Aussie tourists warned after swimmers spotted in 'crazy' act at popular spot
For years, people have been flocking to the Mangrove Boardwalk near Darwin to enjoy the lush scenery and hopefully catch sight of a native animal or two. However, persistent rainfall has left the area flooded, with water now "the same level as the railing", a recent visitor told Yahoo News.
This has enticed some to pull out their snorkel gear and even blow up inflatables to swim in the area, despite it being a well-known habitat for crocodiles and the world's most venomous jellyfish.
Online, locals called the swimmers out for being "crazy" and said Darwin "is pretty much crocodile city".
"Please just keep in mind that you are putting yourself in a lot of danger by being anywhere near potentially croc infested water, let alone swimming on a flooded bridge," one said.
Yahoo News reached out to visitors who had recently taken the plunge, however both declined to comment.
Northern Territory's Department of Tourism and Hospitality (DTH) told Yahoo News all visitors are urged to be croc-wise, with only designated swimming areas safe for swimmers in the state.
"Any body of water in the Top End may contain large and potentially dangerous crocodiles. How you behave around crocodile habitats is your responsibility," a DTH spokesperson told Yahoo, confirming that approximately 300 crocodiles are removed from the area every year for public safety.
"People are reminded to only swim in designated swimming areas," the spokesperson said. The City of Darwin council echoed a similar sentiment, urging people to stay out of the water.
😲 Warning as massive Aussie predator spotted near popular children's playground
🧐 Tracks on Aussie beach lead to 4WD couple's 'spooky' discovery
🙂↔️ Alarming scene at popular Aussie tourist spot sparks warning
Box jellyfish, which can kill swimmers within minutes if badly stung, are known to reside in the area too. There have been 14 confirmed box jellyfish deaths since 1975, according to the state government, and are prevalent between October and June. Snakes were also recently spotted in the water near the Mangroves Boardwalk.
While the boardwalk is currently closed due to maintenance, it isn't fenced off by authorities. Visitors are warned to simply steer clear.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Photo reveals dangerous camping mistake on popular Aussie holiday island
Photographs taken on the sandy beaches of one of Australia's most popular holiday spots reveal a dangerous camping problem that's putting tourists at risk. Taken during 2024 and 2025, by Queensland rangers, they show several tents ransacked by dingoes searching for food. In one image, boxes of Jatz crackers, Arnott's Shapes and Assorted Creams, and an open tub of margarine can be seen strewn across the ground. Another taken inside a tent shows food spread across the floor and instant noodles and other snacks in easy reach of dingoes. The problem isn't being caused by the animals themselves, which are native to K'gari and natural scavengers. They're being accidentally lured into tents because campers are failing to properly secure their food. The Department of Environment and Tourism's Dr Linda Behrendorff explained dingoes are 'opportunistic by nature' and will tear open tents, break eskies open and knock over bins in search of an easy meal. 'Wildlife scavenging around camping areas is a common occurrence, and the problem with leaving food or rubbish where dingoes or other wildlife can get it makes them less fearful of humans,' she said. 'Dingoes don't differentiate between food and rubbish, and they can start approaching people for food which puts dingoes and people at risk.' 🏡 Neighbourhood's fight to save 100-year-old 'landmark' 🥺 Rare colour footage of extinct Australian animal seen again after 90 years ❄️ Australia's sky could change forever after winter ends Once dingoes lose their fear of humans, they can become a danger. And sadly if they attack and are considered a danger, this can result in the animals being euthanised. Behrendorff has dispelled the myth that food was inaccessible in fenced camping areas, and said it needed to be kept in strong boxes inside a vehicle cabin or on the back of a ute. 'A tent or annexe is not a secure place, and dingoes have also taken people's belongings such as clothing, toiletries or shoes that carry the smell of food,' she added. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
North Koreans swim at huge new beach resort touted as boost for country's tourism
North Korea has opened a vast new beach resort, the Wonsan-Kalma eastern coastal tourist zone, to its citizens, state media reported on Wednesday, even as the country largely maintains its strict ban on foreign tourism. The mammoth complex, which Pyongyang claims can accommodate nearly 20,000 people, is central to leader Kim Jong Un's strategy to bolster the nation's struggling economy through tourism. The resort, touted as North Korea's largest tourist complex, features facilities for open water swimming, water park slides, and various other aquatic activities. However, the prospects for the Wonsan-Kalma zone remain uncertain. Observers suggest that with the country unlikely to fully reopen its borders or embrace Western tourists in the near future, its full potential as an international draw may not be realised. Despite these broader challenges, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the Wonsan-Kalma area commenced service on Tuesday, drawing a significant number of North Koreans who were seen enjoying the new attractions. 