In Queensland, an Australian repelled an attack by a large saltwater crocodile using only a small belt knife.

The animal suddenly attacked the 60-year-old, who had been fishing in a remote section of the McIvor River, and grabbed his feet, the broadcaster 9News reported on Wednesday.

The man clung to a mangrove branch, but the reptile still managed to pull him towards the water.

Despite the dangerous situation, the Australian managed to pull a small knife out of his belt and stab the crocodile's head.

The animal finally let go of him.

The media celebrated the man as a "real Crocodile Dundee".

He even managed to drive to a nearby hospital, from where he was flown to a clinic in Cairns.

Initially, nothing was known about the degree of his injuries.

The local environment ministry confirmed that the wounds matched the man's information.

Crocodiles cavort in the waters of tropical Queensland in the northeast of Down Under.