Snakes of Australia facts for kids

Australia is an amazing country, home to many unique animals, including a huge variety of snakes! These slithery creatures live in all sorts of places across the land, from dry deserts to lush forests and even near cities. Australia's biggest native snake is the amethystine python, also known as the scrub python. Let's explore some of the fascinating snakes you might find in different parts of Australia.

Snakes in Victoria

Victoria, a state in southeastern Australia, has a mix of habitats, meaning you can find different types of snakes depending on where you are.

Common Victorian Snakes

• Common copperhead (Austrelaps) - These snakes are often found near water.
• Tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) - Known for their strong venom, they are often found in wetlands.
• Eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) - One of Australia's most well-known snakes, found in many habitats.
• Red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) - You might see these near creeks and dams.
• White-lipped snake (Drysdalia coronoides) - A smaller snake, often found in cooler, wetter areas.
• Bandy-bandy (Vermicella annulata) - This snake has striking black and white bands.

Snakes in Tasmania

Tasmania, an island state south of Victoria, has a cooler climate. It's home to fewer snake species compared to the mainland, but still has some important ones.

Tasmanian Snake Species

• Lowland copperhead (Austrelaps superbus) - A common snake in Tasmania's varied landscapes.
• White-lipped snake (Drysdalia coronoides) - Adapts well to Tasmania's cooler conditions.
• Tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) - Also found here, often in marshy areas.

Snakes in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is famous for its vast, wild landscapes, from tropical north to arid south. This means a huge range of snakes call it home.

Snakes of the North

• Black-headed python (Aspidites melanocephalus) - A large, non-venomous python.
• Olive python (Liasis olivaceus) - Another big python, often found near water.
• Children's python (Liasis childreni) - A smaller python, good for beginners in snake keeping (if allowed and done safely!).
• Common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) - A very venomous snake that looks a bit like a viper.
• King brown snake (Pseudechis australis) - A large, venomous snake found across northern Australia.
• Coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) - One of the world's most venomous snakes.
• Brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) - A slender snake that often climbs trees.

Tree python

• Common tree snake (Dendrelaphis punctulata) - A harmless, fast-moving green or brown snake.
• Keelback (Tropidonophis mairii) - A non-venomous snake often found near water.

Snakes of the South

• Inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) - Known as the most venomous snake in the world, found in dry, central areas.
• Woma python (Aspidites ramsayi) - A beautiful python that lives in sandy areas.
• Desert death adder (Acanthophis pyrrhus) - Found in the arid parts of the territory.
• Eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) - Also present in the southern parts.

Snakes in Western Australia

Western Australia is Australia's largest state, with incredibly diverse environments, from tropical north to temperate south. This state has a huge number of snake species.

Snakes of the Kimberley Region

The tropical Kimberley region in the north is rich in wildlife.

• Woma python (Aspidites ramsayi) - Found in drier parts of the Kimberley.
• Brown water python (Liasis fuscus) - Lives near water sources.
• Rough-scaled python (Morelia carinata) - A less common python with unique scales.
• Northern death adder (Acanthophis praelongus) - A venomous snake found in the north.
• King brown snake (Pseudechis australis) - Widespread across the north.

Snakes of the South West

The cooler, wetter southwest has different species.

• Dugite (Pseudonaja affinis) - A common and venomous brown snake.
• Tiger snake (Notechis ater) - Another highly venomous snake.
• Common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) - Also found in this region.

Snakes in South Australia

South Australia has a mix of dry outback, coastal areas, and agricultural lands, each with its own snake inhabitants.

Snakes Around Adelaide

• Common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) - Can be found in the Adelaide region.
• Lowland copperhead (Austrelaps superbus) - Present in cooler, wetter spots.
• Tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) - Also found near water in and around the city.
• Eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) - A common sight in many areas.

A pygmy copperhead

Snakes of the Outback

The vast outback of South Australia is home to some of the most famous snakes.

• Inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) - The world's most venomous snake, living in remote areas.
• Woma python (Aspidites ramsayi) - A beautiful python adapted to dry conditions.
• Desert death adder (Acanthophis pyrrhus) - Blends in perfectly with the desert sands.
• King brown snake (Pseudechis australis) - A large, powerful snake.

Snakes in Queensland

Queensland, with its tropical north and subtropical south, boasts an incredible diversity of snakes, from rainforest dwellers to desert inhabitants.

Snakes Around Brisbane

• Common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) - Found in bushland around the city.
• Brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) - Often seen in suburban gardens.
• Red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) - Common near water sources.
• Eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) - Widespread in many areas.
• Coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) - A highly venomous snake found along the coast.

Snakes of Far North Queensland

This tropical region is home to many unique species.

• Amethystine python (Morelia amethistina) - Australia's largest native snake, found in rainforests.
• Green tree python (Chondrophython viridis) - A stunning green snake that lives in trees.
• Common tree snake (Dendrelaphis punctulata) - Often seen climbing.
• Water python (Liasis fuscus) - Lives near rivers and swamps.
• King brown snake (Pseudechis australis) - A large, venomous snake.

Northern tree snake

Snakes in New South Wales & ACT

New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) offer a wide range of climates, from coastal areas to mountains and dry plains, supporting many snake species.

Snakes Around Sydney

Sydney's diverse environment means you can find various snakes, even in urban fringes.

• Common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) - Found in bushland.
• Eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) - Very common in many habitats.
• Red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) - Often seen near water.

Red-bellied black snake in Kowmung River, New South Wales

• Tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) - Also present in wetter areas.
• Broad-headed snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides) - A threatened species found in rocky habitats.

Broad-headed snake

Snakes of the Outback (NSW)

The western parts of NSW are drier and share some species with the Northern Territory and South Australia.

• Inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) - Found in the far west.
• King brown snake (Pseudechis australis) - A large, venomous snake of the dry regions.
• Woma python (Aspidites ramsayi) - Lives in sandy, dry areas.

Australia's snakes are an important part of its unique ecosystems. While some are venomous, most snakes prefer to avoid humans. Learning about them helps us understand and respect these amazing creatures in their natural homes.