About Mick Denigan
Meet Mick
Professional Whip Cracker
Mick Denigan, the founder of Mick’s Whips, is a renowned craftsman and performer deeply passionate about whip-making and whip cracking. His journey began in 1988 during the Bicentennial project, Droving Australia, where he was inspired to preserve and revive the tradition of whip-making.
Recognizing the potential for whips in sports, tourism, and as cultural symbols, Mick dedicated himself to mastering and innovating this ancient craft.
Drawing inspiration from traditional whip-making techniques, Mick blends artistry with high-quality kangaroo hide to craft exceptional stock whips and bull whips. His commitment to excellence has earned him international acclaim, including custom commissions for notable figures and performances at prestigious events such as the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Mick Denigan’s passion for his craft shines through in every whip he meticulously creates.
Hehas crafted specialized whips for Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, featured in Baz Luhrmann’s film Australia.
He’s also created personalized whips for notable figures including George W. Bush, HRH Prince Phillip, Bill Gates, Rudolph (Rudi) Giuliani, and Tim Fischer. Additionally, Mick has crafted items for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Notably, he designed a crocodile guitar strap for Bob Dylan.
Northern Territory
Licensed Croc Harvester
A licensed croc harvester since 2001, Mick moved to the Top End three decades ago and saw his first crocs on the Daly River as an 12 year old.
He’s designed and produced crocodile souvenirs – back scratchers, hat bands from the back strap, award winning “Knuckle Jacks”, croc foot letter openers and crocodile handle stockwhips since 1989, and now has three patents to his name.
Catching crocs is done in a highly regulated manner – Mick respects the animals and the environment they live in and issues permits with each product.
Northern Territory
Perpetuing the Tradition
Crocodile Hunting is an important part of Mick’s life and he wanted to share it with his family.
Together, Mick and his son ventured into the Northern Territory, navigating landscapes and waterways to hunt crocodiles. on October 2023 Michael A Denigan captured a 2.9m crocodile. These expeditions combine skill and precision, offering practical lessons in wildlife management and respect for nature. Mick’s son learns the methods of crocodile hunting, gaining firsthand experience.
Through these activities, Mick emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural practices and understanding the balance of nature. His efforts aim to pass down valuable knowledge and strengthen family bonds through this shared tradition.
Mick Denigan’s award winning ‘Mick’s Whips Homestead’ is set on 20 acres down the track from Darwin. The entry features the Official “world’s largest stock whip” – a steel sculpture 25 metres long weighing over 500kg (officially recorded in the Australian book of records). The gallery exhibits a huge collection all kinds of whips, whip art and a crocodile exhibition.
Catch the Show
Mindil Beach Markets
Mick’s cracker of a show features original songs about his outback life. Catch him at the Mindil Beach Markets in Darwin on Sundays and Thursdays between April and November.
His new single “World record mate”, is performed simultaneously with the amazing two-handed Kevlar fire whips which Mick invented in the mid 1990’s (the world’s first Kevlar fire whips are on display in the Museum), and is available to view on YouTube. Other film clips from his spectacular show are available on his latest DVD.
Thirty years of Whip Cracking
Performance Highlights
Performance highlights include whip cracking during the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics, and Olympic Torch Bearer in the Sydney 2000 Olympics (the torch is on display in the museum).
You’ve also seen Mick at Tamworth Country Music Festival, Moomba Festival, Federal Constitutional Convention, Corowa Conference, Perth, Darwin and Caboolture city musters, The Camel Cup and Parrtjima Festival in Alice Springs, shows in North America and China, aboard The Legends of the Sea and Ovations of the Sea cruise liners.
This boy from the bush who has lived in the Northern Territory since 1976 has attracted the interest of national and international media with his unique skills. He recently ‘cracked it’ overseas with performances in Hong Kong, China and North America.