A sunbaking crocodile has forced the closure of a popular beach in Far North Queensland.
Four Mile Beach at Port Douglas has long been favoured by US presidents and celebrities, but on Thursday an unexpected guest also decided to drop by.
Surf Life Saving Queensland head lifeguard for the region Jay March said the 1.5 metre crocodile was spotted near a stinger enclosure early in the morning.
"Our lifeguard was setting up his beach and nearly stood on the little critter actually — he was sitting there just next to the net," Mr March said.
"A lot of young crocs like that get a bit tired when the weather is a bit rough, they're out cruising and sometimes need a bit of a break and the net seems to give them a bit of shelter."
Out and about
Mr March said the crocodile moved on, but the beach was closed for several hours.
He said Queensland Parks and Wildlife rangers had been alerted and signs warning of the sighting would be placed in the area.
Mr March said it was not unusual to see the occasional croc in the area.
"We usually start seeing them around the end of September, they pop up when they're looking around for a new partner or a new place to live for the summer," he said.
"Once it warms up they get a bit more active — it's not unusual.
"They usually keep to themselves, but every now and again they'll cruise past and have a look around."
The last fatal crocodile attack in the Port Douglas area was in 2017.
Anne Cameron, 79, disappeared from aged care facility Ozcare near Port Douglas after she went for a walk.
Her remains were later found in a 4.3 metre crocodile.
