After taking the chopper in for a closer look, he saw the big lump was a dead whale that had become beached and a single saltwater crocodile approaching the carcass ready for an enormous meal.

"He [Mr French] flew right close to have a look and the smell was just atrocious," Adrian Crook, Director of Kas Helicopters and Mr French's employer, said.

Mr Crook returned with Mr French in the chopper the next day to have another look, this time with a tour group on board, and the scene made for incredible viewing.

"We had paying passengers from a cruise ship and they had a look at something truly amazing," Mr Crook said.

"When we got there we counted nine crocodiles, quite big at around three metres probably, and they were just tiny compared to this whale, which was maybe a medium sized humpback, not a juvenile but a bit older."

As they circled their Squirrel AS-350 around the carcass, later on at least fourteen crocodiles arrived to feast on the dead whale, with some even spotted emerging from the carcass' belly.

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Photos taken by Mr French show 3.5 metre crocodiles looking like small lizards next to the massive whale. 

"The smell was incredible, even in the chopper, so the crocodiles will be coming from miles around," Mr Crook said.

"We fly over the reef quite a lot as it's a spectacular spot and we don't see too many crocs as a rule. But when things like dolphins or like this whale wash up and the smell gets up - it's quite hot up there at the moment - then they just come out from all over.

"Makes you wonder how many there really are hidden away!"

The Montgomery Reef is known for its long tides which create spectacular lagoons, and Mr Crook said when the water comes back in the carcass could float back out to sea - and sharks could get in on the action too.

"It's beautiful country and we love to fly over it and see what nature's doing. It's very rare to see something like this."

-WAtoday