Height
8 meters
Year Built
1988
Address
Arnhem Highway, Humpty Doo, NT 0836
The Lowdown
The Big Boxing Crocodile in Humpty Doo is one of Australia's most uniquely Australian Big Things - a saltwater crocodile standing upright and ready to rumble with boxing gloves raised. This wonderfully absurd sculpture perfectly captures the Northern Territory's irreverent humor and the region's famous association with crocodiles. Standing at the entrance to Humpty Doo, a small town located between Darwin and Kakadu National Park, the Boxing Croc has become an iconic roadside attraction that makes everyone smile. The sculpture pays homage to the NT's saltwater crocodile population, which has thrived since hunting was banned in 1971, while also celebrating the uniquely Australian art of not taking oneself too seriously.
Did you know?
"Humpty Doo got its unusual name from a failed rice-growing project in the 1950s that was called 'Doomed' - locals jovially mispronounced it"
History
The Big Boxing Crocodile was erected in 1988, during a period when crocodile tourism was booming in the Northern Territory. Following the ban on crocodile hunting in 1971, the saltwater crocodile population exploded, and Territorians developed a unique relationship with these prehistoric predators. The Boxing Croc statue, with its playful take on the dangerous reputation of saltwater crocs, embodies the laid-back Territory attitude of living alongside one of the world's deadliest animals. Humpty Doo itself became famous as a departure point for Kakadu National Park, and the Boxing Croc has greeted millions of visitors heading to see the Territory's natural wonders.
More Fun Facts
- •Humpty Doo got its unusual name from a failed rice-growing project in the 1950s that was called 'Doomed' - locals jovially mispronounced it
- •The Northern Territory has an estimated 100,000+ saltwater crocodiles
- •Saltwater crocodiles can grow over 6 meters long and are the largest living reptiles on Earth
- •The Boxing Croc wears red boxing gloves, adding to its distinctly Australian sporting character
- •Humpty Doo is located on the traditional lands of the Limilngan-Wulna people
Visiting Tips
- 💡The Boxing Croc is a must-stop photo opportunity on the way to Kakadu National Park
- 💡Don't actually box with real crocodiles - they're protected and extremely dangerous
- 💡Visit the nearby Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve to see real crocodiles in the wild (from a safe distance)
- 💡Humpty Doo has basic amenities including fuel, food, and cold drinks for the drive ahead
- 💡Take the Adelaide River Queen jumping crocodile cruise (30 mins away) for real croc encounters
Opening Hours
The Big Boxing Crocodile is located in a public area and can be viewed at any time.
More Big Things Nearby
Big Stubby
An oversized replica of the legendary NT Draught 2.27-litre stubby bottle, accompanied by a pink panther with its own beer.
The Anmatjere Man
A 17-meter tall Aboriginal stockman statue at Aileron, NT, one of Australia's most striking roadside sculptures.
The Big Abalone
A giant abalone shell at coastal fishing communities celebrating this prized seafood.