Venture North Safaris tour guide David McMahon has survived a close encounter with a giant saltwater crocodile, but his warning to us is to stay away from these “big boys”.

Mr McMahon was in Arnhem Land collecting cockles and he had his phone out filming the “big boy” when the crocodile got a bit too close for comfort.

“While I’m down low, this crocodile has taken a keen interest, that sort of stalking behaviour where he’s saying, am I a potential prey item slowly moving in closer while I’m crouched down like this, I’m a potential prey item in a second here.” he said.

“I stand up and I go from being potential prey to a potential threat and his behaviour instantly changes.”

He warned us to be “careful in croc country, stay back from the water and don’t mess around”.

Check out Mr McMahon’s video of this giant saltwater crocodile: