Reptiles & Amphibians
There are 869 reptile species in Australia, with 93 per cent unique to the continent.
Turtles, lizards, snakes and crocodiles all belong to the reptile family, characterised by being ectothermic (meaning that their body temperature varies with the outside temperature). There are five families of lizards in Australia, namely skinks, dragons, monitors (known locally as goannas), geckos and flap-footed or legless lizards. There are more lizards found across Australia than any other country.
Australia is also known for it’s diverse array of snakes and while there are a number of venomous species, they are generally very shy creatures and avoid encounters with humans. The highlight for many visitors is to spot the largest living reptile and apex predator, the saltwater crocodile found in the northern parts of the country.
Perhaps some of the most intriguing stories of adaptation belong to the frog family. Despite Australia having some of the harshest environmental conditions and the species continual need to stay moist, a number of frogs have evolved through behaviours such as burrowing underground. Australia's frogs vary in size from the world's largest tree frog (the white-lipped tree frog) through to the the slender-bodied javelin tree frog.
Search for tours including Reptiles & Amphibians, using the seasonal viewing opportunities calendar further down the page or by using the map button directly below:
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Daintree Afternoon & Nocturnal
From $260 USD
Full Day
Daintree Afternoon & Nocturnal
From $260 USD
Full Day
A visit to the ‘oldest continually growing rainforest in the world’ at night is the feature of this full day tour, encompassing the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation area.
Leaving early afternoon, guests will experience the region's incredible array of landscapes including waterfalls, mountain ranges, idyllic... -
Three Day Kakadu & Arnhem Land
From $2,065 USD
3 Days/2 Nights
Three Day Kakadu & Arnhem Land
From $2,065 USD
3 Days/2 Nights
This epic tailored adventure across the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land winds across stunning floodplains and escarpments in search of the formidable Saltwater Crocodile, many of the region’s 280 bird species, adorable marsupials and mammals and incredible flora.
The pristine beauty of Fogg Dam, Mary River... -
Outer Reef or Islands Scuba Dive & Snorkel
From $185 USD
Full Day from Exmouth
Outer Reef or Islands Scuba Dive & Snorkel
From $185 USD
Full Day from Exmouth
Discover the wonders of the Muiron Islands and Ningaloo Marine Park, regarded as one of the most beautiful underwater wilderness areas in Australia.
Upon cruising out across the pristine waters, you will spend the day exploring different snorkel and dive sights accessible by boat only, with Dolphins, Rays and Turtles... -
Daintree Exclusive
From $1,075 USD
Full Day
Daintree Exclusive
From $1,075 USD
Full Day
This full day tour focuses on the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park, the largest section of tropical rainforest in Australia and oldest continually surviving rainforest in the world. Guests will be mesmerised by the combination of waterfalls, mountain ranges, idyllic streams, deep gorges and dense rainforest, that makes this...
Viewing opportunities that include reptiles & amphibians
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White-lipped Tree Frog
March,April,May, Cairns
Cairns & Far North Queensland - Common reptile & amphibian sightings in autumn
Crocodiles Saltwater Crocodile, Freshwater Crocodile Lizards Boyd's Forest Dragon, Lace Monitor, Chameleon Gecko, Frilled-neck Lizard, Northern Leaf-tailed Gecko, Tommy Roundhead Turtles Saw-shelled Turtle Snakes Scrub Python, Common Tree Snake, Amethystine Python, Spotted Python Frogs Orange-thighed Tree Frog, Green Eyed Tree Frog, White-lipped Tree Frog How to find these species
“Autumn in North Queensland provides a unique spectacle – the emergence of baby Saltwater Crocodiles. Adult females bring their offspring down to the water, showcasing this annual event. As the season transitions, snakes become more visible, basking on logs and rocks to absorb the last traces of summer heat before entering semi-hibernation. The dropping river and creek levels offer closer encounters with frogs like the Green-eyed Tree Frog, the massive Northern Barred Frog with its distinctive call, and the White-lipped Tree Frog, the largest tree frog in Australia."
James Boettcher, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Daintree Afternoon & Nocturnal
Duration: Full day
Type: Groups, private charter, shared
Departs: DailyA visit to the 'oldest continually growing rainforest in the world' at night is the feature of this full day tour, encompassing the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation area.
