inskip Point.

So… could a croc be cruising through Noosa?

While crocodiles are known to travel long distances via river systems and coastal waters (sometimes up to 60 kilometres in a single day), they are usually pushed out of northern territories by dominant males, most eventually head back north… but history suggests some might linger.

When an animal is seen outside its normal range looking for new territory, it’s known as a ‘vagrant’.

But Queensland has documentation of recorded southern crocodile sightings for more than a century.

One such croc made headlines in 1905, when a large specimen was caught in the Logan River, just south of Brisbane. The story went that someone had gifted a pet crocodile for Christmas (as you do), only for it to escape into the river. However, the croc that was caught was far too large – more likely a wild vagrant, just like the ones that can be spotted today.

From Noosa Rivers to Museum galleries

While there is no concrete evidence about the mysterious Noosa croc, there is an opportunity for you to get up close with a piece of croc history when Queensland Museum’s new exhibition, Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends, opens on 24 October 2025. On display will be the real tooth from the Logan River croc of 1905 – a reminder that crocodiles have always found ways to surprise Queenslanders.

The exhibition will dive into the deep past of these prehistoric predators, on a journey stretching back over 130 million years. This interactive all-ages exhibition explores the science, culture and enduring connections between people and these remarkable creatures.

Crocodiles survived the dinosaurs, evolved and made their mark on culture, fascinating humans from early First Nations’ stories to Hollywood blockbusters of today. Where does the legend and the myth meet reality? 

And as waters warm and habitats evolve, some experts predict that future crocs may extend their range further south – not just as wandering vagrants, but as permanent residents. That means sightings like the one in Noosa could become more common.

So what do you think – was James Graham’s sonar blip a case of mistaken identity… or a modern-day croc tale in the making?

Whether you’re a sceptic or a believer, you can decide for yourself when Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends opens at Queensland Museum this October.

Plan Your Visit

Queensland Museum’s Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends opens 24 October 2025. Explore ancient fossils, modern marvels, and the legends of Queensland’s most iconic predator.

Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends is developed by Queensland Museum in partnership with the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.