'The guests' hearts were filled with overwhelming emotion as they felt the astonishing new heights of our-style tourism culture blossoming under the era of the Workers' Party," KCNA said in a typical propaganda-driven dispatch. Photos released by North Korean state media showed children with tubes and inflatable balls dipping into the sea, while others in colorful swimsuits beamed while sitting beneath red-and-white parasols. Kim said at the opening ceremony last week the site would be recorded as 'one of the greatest successes this year" and called its opening 'the proud first step' toward realizing the government's policy of developing tourism. State media said North Korea has plans to build similar tourist zones around the country. North Korea, however, hasn't said whether and when it would fully resume international tourism that is key to their success. Since 2022, North Korea has been slowly easing the curbs imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and reopening its borders in phases. But Chinese group tours, which made up more than 90% of visitors before the pandemic, remain stalled while there are questions about ties between the two socialist neighbors. In February this year, North Korea allowed a small group of international tourists to visit its northeastern border city of Rason, only to stop that tour program in less than a month. Since February 2024, North Korea has been accepting Russian tourists amid expanding military cooperation between the countries. But Russian government records seen by South Korean experts show a little more than 2,000 Russians, only about 880 of them tourists, visited North Korea last year, a number that is too small to revive North Korea's tourism. Russia's Primorsky region, which borders North Korea, said last week that the first group of Russian tourists to the Wonsan-Kalma resort will depart on July 7 for a eight-day trip that includes a visit to Pyongyang.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Heatwaves reshape hotel industry dynamics
Scorching heatwaves, increasingly common across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, are reshaping the hospitality sector in ways that few hotel operators can ignore. As global temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, hotels are finding themselves on the frontline of climate challenges. The impact of heatwaves on the hotel business stretches far beyond the immediate spike in air conditioning usage or a surge in bottled water sales. From changing guest expectations to mounting operational costs, the long-term implications of heat extremes are demanding fresh thinking across the industry. One of the most visible effects of a heatwave on hotels is the shift in what guests want from their stay. Travellers facing record-breaking temperatures now prioritise properties offering robust cooling solutions, shaded outdoor spaces, and heat-conscious amenities. In cities like Athens, Rome and Madrid, where summer temperatures can soar above 40°C, hotels with rooftop pools, efficient climate control, and access to cool communal areas are seeing increased demand. Guests are also altering their booking patterns. Coastal resorts and mountain retreats are reporting spikes in summer occupancy as visitors seek relief from the heat. Conversely, urban hotels in heat-prone areas often face a downturn in leisure bookings during peak heatwaves, as tourists opt to avoid cities where high temperatures can make sightseeing uncomfortable and even dangerous. Business travellers, too, are increasingly vocal about the need for temperature-resilient environments, with meeting planners favouring venues that can demonstrate reliable cooling systems and indoor comfort. Heatwaves bring with them a steep rise in energy consumption as hotels strive to keep guests cool and comfortable. For many operators, particularly those managing older buildings, the cost of running air conditioning systems at full capacity for prolonged periods can significantly erode profit margins. In southern Europe, where heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent, hoteliers report double-digit increases in their summer utility bills compared to previous decades. Beyond energy costs, heat extremes can place strain on equipment. Air conditioning units, refrigeration systems and even IT infrastructure can fail or require more frequent maintenance under the stress of prolonged high temperatures. Hotels also face logistical challenges, such as managing water supplies for swimming pools and spas, ensuring staff welfare during heat peaks, and adapting food storage and preparation practices to avoid spoilage and ensure safety. Labour considerations further complicate the picture. Staff working in kitchens, housekeeping, or maintenance can suffer in extreme heat, leading to greater focus on occupational health measures. Providing adequate hydration stations, adjusting shift patterns, and investing in cooling uniforms or air-conditioned break areas are all steps some hotels are taking to protect their teams during heatwave conditions. The growing impact of heatwaves on hotel operations is accelerating investment in sustainable design and climate-resilient infrastructure. Many new developments, particularly in regions regularly affected by heat extremes, are incorporating passive cooling techniques, better insulation, and advanced energy management systems. Retrofitting existing properties with high-performance glazing, green roofs, and more efficient HVAC systems is becoming a key priority for hotel groups that wish to future-proof their assets. Hotels are also rethinking their marketing and guest engagement strategies. Positioning a property as a 'cool haven' during the height of summer is emerging as a selling point, with some operators creating heatwave-friendly packages that include complimentary chilled refreshments, spa treatments focused on cooling, and late check-out options to help guests avoid the hottest parts of the day. From a destination management perspective, collaborations between hotels, local authorities, and tourism boards are growing in importance. In cities prone to heat spikes, coordinated efforts to provide shaded walking routes, public misting stations, and better heatwave communication are enhancing the overall guest experience and encouraging visitors to return despite the challenging climate. With climate forecasts pointing to longer, hotter summers in many parts of the world, the hospitality sector's response to heatwaves will remain a pressing topic. The impact of heatwaves on the hotel business highlights not only the immediate operational and financial challenges but also the broader need for the industry to play a role in climate adaptation. Hotels that invest in resilience—whether through technology, design or service innovation—stand to gain a competitive edge as travellers become ever more aware of climate-related comfort and safety. For hotel operators, the heatwave challenge is not one that can be addressed in isolation. It requires a holistic approach, balancing guest satisfaction, employee well-being, environmental responsibility, and financial sustainability. As heat extremes continue to shape the global tourism landscape, those who adapt swiftly and thoughtfully will be best placed to thrive in a future defined by rising temperatures. "Heatwaves reshape hotel industry dynamics" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
