Jobaaj Stories
Wallaby vs Crocodile Showdown Shocks Viewers in New ABC Series ‘The Kimberley’
Only in Australia. In a scene that could rival any David Attenborough documentary, a wallaby-crocodile showdown has taken centre stage in the new ABC series The Kimberley. Captured in remote East Kimberley, this rare and brutal moment in nature is now the opening sequence of the three-part series.
Producer-director Nick Robinson and director of photography Jack Riley spent seven days filming at a tidal riverbank after a local fisherman told them about crocodile attacks on wallabies. At first, they thought it might just be a tall tale — until they witnessed the incredible.
Wallaby Escapes Croc, Faces Eagle in Shocking Scene
During filming, parched wallabies approached the crocodile-filled riverbanks for water. Then came the moment no one expected.
“We filmed a wallaby falling into the water, swimming to escape, only to get chased by an eagle and fall in again,” Robinson said.
The team caught it all — including what appeared to be the eagle pushing the wallaby back into the water“That’s not something any scientist I’ve spoken to has ever seen,” Robinson added. “It just happened right in front of us. We got lucky.”
Robinson had a drone in the air and a high-speed camera rolling at the same time. The footage was so raw and powerful that it raised a major debate in the editing room: Should they show what really happened?
“We decided not to sanitise it,” Robinson said. “Crocs have to eat too. It’s nature.”
Mark Coles Smith Returns to Country as Presenter
The series is presented by Mark Coles Smith, a proud Nyikina man who grew up along the Martuwarra (Fitzroy River). Filming took place over 18 months, covering six seasonal changes across the region.
In the first episode, Coles Smith embarks on a remote biodiversity mission down the Martuwarra. At one point, he’s tossed into raging white water during a river rafting segment.
“That was hectic,” Robinson said. “Mark had never paddled a pack raft. He got dumped about ten times.”
Despite the danger, Coles Smith insisted on doing it himself to keep the experience authentic.
Wildlife, Culture, and Conservation in Focus
Each episode dives deeper into both the landscape and the culture of the Kimberley.
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Episode Two follows Dambimangari Rangers on a coastal mission. Viewers witness humpback whales, endangered northern quolls, and the massive low tides that reveal coral reefs.
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Episode Three explores Wunambal Gaambera and Gooniyandi Country, highlighting the biodiversity of the Mitchell Plateau and the wisdom of local Elders like Mervin Street.
Robinson worked closely with Coles Smith throughout the script process to ensure the show remains true to local stories and traditions.
“He’s respected in the community, and it shows,” Robinson said. “People admire him for what he’s doing – sharing their world with Australia and beyond.”
