A GREY nomad is lucky to be alive after being attacked by a crocodile in the Northern Territory.

The attack has prompted an urgent warning from police for travellers to use caution when attempting to swim in any body of water in the Territory, and to pay particular attention to any signs indicating the possible presence of crocodiles.

Police said the croc lunged at the 57-year-old man and bit his arm as he swam in a waterhole near Red Lily Billabong in Kakadu National Park.

"It appears that the man ignored the park’s crocodile warning signs," a spokesperson said.

It is believed the traveller was staying at the Bucket Billabong Camping Grounds, off the Arnhem Highway, when he went for a mid-morning dip in the billabong to cool off.

Horrified holidaymakers dashed to help the injured man and took him back to his campsite where they gave first aid.

The victim later travelled to the Jabiru Health Clinic for further treatment.

Kakadu park rangers visited the scene of the attack and later interviewed the injured man as Parks Australia launched an investigation into the incident.

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