Full ItineraryTours in Cairns related to Reptiles & Amphibians
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Saltwater Crocodile
January,February,December, Cairns
Cairns & Far North Queensland - Common reptile & amphibian sightings in summer
Crocodiles Saltwater Crocodile, Freshwater Crocodile Lizards Boyd's Forest Dragon, Lace Monitor, Chameleon Gecko, Frilled-neck Lizard, Northern Leaf-tailed Gecko, Tommy Roundhead Turtles Saw-shelled Turtle Snakes Scrub Python, Common Tree Snake, Amethystine Python, Spotted Python Frogs Orange-thighed Tree Frog, Green Eyed Tree Frog, White-lipped Tree Frog How to find these species
“Exploring the wet tropics for reptiles is particularly rewarding during summer. With the warmth fueling the activity of cold-blooded creatures, it becomes easier to spot them. The Amethystine Python, Australia's largest python, is frequently encountered. The elusive Boyd's Forest Dragon, known for its ability to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, presents a thrilling challenge for observers. Summer offers a fascinating glimpse into the behavior of Saltwater Crocodiles as they conclude their breeding season along the Daintree River. A private river boat charter provides an excellent opportunity to witness their territorial disputes. Abundant water and warmth in summer create a bustling amphibian world, with highlights including the Green-eyed Tree Frog and Australia's largest tree frog, the White-lipped Tree Frog."
James Boettcher, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Daintree Afternoon & Nocturnal
Duration: Full day
Type: Groups, private charter, shared
Departs: DailyA visit to the 'oldest continually growing rainforest in the world' at night is the feature of this full day tour, encompassing the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation area.
Full ItineraryTours in Cairns related to Reptiles & Amphibians
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Boyd's Forest Dragon
September,October,November, Cairns
Cairns & Far North Queensland - Common reptile & amphibian sightings in spring
Crocodiles Saltwater Crocodile, Freshwater Crocodile Lizards Boyd's Forest Dragon, Lace Monitor, Chameleon Gecko, Frilled-neck Lizard, Northern Leaf-tailed Gecko, Tommy Roundhead Turtles Saw-shelled Turtle Snakes Scrub Python, Common Tree Snake, Amethystine Python, Spotted Python Frogs Orange-thighed Tree Frog, Green Eyed Tree Frog, White-lipped Tree Frog How to find these species
“Spring in Far North Queensland brings an array of exciting reptilian activities. The alpha male Saltwater Crocodile, known as 'Scarface,' asserts dominance on the Daintree River, engaging in territorial displays as breeding season approaches. The region's biodiversity shines during spring, with the possibility of encountering ten to 15 different reptile species over a few days. Notable sightings include the Red-bellied Black Snake, the harmless Amethystine and Spotted Pythons, the Boyd's Forest Dragon, and the increasingly active Lace Monitor as temperatures rise. "
James Boettcher, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Daintree Afternoon & Nocturnal
Duration: Full day
Type: Groups, private charter, shared
Departs: DailyA visit to the 'oldest continually growing rainforest in the world' at night is the feature of this full day tour, encompassing the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation area.
Full ItineraryTours in Cairns related to Reptiles & Amphibians
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Australian (Common) Tree Snake
June,July,August, Cairns
Cairns & Far North Queensland - Common reptile & amphibian sightings in winter
Crocodiles Saltwater Crocodile, Freshwater Crocodile Lizards Boyd's Forest Dragon, Lace Monitor, Chameleon Gecko, Frilled-neck Lizard, Northern Leaf-tailed Gecko, Tommy Roundhead Turtles Saw-shelled Turtle Snakes Scrub Python, Common Tree Snake, Amethystine Python, Spotted Python Frogs Orange-thighed Tree Frog, Green Eyed Tree Frog, White-lipped Tree Frog How to find these species
“The dry season, or winter, in Far North Queensland is the coolest period, prompting reptiles to seek warmth on logs and rocks. Frogs like the Green-eyed Tree Frog and White-lipped Tree Frog, along with snakes like the Common Tree Snake, become more active. In the higher reaches of the rainforest canopy, keen observers may spot Leaf-tailed Geckos with binoculars. Surprisingly, winter presents optimal conditions for observing Saltwater Crocodiles, as the drop in Daintree River's water temperature prompts these creatures to bask in the sun, providing excellent photographic opportunities on solar-powered boats."
James Boettcher, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Daintree Afternoon & Nocturnal
Duration: Full day
Type: Groups, private charter, shared
Departs: DailyA visit to the 'oldest continually growing rainforest in the world' at night is the feature of this full day tour, encompassing the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation area.
