The natural habitat for Western Australia's crocodiles and most of its reptiles is the northern half of the State.
Knowledgeable tour and outback guides know where to find the many fascinating creatures in each region, and how best to safely view them.
Contrary to common belief, not all crocodiles are man eaters. Freshwater crocodiles ('freshies') are common in the Kimberley, where they bask in and around rivers, lakes and pools in gorges. While they may look ferocious, they are relatively harmless. Spot them in Lake Argyle, along the Ord River and in Geikie Gorge and Tunnel Creek.
Nearer to the coast, and sometimes inland too, are saltwater crocodiles ('salties'). These big guys with their gaping jaws should be treated with great respect - but it's a heart-pumping experience to see them in their natural environment. Go with a knowledgeable guide and follow their advances.
When you enter the North West Region, you are entering crocodile country, so it is important to be crocodile wise.
A completely safe way to experience these creatures is at Broome's crocodile farm. Here you can get up close while protected by secure fences. There are several thousand crocodiles here, making for an amazing trip.
Observe warning signs
Seek expert advice about crocodiles before swimming, camping, fishing or boating - there is potential danger anywhere in the saltwater crocodile range. If in doubt, do not swim, canoe or use small boats in estuaries, tidal rivers, deep pools or mangrove shores. Saltwater crocodiles may also inhabit freshwater pools and billabongs a great distance upstream.
Large saltwater crocodiles have no fear of humans - they are often inquisitive and will swim towards boats. Leave the area immediately if you see one.
Be aware - keep your eyes open for crocodiles. Children and pets are at particular risk in the water or at the water's edge.
Do not paddle, clean fish, prepare food or camp at the water's edge. Fill a bucket with water and do your chores at least 50 metres away.
Returning daily or regularly to the same spot at the water's edge is dangerous.
Stand a few metres back from the water's edge when fishing.
Do not lean over the edge of a boat or stand on logs overhanging water, and do not hang articles over the edge of boats - this includes arms or legs!
Dispose of food scraps, fish offal and other waste properly and away from your campsite.
Do not feed crocodiles!
Saltwater crocodiles mostly remain near the water's edge and may be attracted to a struggling fish, or a person splashing in the water. Fish and fishing lures are replaceable, human life is not.
Crocodile warnings - Courtesy of the Department of Conservation and Land Management.
Thorny Devils, Giant Goannas and Hundreds More
Several of Western Australia's national parks are home to hundreds of reptile species. You'll need to be patient to spot them, but they're always worth the wait. Again, it's best to go searching with an experienced local guide.
Nature safaris into the Francois Peron National Park will introduce you to other interesting native reptiles, including goannas and the quirky thorny devils, which look more like a bizarrely patterned rock than an animal.
Lucky visitors can catch a glimpse of the stunning bungarra - a giant goanna. Look for them along the Coral Bay Walk Way, along with several other kinds of lizards.
Western Australia has its share of snakes too, although it is rare to see them in the wild, as they're usually pretty shy of humans.
The most common around Perth area are the tiger snakes and dugites. Further north are the venomous mulga (king brown), gwardar (western brown), northern and desert death adder and the taipan.
Getting Up Close
To see some of these awesome creatures close up, head for the reptile centres at Armadale, just south of Perth, or Denmark Dinosaur World on the south coast.
AQWA (the Aquarium of Western Australia) usually has baby crocodiles, and Perth Zoo's impressive Reptile Encounter features more than 25 species, including Australia's largest lizard - the perentie.