FOUR Mile Beach has reopened after a juvenile crocodile sighting forced its closure this morning.

A small 1.5m crocodile was spotted off the rocks near Flagstaff Hill at 8.30am and could be seen swimming south. The animal then double backed and was last seen swimming north towards Dicksons Inlet, according to the lifeguard on duty at the Port Douglas beach.

Like many of Australia's southern beaches and shark sightings, it is mandatory for the beach to be closed for four hours after a crocodile sighting.

This sighting adds weight to the recent pressure put on Local and State Governments to recognise an increase in crocodile activity in the area.