Tourist shocked by rule in Australia - after she thought it was a scam

Millie Mclay visited the NT in AprilShe couldn't leave her tour vehicleShe was warned about crocodilesREAD MORE: How a radical new aircraft could transform Australian travelSee more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy ASHLEY NICKEL, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 10:30 BST, 6 July 2026 | Updated: 10:40 BST, 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. 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.'