Snakes of Northern New South Wales

Eastern Brown Snake

Pseudonaja textilis

Second most toxic land snake; common near populated areas.

Markings: Uniform brown to grey; juveniles may show banding or black head.

Avg. adult length: 1.5–2.0 m (up to 2.4 m)

Coastal Taipan

Oxyuranus scutellatus

Extremely toxic; rare in northern NSW; fast and aggressive if threatened.

Markings: Olive to brown upper body; cream underbelly.

Avg. adult length: 2.0–3.0 m

Rough-scaled Snake

Tropidechis carinatus

Will readily bite if attacked or handled; often defensive.

Markings: Dark olive to brown with irregular cross-bands; rough scales.

Avg. adult length: 1.0–1.2 m

Common Death Adder

Acanthophis antarcticus

Ambush predator using tail as lure; rare but dangerous.

Markings: Broad, triangular head; grey/brown with lighter bands.

Avg. adult length: 0.6–1.0 m

Red-bellied Black Snake

Pseudechis porphyriacus

Shy, highly toxic; common near water.

Markings: Glossy black with bright red belly and flanks.

Avg. adult length: 1.5–2.0 m

Mulga Snake (King Brown)

Pseudechis australis

Primarily inland but occasionally found in Northern NSW hinterlands.

Markings: Olive to brown; pale underbelly.

Avg. adult length: 2.0–3.0 m

Brown Tree Snake / Night Tiger

Boiga irregularis

Nocturnal hunter; mildly toxic; called 'Night Tiger'.

Markings: Brown with darker irregular cross-bands; large cat-like eyes.

Avg. adult length: 1.5–2.0 m

Yellow-faced Whip Snake

Demansia psammophis

Fast; generally harmless to humans.

Markings: Olive-brown with yellow stripe through the eye.

Avg. adult length: 0.9–1.2 m

Collared Whip Snake

Demansia torquata

Nocturnal; rarely encountered by humans.

Markings: Olive to brown; dark collar behind head.

Avg. adult length: 0.7–1.5 m

Bandy-bandy

Vermicella annulata

Nocturnal and fossorial; rarely seen.

Markings: Black and white alternating rings along the body.

Avg. adult length: 0.5–0.7 m

Black-bellied Swamp Snake / Marsh Snake

Hemiaspis signata

Found in wetlands and swampy areas; rarely encountered.

Markings: Olive to grey upper body with black belly.

Avg. adult length: 0.6–0.9 m

Dwarf Crowned Snake

Cacophis krefftii

Secretive and rare; specialized feeder on small reptiles.

Markings: Small, dark snake with a pale crown on head.

Avg. adult length: 0.3–0.5 m

Golden-crowned Snake

Cacophis squamulosus

Rarely seen; mild venom used for hunting small prey.

Markings: Golden or pale crown on head; dark body.

Avg. adult length: 0.4–0.6 m

Carpet Python

Morelia spilota mcdowelli

Often found in roofs hunting rats and possums.

Markings: Olive to dark brown with complex blotches.

Avg. adult length: 2.0–4.0 m (up to 6 m)

Diamond Python

Morelia spilota spilota

Coastal subspecies; occasional in Northern NSW.

Markings: Black with yellow/cream diamond-shaped spots.

Avg. adult length: 2.0–3.0 m

Green Tree Snake / Tree Snake

Dendrelaphis punctulatus

Frequently mistaken for toxic snakes. Excellent climber; often found in trees and rafters.

Markings: Slender, bright green, blue, or olive brown; pale or yellow belly.

Avg. adult length: 1.2–2.0 m

Children's Python

Antaresia childreni

Small, gentle python; common in gardens and termite mounds.

Markings: Brown with darker spots or saddle markings.

Avg. adult length: 0.5–1.0 m