Snakes in Queensland: an identification cheat sheet
Issued: 12 Feb 7 mins read

Venomous snakes in Queensland

Coastal taipan

The coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) is one of Queensland's most iconic and formidable snakes. Known for its agility and potent venom, it lives in coastal regions, forests, and sugarcane fields, playing a vital role in controlling rodent populations. Despite its fearsome reputation, the coastal taipan is shy and typically avoids human encounters.

Where they live: All regions except Mount Isa.

Common death adder

The common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) is a master of camouflage, blending seamlessly into leaf litter and undergrowth in Queensland's forests and woodlands. Unlike most snakes, it relies on ambush hunting, using its tail as a lure to attract prey. Though highly venomous, it is a reclusive species and poses little threat if left undisturbed – just stay vigilant in areas with lots of ground cover.

Where they live: All regions.

Eastern tiger snake

The unmistakable eastern tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) is a strikingly patterned species found in Queensland's wetter regions, including forests and grasslands. Renowned for its bold bands resembling a tiger's stripes, this highly venomous snake plays a crucial role in controlling pests. While its defensive posture can seem intimidating, the eastern tiger snake prefers to retreat when given the chance.

Where they live: South-East Queensland.

Eastern brown snake

The eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) is one of Queensland’s most widespread and well-known snakes, thriving in a variety of habitats, including urban areas. Highly alert and fast-moving, it is recognised for its slender build and varying shades of brown. Despite its potent venom, this snake is shy by nature and usually avoids confrontation unless provoked.

Where they live: All regions.

Rough-scaled snake

The rough-scaled snake (Tropidechis carinatus) is a highly venomous species native to Queensland’s rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests. Its distinctive keeled scales give it a textured appearance, setting it apart from other slithering forest residents. Though potentially dangerous, this elusive species prefers the cover of dense vegetation and is rarely encountered by humans.

Where they live: Cairns and South-East Queensland.

Red-bellied black snake

Often found near water sources like rivers, swamps, and creeks, the red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) is a striking and iconic Queensland snake species. Recognisable by its glossy black body and vivid red underside, it is a timid snake that usually retreats when disturbed. Despite its venom, bites are rare and often less severe compared to other venomous snakes

Where they live: All regions except Mount Isa.

Myall snake (Suta suta)

The myall snake (Suta suta), also known as the curl snake, is a small and secretive species found in Queensland’s arid and semi-arid regions. With its smooth scales and subtle brown or reddish hues, it blends perfectly into its environment. Although mildly venomous, the myall snake poses little threat to humans and spends most of its time hiding under rocks or logs, coming out at night to hunt small reptiles.

Where they live: Townsville and Mount Isa.

Yellow-faced whip snake

The yellow-faced whip snake (Demansia psammophis) is a slender, fast-moving species found in a bunch of different habitats across Queensland, from woodlands to suburban gardens. Its name comes from the pale-yellow marking on its face, contrasting with its sleek olive or grey body. Non-aggressive and mildly venomous, this snake is more likely to dart away than confront a perceived threat.

Where they live: All regions.

White-crowned snake

Another very literally named species! The white-crowned snake (Cacophis harriettae) is a small, nocturnal species native to Queensland's coastal forests and woodlands. Its dark, glossy body is beautifully contrasted by a distinctive white crown marking on its head. Non-venomous to humans and shy by nature, this elusive snake spends much of its time hidden under leaf litter or logs, emerging at night to hunt small prey.

Where they live: Cairns and South-East Queensland.

Brown tree snake

The brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) is a slender, nocturnal species commonly found in Queensland’s forests, mangroves, and urban areas. Known for its large eyes and cat-like pupils, it is an agile climber that dines on birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Mildly venomous and non-aggressive, the brown tree snake is more of a nuisance than a threat – you’d likely only encounter one if it was trying to enter your home in search of food.

Where they live: All regions.

Non-venomous snakes in Queensland

Common or green tree snake

Here’s one you’ve likely seen before – the common tree snake (Dendrelaphis punctulatus), also known as the green tree snake, is a slender species found throughout Queensland’s forests and woodlands. Easily spotted by its vibrant green colour and smooth scales, it is harmless to humans and plays a key role in controlling populations of small lizards and frogs. This speedy creature escapes danger by climbing trees or darting into thick vegetation.

Where they live: All regions.

Keelback

The keelback (Tropidonophis mairii) is a non-venomous snake commonly found in Queensland’s wetlands, forests, and grasslands. Its name comes from the distinct ridges, or "keels," on its scales, giving it a rough texture. Known for its varied appetite, including prey like amphibians and small reptiles, the keelback is often seen near water. This species can sometimes get mistaken for other venomous, rough-scaled snakes, but it is harmless to humans despite its slightly defensive nature.

Where they live: All regions.

Carpet python

It may look intimidating, but don’t let the carpet python’s (Morelia spilota) size fool you – it’s generally docile and more likely to retreat than confront people. Favouring Queensland’s forests, woodlands, and urban areas, this species is aptly named for its striking pattern of black, gold, and brown scales that give it that rug-centric look. Although generally found in trees, the carpet python also hunts on the ground, opting to eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Where they live: All regions.

Amethystine python

The amethystine python (Morelia amethistina) is one of the largest snake species in Australia, growing up to a whopping 8 metres long. Known for its stunning iridescent sheen that gives off an amethyst-like appearance, this beauty favours a tropical rainforest environment. Primarily tree-bound, it preys on animals like birds and mammals, using its strength to subdue its catch. Despite its size, the amethystine python is typically calm and non-aggressive.

Where they live: Cairns and Townsville.

Spotted python

Native to northern Queensland, the spotted python (Antaresia maculosa) is visually striking and quite petite compared to other pythons. Growing up to 2.5 metres, this spectacular species features dark spots on a pale background and is found in woodlands, scrublands, and rocky outcrops. Primarily terrestrial but capable of climbing trees, it is a skilled constrictor that preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Known for its calm and non-aggressive nature, the spotted python is a peaceful predator in its environment – so there’s no need to stress if you see one.

Where they live: All regions except Mount Isa.

Other interesting snake species in Queensland

Blind snakes

Nope, that’s not an earthworm – although smaller blind snakes (Anilios nigrescens) sometimes get confused for them! These non-venomous burrowers are incapable of biting humans, so they’re of no threat – however, their anal glands can secrete a nasty smell when they’re disturbed.

Where they live: All regions.

Legless lizards

Despite their snake-like appearance, legless lizards (Pygopus spp.) are non-venomous and harmless to humans. These fascinating reptiles move with a unique wriggling motion, primarily feeding on insects and small invertebrates, using their sharp jaws to capture prey.

Where they live: All regions.

What snakes are near me?

Want to know what snake species are most common in your area of Queensland? You can check out what snakes live near you based on your region.