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 tendency to run using only two hind legs, especially when threatened. They can be seen up in Kakadu & Arnhem Land. The Eastern Water Dragon is common to eastern Australia, ranging from East Gippsland in the south to Cairns in the north, and can be seen lining creeks as it looks for small vertebrates to eat. 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 and known for their extreme speed and tree climbing. The Lace Monitor is found on the eastern coast and is particularly active in the breeding season across Spring and early Summer. Viewing opportunities are best along the Riverland in South Australia, and into the ancient lakes of Mungo National Park in New South Wales. Up in the tropics, the Merten’s Water Goanna is amphibious and 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 from the Barking Gecko can be heard across the semi-arid areas of the Eyre Peninsula, Riverland and Mungo regions, serving 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. Fire-tailed Skink, with its bright-red tail a beautiful sight against the ochre-coloured rocks, is found in Kakadu & Arnhemland. Christmas Island is home to the endemic Blue-tailed Skink, which is now extinct in the wild due to predation from introduced species in the late 20th century. Hopes of reintroducing them into their native habitat rest on the pending success of a captive breeding program. While many people think of skinks as being small and slender, some species are not. Blue-tongued Lizard is quite large and common across the entire continent, with its 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.
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: 4 Day Nature, Wildlife & Conservation Safari
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Type: Groups, private charter, sharedFar North Queensland is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise with this small group tour concentrating on the endemic wildlife found within Australia's most biodiverse region across both the Daintree and Atherton Tablelands.
Tours in Cairns related to Lizards
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White-lipped Tree Frog
March,April,May, Cairns
Cairns & Far North Queensland - Autumn 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
“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: 4 Day Nature, Wildlife & Conservation Safari
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Type: Groups, private charter, sharedFar North Queensland is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise with this small group tour concentrating on the endemic wildlife found within Australia's most biodiverse region across both the Daintree and Atherton Tablelands.
Tours in Cairns related to Lizards
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Australian (Common) Tree Snake
June,July,August, Cairns
Cairns & Far North Queensland - Winter 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
“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: 4 Day Nature, Wildlife & Conservation Safari
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Type: Groups, private charter, sharedFar North Queensland is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise with this small group tour concentrating on the endemic wildlife found within Australia's most biodiverse region across both the Daintree and Atherton Tablelands.
Tours in Cairns related to Lizards
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Boyd's Forest Dragon
September,October,November, Cairns
Cairns & Far North Queensland - Spring 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
“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: 4 Day Nature, Wildlife & Conservation Safari
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Type: Groups, private charter, sharedFar North Queensland is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise with this small group tour concentrating on the endemic wildlife found within Australia's most biodiverse region across both the Daintree and Atherton Tablelands.
Tours in Cairns related to Lizards
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Christmas Island Blue-tailed Skink
March,April,May, Christmas Island
Christmas Island - Autumn Sightings for Reptiles and Amphibians
Lizards Geckos: Listers Gecko, Christmas Island Forest Gecko | Skinks: Coastal Skink
Turtles Sea Turtles: Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Leatherback Turtle
Snakes Typhlopidae: Christmas Island Blind Snake
How to find these species
Suggested tour: Christmas Island Ultimate Wildlife
Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
Type: Groups, Private Charter
Departs: On requestMeet the island's most famous residents, the Red Crabs, one of 90 species inhabiting the island. Discover Jurassic style rainforests, jagged cliffs, coral beaches, and pristine tropical reefs. Experience the island's spectacular rookeries of around 80,000 seabirds, with opportunities to spot the mesmerising Golden Bosun, Abbott's Booby, Red-footed Booby and Christmas Island Frigatebird.
Tours in Christmas Island related to Lizards
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Lister's Gecko
June,July,August, Christmas Island
Christmas Island - Winter Sightings for Reptiles and Amphibians
Lizards Geckos: Listers Gecko, Christmas Island Forest Gecko | Skinks: Coastal Skink
Turtles Sea Turtles: Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Leatherback Turtle
Snakes Typhlopidae: Christmas Island Blind Snake
How to find these species
Suggested tour: Christmas Island Ultimate Wildlife
Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
Type: Groups, Private Charter
Departs: On requestMeet the island's most famous residents, the Red Crabs, one of 90 species inhabiting the island. Discover Jurassic style rainforests, jagged cliffs, coral beaches, and pristine tropical reefs. Experience the island's spectacular rookeries of around 80,000 seabirds, with opportunities to spot the mesmerising Golden Bosun, Abbott's Booby, Red-footed Booby and Christmas Island Frigatebird.
