Almost 50 years ago, a 5.2 metre saltwater crocodile named Sweetheart ruled Sweet’s Billabong on the Finniss River. 

Renowned for his immense size, three times the length of a person, and a cranky disposition, the mighty saltie became a living legend of the Northern Territory.

But his aggressive territorial behaviour quickly became a serious concern for humans. He had scars and chipped teeth unlike any other crocodile, caused by propeller strikes from boats he attacked, cementing his reputation as a dangerous adversary. 

In July 1979, the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife decided that Sweetheart needed to be relocated to a crocodile farm at Berrimah for public safety. 

Ranger Dave Lindner and his colleague Buck Sallau led a four-man team to capture the 780kg crocodile. 

Sweetheart weighed as much as a small car or equivalent to about 10 adults.

But he was not just heavy – he had an impressive turn of speed in the water – about four times faster than an Olympic swimmer, capable of bursts of 32km/h. If Chinese 100 metre champion Pan Zhanle raced Sweetheart, the croc would finish in under 12 seconds, while the Olympian’s world record stands at 46.40 seconds. In other words, if you were in the water with Sweetheart, you didn’t stand a chance.

Based on his length and weight, Sweetheart was probably 45–50 years old. Crocodiles are intelligent animals that have had no need to evolve since the days of the dinosaurs. A crocodile of his size could easily tip a small boat, which explains the danger posed to fishermen at Sweet’s Billabong, 55 kilometres south-west of Darwin. 

Dave Lindner’s team camped at the Finniss River for eight days, catching only fleeting Loch Ness-type glimpses of the croc. Their breakthrough came when a dead roadkill dingo was placed in a trap. Sweetheart took the bait. 

Tragically, the safety rope around the sedated saltie’s snout became entangled – and the most famous crocodile in Territory history drowned. 

In hindsight, many believe Sweetheart should have been left in Sweet’s Billabong, yet the capture provided scientific insight into his behaviour and diet. Upon examination, his stomach contained egrets, long-necked turtles and pigs, reflecting his extraordinary predatory versatility and also the fact he was an opportunistic hunter. 

Interestingly, Sweetheart did not have any rocks in his stomach – crocodiles sometimes swallow rocks, known as gastroliths, to help grind up food in their stomach, especially bones, shells and tough plant matter that they swallow with prey. It works like an internal mortar and pestle. 

There is also evidence that suggests that rocks help their buoyancy and submersion, but at 780kg Sweetheart didn’t have any issues with either. 

Sweetheart was preserved by taxidermist Ian Archibald and has become a celebrated exhibit at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Darwin. He stands as a symbol of the untamed Northern Territory and a reminder of the delicate balance between humans and wildlife. 

Sweetheart is well worth a visit, not only for his incredible size but also for the cautionary tale he represents that even in seemingly serene billabongs, nature’s prehistoric apex predators demand respect. 

For those who have been here long enough will remember Sweethearts as a 1980s piano bar at Darwin’s casino, with Dreamedia’s Chris O’Brian belting out the tunes. Forever the showman, Chris always saved his lively rendition of Billy Joel’s Piano Man for after 11pm when the punters had a few drinks under their belts. 

Sweetheart’s name lives on as a $20 million-plus redeveloped venue just up the road from Crocosaurus Cove in Mitchell Street as part of The Cinema Collective. It’s the first venture to come out of the collaboration between DCOH construction identity Shane Dignan, Lachlan Michell and Chloe Moo, alongside hospitality leaders Justin Coleman and Steve Dugan. 

The revitalised multi-venue destination pays homage to its Territory roots, blending nostalgia with modern flair and a huge crocodile skin on the wall. It features live music, a great wine list, duelling pianos and a Territory inspired menu. 

You can order crocodile served with a spicy mayo … people say they are delicious but I’ll have to take their word on that because as a rule I don’t like to eat things that could potentially kill me. 

And Billy Joel’s Piano Man is also still one of the most requested songs on the playlist. TQ 

CROC TINNY TALES

The Sweetheart article has drawn out some Territory legends. I interviewed 85 year young Denver Marchant, former head of CIB and all-round old-school tough cop. He was on the 3.6m tinny with Dave Lindner when Sweetheart attacked it in the middle of the night.

Denver said if the tinny had rolled, he’d be seated in the same spot because his arse was so puckered it was fixed firmly to the seat. I get the feeling not much fazed Denver but Sweetheart definitely rattled him. This is the same guy that would cause bikies to lose all colour to their face if he walked into the room so I believe him. 

I asked Denver about the sceptics who believe they may not have got the right croc. I also asked if it was the right croc, why Sweetheart wasn’t more scared from biting boat propellers. He said back in 1979, tinnies were not as big nor as high powered as they are today and most were only trolling or idle when he attacked. 

I also asked about the name and if it was linked to Sweet’s Billabong. Denver said he called him Sweetheart because that’s what they called all criminals when they went to arrest them “Hello Sweetheart”. 

Another bloke I spoke to was Phil Mitchell, a former Ranger who now works for Land Management with the Jawoyn Association. I asked him if Sweetheart was a one-off and he said he’s seen many over 6 metres and caught a crocodile called Bradshaw who was only 5.4m ‘because the end of his tail was missing’. At the time, Phil was in a 5.4m tinny and he said it was definitely the same size. He said Bradshaw came out of the water like something out of Rouge and had a head and teeth like a TRex. Phil said there are still big crocs out there and it’s best to just assume they are waiting to meet you. 

Denver and Phil are characters and I know how to tell a yarn but you could not make this stuff up.TQ

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