THE YEAR THAT WAS: "Biggest Ever" Croc cruises Four Mile Beach

From devastating landslides in the wake of Cyclone Jasper to the closure of Mossman's sugar mill, 2024 has been a year that will remain forever etched in the hearts of Douglas Shire residents.

In a series of 12 articles from each month of the year, Newsport Daily looks back on some of the biggest stories that have impacted Douglas locals the most.

SEPTEMBER

A crocodile up to 5m in length and “the biggest ever witnessed” on Four Mile Beach has closed the beach as lifeguards work to make people Crocwise and stay out of the water.

Spotted shortly before 11am, the croc cruised slowly along Four Mile about 50m to 100m from the shoreline. It was last spotted around 11.40am south of the patrolled beach area.

The beach was closed for at least four hours from the time of the first sighting, with updates to come as lifeguards work to track the crocodile and ensure safety for swimmers to go back in the water.

Regular beachgoers, lifeguards and locals suggest the crocodile is the largest seen in the Port Douglas region.

“Crocs are opportunistic predators, preferring to hunt in rivers and around rocks rather than in open water and will more than likely just be travelling from one place to another when in open water, however this does not make them any less dangerous,’’ said Dee Westland from the Australian Lifeguard Service.

“If a croc sighting is confirmed the lifeguards/lifesavers will close the beach for a period of four hours from the last sighting and signs will be posted in the area for seven days after to inform the public of the recent sighting.’’

Signs were already out at Four Mile Beach, with a croc sighting reported in the early hours of Friday, September 27.

 If you see a croc report it. Call 1300 130 372, scan the QR code on the lifeguard tower, download the Q Wildlife app which also allows you to view any recent sightings in your area, or talk to the Lifeguard on duty.