Hop to it – get to know Queensland’s frogs
Issued: 16 Apr 8 mins read

Common green tree frog

One of Queensland’s most recognisable (and beloved) amphibians, the common green tree frog is a large, robust species with bright green skin, golden eyes, and distinctive toe pads that help it climb. Growing up to 113 mm long, these cuties are often seen in suburban gardens, bathrooms, and even drainpipes – you never forget the first time you spot one in a toilet!

Green tree frogs are highly adaptable, thriving in a wide range of habitats from deserts to coastal swamps, though they avoid dense rainforests. During the dry season, they shelter under bark, in logs, or beneath rocks to stay cool and hydrated. At night, they emerge to hunt insects, but their diet is surprisingly varied – these opportunistic feeders have been known to eat bats and even small snakes.

Breeding takes place between September and March, peaking in the wet season. Males call out with a deep, repetitive “crawk-crawk-crawk”, especially before or during rain, using their inflatable throat sacs to amplify the sound. Attracted to lights, these frogs are a common sight on warm, humid nights.

Dainty green tree frog

Also known as the graceful tree frog, the dainty green tree frog is a small but beautiful amphibian. Its leaf-green body is complemented by a yellowish-green stripe over the eye, while its fingers, toes, and upper arms glow bright lemon yellow. This delicate colouring helps it blend into its surroundings, making it a master of camouflage.

Dainty green tree frogs are common in moist forests and woodlands along Queensland’s coastal regions. They prefer humid environments and are often spotted resting on streamside plants or sheltering in low vegetation. Unlike some other frog species, they are regular garden visitors, though they remain hidden during the day to avoid predators and the harsh sun.

Breeding season occurs after spring and summer rains, particularly in January and February, when males gather near water to attract mates. Their distinctive call is a long, drawn-out “waaaaaa”, often heard echoing through the night after heavy rain.

Eastern dwarf tree frog

One of Queensland’s tiniest tree frogs, the eastern dwarf tree frog reaches just 3.2 cm in length – but don’t let its size fool you. This lively little frog is hard to miss thanks to its loud, distinctive call and bright orange vocal sac. Its green to fawn-coloured back sometimes features dark spots, helping it blend into leaves, while a dark bronze stripe runs from its nostril to eye. A hidden splash of bright orange on its thighs and groin adds to its stunning appearance.

Found from the Daintree River to southern New South Wales, these frogs are common garden visitors, sheltering in shrubs, ferns, banana trees, and vines. They thrive in both urban and natural environments, particularly near water with plenty of vegetation.

During spring and summer, males put on a show to attract mates, inflating their flamboyant throat sac to produce a two-part call: a long “wreeeek” followed by a sharp “kik kik, kik kik”. Females lay small clutches of eggs (2–35) on vegetation, where the male fertilises them.

Scarlet-sided banjo frog

The scarlet-sided banjo frog (also known as the pobblebonk!) is a burrowing, ground-dwelling amphibian with a robust build about the size of a clenched fist. Its grey or brown mottled skin, marked with yellow or orange patterns, helps it blend into its marshy surroundings, while the bright red patches on its thighs are where it gets its colourful name.

True to its musical name, this frog produces a distinctive, high-pitched “plonk” – a call that sounds like the twang of a banjo string. Most of its life is spent hidden underground or beneath leaf litter, only emerging after heavy rain to breed. During these wet spells, females lay brown eggs in floating foam nests, where tadpoles develop in the safety of the water’s surface.

Until recently, these red-hued hoppers were thought to be part of the superb banjo frog family, but research led by the Australian Museum and FrogID classified the pobblebonk as a distinct species of its own.

Superb banjo frogs are found exclusively in the Cape York region, while scarlet-sided banjo frogs are widely distributed from central western New South Wales to further north in Queensland.

Striped marsh frog

The striped marsh frog is a hardy, adaptable amphibian with a distinctive look and an unmistakable voice. Its brown or olive-green body, marked with bold cream or yellow stripes, provides excellent camouflage among reeds and leaf litter. Growing up to 6.5 cm, it’s a medium-sized, ground-dwelling species that thrives in both natural wetlands and suburban backyards.

Found along the east coast of Australia, including much of Queensland, the striped marsh frog is often heard before it’s seen. Its loud, repetitive “tok” call sounds like a dripping tap and can carry far through the night, especially after rain.

Unlike many frogs, this species breeds year-round, laying foam nests on the surface of still water. The eggs hatch into fast-growing tadpoles, allowing the frog to take advantage of temporary pools and garden ponds.

Striped rocket frog

The striped rocket frog lives up to its name – it’s built for speed. With its long, powerful legs and sleek, streamlined body, this agile amphibian can leap more than two metres in a single bound, making it one of Queensland’s most impressive jumpers. Its light brown body, patterned with dark stripes, provides perfect camouflage among reeds and grasses, while a pointed snout gives it an aerodynamic edge.

