Two men stranded in the outback of Australia spent four days on top of their car after finding themselves surrounded by rising waters filled with circling crocodiles.

The men were on a fishing trip in the remote Kimberley region in north-west Australia when their four-by-four became stuck in a tidal bog.

Police said a close encounter with a crocodile prompted the men – along with their dog - to stay on the roof of the vehicle and keep a constant watch for encroaching predators.

"They stayed on top of the vehicle and went through about six tides, which covered the vehicle on a number of occasions," Sergeant Mark Balfour, from Broome police, told ABC News.

"Obviously in the Kimberley here you've got to watch the crocs and snakes, and I believe one of the gentlemen said a croc did come close to their vehicle while they were out there, so obviously they were a bit panicky about that."