Tours in Christmas Island related to Lizards
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Christmas Island Forest Gecko - Credit Yvonne McKenzie
September,October,November, Christmas Island
Christmas Island - Spring Sightings for Reptiles and Amphibians
Lizards Geckos: Listers Gecko, Christmas Island Forest Gecko | Skinks: Coastal Skink
Turtles Sea Turtles: Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Leatherback Turtle
Snakes Typhlopidae: Christmas Island Blind Snake
How to find these species
Suggested tour: Christmas Island Ultimate Wildlife
Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
Type: Groups, Private Charter
Departs: On requestMeet the island's most famous residents, the Red Crabs, one of 90 species inhabiting the island. Discover Jurassic style rainforests, jagged cliffs, coral beaches, and pristine tropical reefs. Experience the island's spectacular rookeries of around 80,000 seabirds, with opportunities to spot the mesmerising Golden Bosun, Abbott's Booby, Red-footed Booby and Christmas Island Frigatebird.
Tours in Christmas Island 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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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
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Lace Monitor
March,April,May, Riverland, South Australia
Riverland - Autumn Sightings for Reptiles & Amphibians
Lizards Geckos: Barking Gecko, Southern Marbled Gecko, Common Prickly Gecko, Beaded Gecko, Ranges Stone Gecko | Dragon Lizards: Painted Dragon, Inland Bearded Dragon, Lined-earless Dragon, Mallee Military Dragon, Southern Mallee Ctenotus | Goannas: Sand Goanna, Lace Monitor | Skinks: Shingleback Skink, Common Blue-tongued Skink, Eastern Water Skink, Tree Skink, Common Dwarf Skink, Southeastern Morethia Skink, Desert Skink
Turtles Freshwater Turtles: Eastern Short-necked Turtle, Eastern Long-necked Turtle Snakes Elapids: Eastern Brown Snake, Curl Snake, Tiger Snake, Mulga Snake, Ringed Brown Snake | Pythons: Carpet Python
Frogs Southern Frogs: Spotted Marsh Frog, Southern Bell Frog, Eastern Banjo Frog, Common Froglet, Long-thumbed Frog | Tree Frogs: Peron's Laughing Tree Frog, Brown Tree Frog Suggested Tour: Murray River Safari
Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights
Type: SharedExperience the diverse wildlife offerings where Australia's river oasis meets the outback. This multi-activity wildlife safari along Australia's greatest river includes guided walks, canoeing, an outback drive and open back cruising, combined with luxurious houseboat accommodation and superb dining including local wines.
Tours in Riverland, South Australia related to Lizards
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Murray River Short-necked Turtle
September,October,November, Riverland, South Australia
Riverland - Spring Sightings for Reptiles & Amphibians
Lizards Geckos: Barking Gecko, Southern Marbled Gecko, Common Prickly Gecko, Beaded Gecko, Ranges Stone Gecko | Dragon Lizards: Painted Dragon, Inland Bearded Dragon, Lined-earless Dragon, Mallee Military Dragon, Southern Mallee Ctenotus | Goannas: Sand Goanna, Lace Monitor | Skinks: Shingleback Skink, Common Blue-tongued Skink, Eastern Water Skink, Tree Skink, Common Dwarf Skink, Southeastern Morethia Skink, Desert Skink
Turtles Freshwater Turtles: Eastern Short-necked Turtle, Eastern Long-necked Turtle Snakes Elapids: Eastern Brown Snake, Curl Snake, Tiger Snake, Mulga Snake, Ringed Brown Snake | Pythons: Carpet Python
Frogs Southern Frogs: Spotted Marsh Frog, Southern Bell Frog, Eastern Banjo Frog, Common Froglet, Long-thumbed Frog | Tree Frogs: Peron's Laughing Tree Frog, Brown Tree Frog Suggested Tour: Murray River Safari
Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights
Type: SharedExperience the diverse wildlife offerings where Australia's river oasis meets the outback. This multi-activity wildlife safari along Australia's greatest river includes guided walks, canoeing, an outback drive and open back cruising, combined with luxurious houseboat accommodation and superb dining including local wines.
Tours in Riverland, South Australia related to Lizards