Full ItineraryTours in Cairns related to Reptiles & Amphibians
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September,October,November, Kakadu & Arnhem Land
The largest of all living reptiles is the Saltwater Crocodiles. They are most active at this time due to males and females engaging in courtship. Females will lays eggs between November and March in a nest mound made up of mud and vegetation, typically laying from 30 to 70 eggs. The dry season is the best time to see these prehistoric creatures as their numbers concentrate in shrinking pockets of water.
Freshwater Crocodiles feed on many small animals including fish, frogs, lizards, snakes, rats, bats and birds. ’Freshies’ prefer to stay clear of their Saltwater cousins at this time and inhabit areas above the escarpment in Kakadu.
There are numerous lizards active including the alluring Fire-tailed Skink, with its bright-red tail a beautiful site against the ochre coloured rocks. Sand and Yellow-spotted Goannas, can be seen stalking through the woodlands, with some laying their eggs into the cathedral termite mounds to protect their eggs from the high temperatures. The Copland’s Rock Frog inhabits the rock escarpments and is particularly active along the edges of creeks, with breeding commencing in October.
Tours in Kakadu & Arnhem Land related to Reptiles & Amphibians
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June,July,August, Kakadu & Arnhem Land
As waters begin to recede, Saltwater Crocodiles can be spotted in greater volumes, with small mammals and birds falling victim to ambush attacks along the waters edge, along with region’s most famous fish, the Barramundi. Freshwater Crocodiles are typically found further up the escarpments with females laying a clutch of 4-20 eggs in the sand in August. Unlike Saltwater Crocodiles the females do not guard the nest, however, they will return and excavate the nest when the eggs have hatched around November.
Green Tree Snakes, Children Pythons, Banded Tree Snakes and Olive Pythons are active along the billabongs and floodplains until the end of June, when they become more lackadaisical due to increased heat and dry conditions. One of the most intriguing smaller lizards seen at this time is the Rough Knob-tailed Gecko, with their beautiful rich purple coloured eyes and spiny rosettas across their body a remarkable sight. The Desert Tree Frog, Rocket Frog, Tornier’s Frog, Roth’s Tree Frog, Northern Dwarf Tree Frog and Little Green Tree Frog are some of the more common of the 26 frog species found across the region.
Tours in Kakadu & Arnhem Land related to Reptiles & Amphibians
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March,April,May, Kakadu & Arnhem Land
The renowned Frilled-neck Lizard is more active during the wet season, but can still be seen at this time with it’s spectacular frill that encircles its neck when alarmed. Males are larger than females and can reach up to a metre in length. Mertens’ Water Goannas have their young at this time and are a common sight along the billabongs and streams, where they forage for extended periods underwater, feeding on fishes, frogs and crustaceans. Sand and Yellow-spotted Goannas are found further inland across the Savanna woodlands, searching for reptile and bird eggs, invertebrates, lizards and birds.
The beautiful Dahl’s Aquatic Frog is commonly seen on the floodplains at the end of the wet season where they float during the day and bask on lily pads. They are typically green with a beautiful emerald stripe down the middle of the back and are common prey for the Merten’s Water Goanna. The Northern Dwarf Tree Frog, Little Green Tree Frog and Brown Tree Frog are also common sightings across the region.
Green Tree Snakes, Children Pythons, Banded Tree Snakes and Olive Pythons are more active along the billabongs and floodplains during this time, commonly sighted from the airboats, as are the regions most famous resident, the Saltwater Crocodile.
Tours in Kakadu & Arnhem Land related to Reptiles & Amphibians
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Green Turtle (Credit: Australia's Coral Coast)
January,February,December, Ningaloo & Exmouth
The Ningaloo Marine Park is one of the world’s most precious nesting areas, home to 6,000 sea turtles, with three species (Green, Hawksbill and Loggerhead) known to lay eggs between December and February. From January through March (approximately six weeks after laying), the hatchlings emerge across the sandy beaches in their first battle to survive numerous predators.
Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Reptiles & Amphibians
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Green Turtle (Credit: Australia's Coral Coast)
March,April,May, Ningaloo & Exmouth
The Ningaloo Marine Park is one of the world’s most precious nesting areas, home to 6,000 sea turtles, with three species (Green, Hawksbill and Loggerhead) nesting. From January through March (approximately six weeks after laying), the hatchlings emerge across the sandy beaches in their first battle to survive numerous predators.
Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Reptiles & Amphibians
