Lizards
Dragon Lizards are some of the most popular sightings in Australia, with most living in dry areas and active during the day. The Frilled Lizard is renowned for its spectacular display of its frill and tendancy to run using only two hind legs, especially when threatened. They can be seen up in Kakadu & Arnhem Land. The Thorny Devil is also a must-see for visitors, common amongst the spinifex grasslands of Uluru and the Red Centre, and feeds almost exclusively on ants. It’s rows of spikes along its body and head and remarkable patterns is an awesome sight against the rich ochre sands. The Eastern Water Dragon is common to East Gippsland and can be seen lining creeks as it looks for small vertebrates to eat, whilst the beautiful Painted Dragon is seen in the Flinders Ranges, with breeding males in October and November illuminating their bright colourations.The Wet Tropics outside of Cairns is home to one-third of Australia's frog and reptile species, with the Boyd's Forest Dragon, Eastern Water Dragon and Frilled Lizard popular sightings.
Australia is home to many species of monitor lizard (goanna), with 25 of the world’s 35 species found on the mainland. Goannas have long forked tongues, which they use to sense prey and will lay eggs in tree hollows and termite mounds. Rosenberg’s Goanna is found along the south coast of Australia and is a common sight across Kangaroo Island and the Eyre Peninsula whilst Sand Goannas are the most abundant across the mainland known for their extreme speed and tree climbing. The Lace Monitor is found on the eastern coast and are particular active in breeding season across Spring and early Summer. Up in the tropics, the Merten’s Water Goanna is amphibious can be found along the billabongs and streams around Kakadu & Arnhem Land.
Australia has more than one hundred species in the gecko family, characterised by their gravity defying, padded feet. The Bynoe’s Gecko is the most common and widespread lizard in Australia, usually seeking protection under logs and rocks during the day, before coming out to hunt in the evening. Distinctive, loud barking calls can be heard across the Flinders Ranges area from the Thick-tailed Gecko (also known as the Barking Gecko), that serves as a warning when disturbed. The Rough Knob-tailed Gecko have beautiful heart shaped tails and spines all over its body, common to the Kakadu and Arnhem Land area.
Skinks are the most abundant of the lizards, with many species giving birth to embryos rather than laying eggs. The Masked Rock Skink is endemic to the Flinders Ranges and give birth early Spring, whilst further north the Desert Skink makes its burrows with an entrance under a shrub or grass clump around Uluru & the Red Centre. The Blue-tongued Lizard is quite large and common across the entire continent, with it’s eye-catching and hissing sound used to defend itself when alarmed.
Search for tours including Lizards, using the seasonal viewing opportunities calendar further down the page.
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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... -
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...
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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... -
Private Mungo Outback Journey
From $1,680 USD
4 days/ 3 nights
Private Mungo Outback Journey
From $1,680 USD
4 days/ 3 nights
Be captivated by the expansive red sand plains and dunes, riverine ecosystems of the famous Murray and Darling Rivers and the arid land ecosystems around Lake Mungo.
Spot Kangaroos, Emus, Pink Cockatoos, several parrot species including Mulga, Red-rumped, Mallee Ringnecks and Blue-bonnets, raptor birds including the Wedge-tailed Eagle and several...
Viewing opportunities that include lizards
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Saltwater Crocodile
January,February,December, Cairns
Cairns & Far North Queensland - Summer Sightings for Reptiles and Amphibians
Crocodiles Saltwater Crocodile, Freshwater Crocodile Lizards Geckos: Chameleon Gecko, Northern Leaf-tailed Gecko | Dragon Lizards: Boyd's Forest Dragon, Frilled-neck Lizard, Eastern Water Dragon, Two-lined Dragon | Goannas: Lace Monitor, Sand Goanna, Spotted Goanna | Skinks: Rainbow Skink, Major Skink, Shade Skink, Fire-tailed Skink, Yellow-blotched Forest Skink
Turtles Freshwater Turtles: Saw-shelled Turtle Snakes Pythons: Amethystine (Scrub) Python, Spotted Python, Black-headed Python, Jungle Carpet Python, Water Python | Colubrids: Common Tree Snake, Northern Tree Snake, Brown Tree Snake, Keelback, Slaty-Grey Snake | Elapids: Red-bellied Black Snake, Coastal Taipan Frogs Tree Frogs: Orange-thighed Tree Frog, Green Eyed Tree Frog, White-lipped Tree Frog, Northern Dwarf Tree Frog, Eastern Dwarf Tree Frog, Common Green Tree Frog, Desert Tree Frog, Stony Creek Frog, Northern Barred 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 Lizards
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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 Lizards
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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 Lizards
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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 Lizards
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Gippsland Water Dragon
January,February,December, East Gippsland
East Gippsland - Summer Sightings for Reptiles and Amphibians
Lizards Geckos: Southern Marbled Gecko | Dragon Lizards: Gippsland Water Dragon, Jacky Lizard | Goannas: Lace Monitor | Skinks: Common Blue-tongued Skink, Blotched Blue-tonged Skink, Red-throated Skink, Copper-tailed Skink, Black Rock Skink, White's Skink, Southern Water Skink, Yellow-bellied Water Skink, Delicate Skink, Glossy Grass Skink, Weasel Shadeskink, Eastern Three-lined Skink,
Turtles Freshwater Turtles: Eastern Long-necked Turtle
Snakes Elapids: Eastern Brown Snake, Red-bellied Black Snake, Tiger Snake, White-lipped Snake, Lowlands Copperhead, Highlands Copperhead
Frogs Southern Frogs: Spotted Marsh Frog, Eastern Banjo Frog, Striped Marsh Frog, Common Eastern Froglet | Tree Frogs: Whistling Tree Frog, Brown Tree Frog Suggested tour: East Gippsland Wildlife Journey
Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights
Type: Shared, PrivateVenturing across East Gippsland's magnificent lush rainforests, coastal heathlands, giant eucalypt groves, white sandy beaches and pristine rivers and estuaries, this four day immersive adventure offers you encounters with an incredible array of species.
