Do Australia’s Saltwater Crocodiles Lay Eggs?

The saltwater crocodile is one of the two species of crocodile found in Australia!

Found across Darwin and other tropical parts of Australia, the saltwater crocodile is the world’s largest reptile. Also called salties, they inhabit coastal waters, lakes, swamps, and marshes. To answer your question, yes, Australia’s saltwater crocodiles lay eggs! Females can lay anywhere between 40 to 60 eggs.

Breeding season

The female crocodiles mature at 12 years, while males at 16 years. The breeding season occurs around the wet season from November to May. During this time, females begin constructing nests from vegetation and can be very territorial around them.

Once laid, saltwater crocodile eggs incubate in the nest for up to 75 days. The temperature during incubation determines the sex of the crocodile hatchlings. At 31 degrees Celsius, the sex distribution is even, but at 33 to 34 degrees Celsius, females make up 50 to 100 per cent. At 28 to 30 degrees Celsius, all hatchlings are female, and at 32 degrees Celsius, they are male.

Where to learn more about saltwater crocodiles in Darwin

To learn more about the largest reptiles on the planet, be sure to check out these two places in Darwin.

Crocosaurus Cove

Located in the heart of Darwin city, Crocosaurus Cove is Australia’s largest Australian reptile display in the world. Visitors can encounter some of the largest saltwater crocs and other Australian reptiles. Read up about each crocodile and learn their name and personality! Some of these crocs can reach as big as 5.5 metres!

Here you can also have a chance to go in the Cage of Death, the only crocodile dive in the country. You’ll be placed in a glass cage which is lowered into the water with a large saltie.

Crocodylus Park

Located in Knuckey Lagoon, a 15 minute drive from the city, Crocodylus Park is a wildlife park specialising in both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. Crocodylus Park is a great place to see the different maturities of crocs from little hatchlings to large adults. You’ll learn about how big they get, their life spans, their weight, lifestyle, and much more.

Not only are there crocs here, but you’ll see other animals like monkeys, lions, and meerkats.

Crocodiles are fascinating creatures, but it’s important to be croc wise while in Darwin and the Northern Territory. Be cautious near waterways where crocodiles are present, especially if you cannot see the bottom. During the wet season, crocodiles are more active in waterways, so swimming is not advisable. However, in the dry season, swimming in waterholes can be safer.