The Eclectic Wildlife of the Blue Mountains

The Eclectic Wildlife of the Blue Mountains

Written by: Cameron Ward

Published: 07/26/2017

Reading time: 3 mins

The Blue Mountains offer the perfect countryside escape from the bustling city life of Sydney.

Bathed in a mountainous glow and boasting a jaw-dropping landscape of velvet peaks and fairytale valleys, the region is home to some of Australia’s most loved animals.

The Animals of the Blue Mountains

There are a huge number of furry critters that roam the scenery of the Blue Mountains, many of which are nocturnal. That being said, there is still plenty of opportunity to see some of Australia’s most iconic creatures in this region, including the kangaroo, wallaby, and koalas, who kick back and relax in the eucalyptus trees and red gums.

Elsewhere, you might be lucky enough to see spotted-tail quolls which, though nocturnal, are the largest predators that call the mountains home. There are also possums, bandicoots, flying foxes, and bats which all come out at night to feed and explore the mountainous landscape.

Reptiles

As well as furry critters, the Blue Mountains are also home to an eclectic selection of reptiles, from snakes to lizards and everything in between.

Keep your eyes peeled for long-necked turtles and blue-tongued lizards, as well as colourful varieties of gecko, skink, bearded dragon, and eastern water dragon. In water-based regions, you might also be able to see (or hear) some of the many different types of frog that call the mountains home.

Be careful when approaching reptiles in the Blue Mountains as, although most are safe, there are a few species with a venomous bite.

Birds

The hazy mountain backdrop and its swathe of lush greenery make the Blue Mountains the perfect habitat for hundreds of species of bird. Here, you can listen out for the noisy rainbow lorikeet, whose trill bleats throughout the scenery, and whip birds that are distinct thanks to their whip-crack call.

There are also plenty of native kookaburras to spot, which again boast a unique call that sounds almost like a laugh or cackle, and other species, like rosellas, currawongs, and three creepers.

The Blue Mountains really are a bird spotter’s paradise, particularly in the wooded areas that flank the mountains.

Animal lovers will enjoy the incredible diversity in the region. Thanks to the many different kinds of landscapes that characterise the Blue Mountains, there is plenty of wildlife to keep an eye out for, from furry native critters to colourful birds and eye-catching reptile species.

Related article: The Wildlife of the Blue Mountains

Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.