Tours in East Gippsland related to Lizards
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Shingleback Skink
January,February,December, Eyre Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula - Summer Sightings for Reptiles and Amphibians
Lizards Geckos: Thick-tailed Barking Gecko, South Coast Stone Gecko, Southern Marbled Gecko | Dragon Lizards: Painted Dragon, Peninsula Rock Dragon, Eyre Peninsula Mallee Dragon, Lined-earless Dragon, Eastern Bearded Dragon | Goannas: Rosenberg's Goanna | Skinks: Shingleback Skink, Western Blue-tongued Skink, Eastern Blue-tongued Skink, Lowlands Earless Skink, Western Three-lined Skink, Common Dwarf Skink, Bull Skink, Bight Coast Skink
Snakes Elapids: Peninsula Brown Snake, Tiger Snake
Frogs Southern Frogs: Common Eastern Froglet, Eastern Banjo Frog, Spotted Grass Frog Suggested tour: Eyre Peninsula Wildlife & Ocean Encounters
Duration: 3 Days
Type: Small group or private
Departs: On requestThis three-day adventure combines the best terrestrial and marine protected areas across the region including the opportunity to swim with wild Sea-Lions and Bottlenose Dolphins, see Emus, wild Koalas and Kangaroos and the Rosenbergs Goanna.
Tours in Eyre Peninsula related to Lizards
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March,April,May, Kakadu & Arnhem Land
Kakadu & Arnhem Land - Summer Sightings for Reptiles and Amphibians
Crocodiles Saltwater Crocodile, Freshwater Crocodile Lizards Geckos: Rough Knob-tail Gecko, Yellow-snouted Gecko | Dragon Lizards: Frill-necked Lizard, Gilbert's Dragon, Northern Water Dragon, Two-lined Dragon | Goannas: Merten's Water Goanna, Sand Goanna, Yellow-spotted Goanna | Skinks: Fire-tailed Skink, Two-spined Rainbow Skink, Northern Blue-tongued Skink
Turtles Freshwater Turtles: Flatback Turtle, Long-necked Turtle, Pig-nosed Turtle Snakes Pythons: Olive Python, Children Python, Oenpelli Python, Water Python, Black-headed Water Python, Carpet Python | Colubrids: Common Tree Snake, Northern Tree Snake, Golden Tree Snake, Brown Tree Snake, Keelback, Slaty-Grey Snake | Elapids: Mulga Snake, Coastal Taipan, Olive Whipsnake | File Snake: Arafura File Snake
Frogs Tree Frogs: Green Tree Frog, Dahl's Aquatic Frog, Copland's Rock Frog, Roth's Tree Frog, Northern Dwarf Tree Frog, Green Tree Frog, Brown Tree Frog How to find these species
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, 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 Lizards
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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 Lizards
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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 Lizards
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Rosenberg's Goanna
January,February,December, Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island - Summer Sightings for Reptiles and Amphibians
Lizards Geckos: Marbled Gecko, Thick-tailed Gecko | Dragon Lizards: Tawny Dragon, Eastern Bearded Dragon | Goannas: Rosenberg's Goanna | Skinks: White's Skink, Three-toed Skink, Four-toed Skink, Bougainville's Skink, Eastern Blue-tongued Skink, Bull Skink
Snakes Elapids: Tiger Snake, Pygmy Copperhead Snake
Frogs Southern Frogs: Common Eastern Froglet, Eastern Banjo Frog, Spotted Grass Frog, Bibron's Toadlet | Tree Frogs: Kangaroo Island Tree Frog Suggested tour: Kangaroo Island In Style
Duration: 2 Days
Type: Small group or private
Departs: DailyDiscover what makes Kangaroo Island such a celebrated region, as you experience the Island's history, ecology, landscape, contemporary lifestyle, regional produce and incredible wildlife offerings. Key species regularly encountered are Koalas, Tammar Wallabies, Kangaroo Island Kangaroos, endangered Glossy Black Cockatoos, Short-beaked Echidnas, Australian Sea-lions, Long-nosed Fur-seals and a variety of bush birds, shorebirds and seabirds.
Tours in Kangaroo Island related to Lizards
