In a shocking and almost cinematic turn of events, beloved Home and Away star and radio personality Kate Ritchie recently revealed a “near-death” encounter with a crocodile

while vacationing at the luxurious Sheraton Mirage in Port Douglas, Queensland. Known for her sunny demeanor and down-to-earth charm, Ritchie’s unexpected brush

with danger has captured the attention of fans across social media, combining the glamour of celebrity travel with the wild unpredictability of Australia’s Far North.

Ritchie, who spent the weekend enjoying the tropical paradise, shared a cheeky post to her Instagram, showing herself perched gracefully on the resort deck in a chic one-piece swimsuit. A bold red arrow pointed dramatically to the pool below, hinting at the surprising reason for the star’s caution. The accompanying caption teased, “Kate’s ‘near-death’ encounter with a Crocodile,” crediting TikTok user Lisa Keller for capturing the jaw-dropping moment of the predator lounging sun-soaked at the bottom of the hotel’s lagoon-style pool.

It was a scene that seemed almost surreal: a sleek, green crocodile stretching out in the calm, chlorinated waters, completely at odds with the picture-perfect luxury setting. The juxtaposition of Ritchie’s serene holiday photo with the lurking predator made for an image that had fans gasping, laughing, and sharing their own incredulous reactions online.

Social Media Explodes: Fans React to the Croc Encounter

The internet quickly lit up with reactions, ranging from amusement to incredulity. Some followers joked about the crocodile’s size, noting, “Haha near death, as if. It’s bloody tiny,” while others poked fun at the unusual vacation scenario, quipping, “The paparazzi are getting clever with their disguises!!” Another fan mused, “Can’t even trust a pool for a swim,” reflecting the surreal combination of luxury resort and wild wildlife.

Lisa Keller, the TikTok user who filmed the incident, provided real-time coverage of the unsettling scene. “I don’t want to alarm anyone, but there is a crocodile in the Sheraton pool,” she warned in a video uploaded Saturday. Subsequent clips revealed a strikingly nonchalant scene: guests continued sunbathing on lounge chairs, seemingly unbothered by the massive reptile just meters away.

Meanwhile, hotel staff quickly intervened, advising guests to avoid swimming until the crocodile could be safely relocated. According to Keller, resort personnel were carefully evaluating the safest approach to remove the intruder, emphasizing the delicate balance between guest safety and humane treatment of the predator.

A Quirky Mix of Humor and Horror

Despite the potential danger, social media users couldn’t resist blending humor with horror. One man commented, “That’s a Chlorine Croc, they are harmless,” while a woman wondered, “Why is the water spicy—the croc probably.” Others suggested that the reptile was merely “on vacay,” playfully anthropomorphizing the animal as a tropical resort guest itself. For many fans, the situation struck a chord between childhood fears and adult reality: “When I was a little girl, I used to have an irrational fear of crocodiles getting in pools, and now you’re telling me 20 years later, it’s completely rational,” a social media user reflected.

This mix of suspense and comedy perfectly encapsulates why Kate Ritchie’s near-miss has resonated so strongly. It’s not just a celebrity travel anecdote—it’s a vivid reminder of the unexpected dangers that can lurk even in the most idyllic locations, and of the unpredictability of life in Far North Queensland.

The Sheraton Mirage: Luxury Meets Wildlife

The Sheraton Mirage, a four-star resort renowned for its tropical elegance and expansive lagoon-style pools, boasts rooms ranging from $400 to $1,900 per night. Guests flock here for the pristine beaches, lavish amenities, and immersive Queensland experience. Yet, this extraordinary incident underscores the region’s unique dynamic: even in paradise, nature remains untamed.

Crocodiles in Far North Queensland are not entirely unheard of, particularly following extreme weather events. After Cyclone Jasper swept through the region in 2023, another crocodile was famously discovered in a family’s backyard pool, prompting wildlife experts to issue stern safety warnings to residents and tourists alike. Experts stress that while saltwater crocodiles may appear docile when basking, they remain powerful predators and should always be approached with extreme caution.

Kate Ritchie’s Take: Humor and Perspective

Through it all, Kate Ritchie maintained her signature humor and lighthearted perspective. By posting the pool-side image with the crocodile lurking below, she transformed what could have been a terrifying experience into an engaging story for fans, blending genuine thrill with comedic flair. Her approach resonated widely, showcasing the Australian ability to laugh in the face of danger while raising awareness about wildlife safety.

Fans responded enthusiastically, praising her poise and cheeky wit, while speculating about how the incident may have added a memorable—and perhaps slightly terrifying—dimension to her vacation. Kate’s post serves as a reminder that even celebrities are not immune to the surprises of nature, and that a luxury getaway can quickly become an adventure with life-or-death stakes.

Wildlife Safety in Queensland: A Sobering Reminder

This incident at the Sheraton Mirage offers a timely lesson in wildlife awareness. Saltwater crocodiles, while fascinating, are apex predators and should never be underestimated. Experts encourage anyone encountering such creatures to maintain a safe distance, avoid direct interaction, and alert authorities or trained wildlife handlers immediately. Resort staff at the Sheraton acted swiftly and responsibly, implementing protocols to ensure the crocodile’s safe removal and protect guests from potential harm.

While social media reactions leaned toward humor, the underlying reality remains serious: these predators are a potent reminder of the natural dangers that exist in Australia’s northern regions. For visitors unfamiliar with local wildlife, a poolside crocodile is not merely a quirky anecdote—it is a scenario requiring careful attention, vigilance, and respect for the environment.

Public Reaction: The Blend of Shock and Humor

The combination of Kate Ritchie’s celebrity status, the surreal luxury setting, and the lurking predator created a social media storm. TikTok clips, Instagram posts, and comments poured in from all corners, blending shock with humor, horror with delight. Users marveled at the audacity of the crocodile and the casual, sunbathing guests, while others recounted similar experiences in Queensland’s unpredictable landscapes.

This moment—equal parts terrifying and hilarious—captures the imagination in a way that few vacation stories can. It reminds audiences that even the most polished, picture-perfect settings are subject to the whims of nature, and that humor and quick thinking can turn potential disaster into an unforgettable tale.

Conclusion: A Vacation Story for the Ages

Kate Ritchie’s “near-death” encounter with a crocodile at the Sheraton Mirage is more than a social media sensation; it’s a vivid narrative that combines the glamour of celebrity travel with the raw unpredictability of the natural world. With her humor intact and fans captivated, Ritchie’s story serves as both entertainment and a cautionary tale, reminding travelers to respect wildlife, stay alert, and, above all, never take a Queensland lagoon for granted.

As the star continues her vacation, fans and followers eagerly await her next update, whether it be sun-soaked selfies or humorous reflections on the wild incident. In the meantime, the tale of the “Chlorine Croc” at the Sheraton Mirage will undoubtedly live on as one of the most memorable—and dramatic—celebrity holiday stories of the year.

The incident, confirmed by the hotel but not further commented on, is a stark reminder that in Far North Queensland, adventure can lurk in even the most unexpected places—sometimes, quite literally, beneath the surface of a luxury pool.