After a record-breaking wet season, work is underway to rebuild parts of one of the Northern Territory's most spectacular swimming destinations. Wangi Falls, a popular spot for visitors, is being repaired before it can reopen to the public.
While those repairs are carried out, rangers are mounting an operation to ensure public safety once the swimming spot reopens. The focus is on making sure the pools are clear of the Top End's most dangerous predator before visitors return.
Under the night sky, the search for crocodiles hidden among the falls is already underway. Rangers have been spotlighting the pools, which are flanked by pandanus, looking for any signs of life.
The plan is thorough. Rangers, along with the help of the crocodile management team and flora and fauna staff, will carry out five nights of consecutive surveys, checking for eye shines and any traces of crocodiles in the water.
Concerns surround the pool's safety following this year's record rainfall. While creeks and rivers have gone down a fair bit, that does not mean crocodiles are no longer in the area, as a recent find made clear.
Just last night, rangers removed a 1.7-metre freshwater crocodile from the area. The falls also sustained substantial damage during the wet season, including to the lookout, which remains closed while repair work continues.