This is the terrifying, extraordinary moment a crocodile lunged at tourists at Cape Tribulation.

At about 6pm yesterday they were happily filming a mud skipper in a small creek when the croc - believed to be about 1.5 metres in length - suddenly launched itself at them.

The video includes the women's screams as the croc strikes, with filming cut short when the attack happens.

One of the tourists was bitten in the leg and taken to Mossman Hospital for treatment.

The surprise attack will add more fuel to the debate about the crocodile population in the Tropical North and comes just days after the state election where crocodile management was a major issue, particularly in the Cook electorate where the latest attack took place.