A 4 metre crocodile has forced the closure of Port Douglas' Four Mile Beach with hundreds of beach goers eager to catch a glimpse.

Surf Life Savers closed the beach just after 3pm today as the crocodile headed south around 20 metres from the shore.



All eyes were turned toward the croc and dozens of people followed its path, albeit from the safety of the shore. A handful of others walked in ankle deep water to try and get a better view.

The Surf Life Saver on duty said despite trying to draw the crowd back from the shore, people were curious and did not always heed the warnings.



He estimated the crocodile to be between 3.5 metres and 4 metres long. He said that while it was rare to see crocodiles entering cooler ocean waters at this time of year, there had been a higher number of reports this year, particularly around Clifton Beach area.