Twobob,
been to the "Purple pub" myself & stocked up on some rather urgent "medicinal" supplies when fishing up that way, know exactly how you feel - especially when you see it up close!
For all you folks who think we're pulling your leg, Google "Purple pub Normanton Queensland" - Krys is just across the road!
I'm just over 6' tall, his jaws at the widest are big enough to swallow me whole & yes there are 'lizards' up there in the billabongs South of Normanton that go well past 18' mark regularly.
Run a spotlight over the water at night & watch for the red eyes, bet you lose count pretty quickly.
The graziers are losing cattle pretty regularly up there - & the Greenie reckon there a "threatened species"?
Could certainly get some trophy crocs up there........only if!
And no you don't sleep on the ground up there near water!
Cheers