Saltwater crocodile found in creek near Darwin where locals swim 'every day'

A crocodile in a popular swimming spot near Darwin

A saltwater crocodile has been spotted cruising the currents in a creek that has become a popular swimming hole on the outskirts of Darwin.

The 2-metre crocodile was filmed by local bike tour operator Tim Walker, who lives and works just a short walk from the waterway in the rural region of Girraween.

"I just nipped down to the post office," Mr Walker said.

"I saw what I thought was a crocodile in the water and I just stood there and filmed it for a few minutes, it was brilliant, really really special to see it."

Bike tour operator Tim Walker filmed the crocodile at Girraween near Darwin. (ABC News: Felicity James)

However, Mr Walker said almost every day he has witnessed people swimming in the creek beside Hicks Road.

"Locals do use it all the time," he said.

"When the water's up like it is, it's not a good place to swim but a lot of people still do swimming there and it's not the smartest thing in the world."

Rangers set a trap where a crocodile was sighted on the outskirts of Darwin. (ABC News: Felicity James)

Mr Walker's co-worker, Rebekah Williams, has also watched people swim in the creek frequently during the wet season.

"Driving to work, I see heaps of people just sitting there — families, kids. Lots of people with quad bikes just park their quad bikes there and go for a swim," she said.

Growing up in the Top End, Ms Williams said she was cautious about crocodiles and encountered one recently while using a jetski with her partner on Darwin Harbour.

"We're all born in the Territory and are used it," she said.

"When a croc is nearby people say you can smell them, you don't even stick around to find out. We turned the jetski around so fast."

Locals often swim in this Top End creek despite the crocodile risk. (ABC News: Felicity James)

A trap has been set at the Girraween creek and the NT Environment, Parks and Water Security Department's senior wildlife ranger Tommy Nichols has pleaded with Top End residents to take more care.

"Large and dangerous crocodiles live in these areas and can move around undetected.

"Swollen creeks and high water levels in the wet season open up the landscape for crocodiles to move about more freely."

A large saltwater crocodile was also pulled out of Manton Dam overflow this week. (Supplied: NT Environment, Parks and Water Security Department)

Mr Nichols said his team removed a 3.72-metre crocodile on Tuesday from the Manton Dam overflow, which is a popular fishing spot for locals.

"A crocodile of that size could easily kill a human," he said.

"Stand back from the edge, be responsible when disposing of fish carcases and do not enter the water."

He said a trap had also been installed there and people could face a $7,750 fine or up to six months in prison for interfering with a crocodile trap.