Found across Queensland’s wetlands, creeks, and swamps, the striped rocket frog is most active after heavy rain, when its rapid, chattering call fills the night air. Unlike some frogs that prefer a more hidden lifestyle, this species is often seen perched near water, ready to spring away at the first sign of danger.

Breeding takes place in temporary pools and slow-moving waterways, where females lay clusters of eggs that hatch into fast-growing tadpoles.

White-lipped tree frog

The white-lipped tree frog is Australia’s largest frog, growing up to 14 cm long – but despite its size, it’s a gentle giant. Its smooth, bright green skin and signature white lower lip make it easily recognisable, while its golden eyes add an extra level of intrigue.

Found in rainforests and woodlands across coastal north-east Queensland, this frog thrives in humid environments, often sheltering in trees, shrubs, and even backyard gardens. On warm, rainy nights, its deep, throaty “bawk-bawk” call echoes through the forest as males compete for mates. During the wet season, females lay large clutches of eggs in still water, where tadpoles develop before taking to the trees.

Kroombit tinker frog

The Kroombit tinker frog is one of Queensland’s rarest and most elusive amphibians, found nowhere else on Earth but the cool, misty rainforests of Kroombit Tops National Park. Measuring less than 3 cm, this tiny frog blends seamlessly into the leaf litter with its mottled grey or brown skin, X-shaped markings, and dark facial stripe.

Unlike most frogs, the Kroombit tinker frog doesn’t need surface water to breed – scientists believe it lays eggs in tiny underground pools hidden beneath rocks. Its presence is often revealed only by its distinctive call: a sharp, metallic “tink, tink, tink”, like a drop of water hitting stone.

With fewer than 150 individuals estimated in the wild, this frog is critically endangered, facing threats from disease, habitat loss, and feral animals. Conservation efforts, including captive breeding and habitat protection, are underway to save this ancient species, which has existed for over 45 million years.

Ornate burrowing frog

The ornate burrowing frog is a stocky, well-camouflaged amphibian built for life underground. Its mottled brown, grey, and olive-green skin, speckled with darker markings, helps it blend seamlessly into the soil and leaf litter. Despite its compact size – growing up to 4.5 cm long – this frog is a powerful digger, using its strong hind legs to burrow into the ground.

Found across Queensland’s woodlands, grasslands, and floodplains, the ornate burrowing frog spends most of its life hidden beneath the surface, emerging after heavy rain to feed and breed. Males call from temporary water bodies, producing a repetitive “grunt” to attract mates.

Giant barred frog

The giant barred frog is one of Queensland’s largest and most eye-catching frogs, growing up to 11.5 cm long. Its golden eyes, long limbs, and bold dark bars across its pale underside make it instantly recognisable. This powerful jumper is built for life along rainforest streams, where it hunts for insects and small prey at night.

Found in eastern Queensland and northern New South Wales, the giant barred frog thrives in moist, forested areas, often hiding among leaf litter or perched near the water’s edge. Males call on rainy nights with a deep, growling “orrrk”, hoping to attract a mate. Females lay egg clusters on stream banks, where tadpoles develop in flowing water.

Tusked frog

The tusked frog is a small but tough amphibian with a unique feature – tiny “tusks” in its lower jaw. These enlarged teeth are used by males in combat, making this one of the few frog species known to fight over territory and mates. Its mottled brown and grey skin, paired with a stocky build, helps it blend into leaf litter and creek banks.

Found in eastern Queensland and northern New South Wales, the tusked frog prefers forested streams and wetlands, where it remains well-hidden during the day. At night, males call with a soft, repeated “pluck”. Breeding occurs in shallow pools, where females lay eggs in floating foam nests.

How to help Queensland’s frogs

Want to help the hoppers in your area thrive? Here are some easy tips to aid with frog conservation in Queensland.

Create frog-friendly habitats: Leave leaf litter, logs, and rocks in your garden to provide shelter and breeding spots.

Avoid chemicals: Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers can harm frogs, so opt for natural alternatives where possible.

Provide a water source: A shallow pond or damp area with native plants can support frogs, but avoid adding fish, as they may eat tadpoles.

Keep cats and dogs away: Pets can prey on frogs, so limit their access to frog habitats.

Reduce light pollution: Bright outdoor lights can disturb frogs and their insect food sources.

Report sick or dead frogs: Chytrid fungus is a major threat to frogs, so report any unusual frog deaths to DETSI, FrogID, or the Queensland Frog Society.

Get involved: Frog monitoring projects like FrogID are a great way to help gather data on local frogs – this allows scientists to understand and conserve our unique frog species.