5 Most Snake-Filled Bodies Of Water In New South Wales

Wild, beautiful, and arid, Australia’s unique landscapes are home to around 200 different snakes. These Aussie reptiles range from large pythons to darting adders to colorful sea snakes. New South Wales, in the southeastern corner of the continent, has many healthy snake habitats within its borders. These contain a variety of serpents, including several venomous snake species such as tiger snakes, death adders, and king brown snakes. Let's explore the five most snake-filled bodies of water in New South Wales to learn which water environments have the largest snake populations, their behaviors and habits, and what to do if you encounter one of New South Wales’ reptile residents.

Murray River

The Murray River is the longest river in Australia. It stretches over 1,500 miles, running from the Snowy Mountains to the Southern Ocean, and forming the principal stream of the Murray-Darling River Basin.

The river basin contains 46 snake species, the most common of which are the tiger snake, the eastern brown snake, and the red-bellied black snake. All three are venomous, but the eastern brown snake is often referred to as Australia’s most dangerous snake since they are aggressive, often found in populated areas, and have the second most toxic venom of any land snake in the world.

Eastern brown snakes are medium sized with small heads and brown bodies. Most encounters with them happen in spring when they are more active and begin breeding. When threatened, the snakes rear off the ground and open their mouths wide to show their fangs.

Lake Macquarie

At twice the size of Sydney Harbour, Lake Macquarie is the largest coastal saltwater lake in Australia. Known to locals as Lake Mac, the lagoon and its surrounding area has around 23 different snake species including eastern brown snakes and red-bellied black snakes.

It’s also home to several python species which are typically found in trees but can also hang out on rock ledges or in hollow logs around the lake. These include the diamond python, a medium-sized python that has a striking yellow diamond pattern running down its back and a pale underbelly. Pythons feed on small reptiles and mammals, squeezing their prey until they suffocate. They are typically shy and reclusive and will try to make a quick exit if disturbed.

Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay on the south coast is one of the most popular resort destinations in New South Wales, thanks to its pristine white beaches and turquoise waters. The area is also the location of Aboriginal-owned Booderee National Park, an important sanctuary for numerous species of native wildlife. The bay is home to many snake species but one in particular has been hitting the headlines recently. In 2023, there was a significant uptick in sightings of the eye-catching yellow-bellied sea snake, possibly due to weather conditions blowing them ashore.

New South Wales has 11 sea snake species, but most are never seen by humans. The yellow-bellied sea snake is the exception. A long-term resident of the coastal waters around NSW, populations of this species are considered healthy and thriving. It’s easy to identify this snake thanks to its bright yellow underbelly and elongated head. They eat fish and are impressive swimmers, travelling at up to a meter per second. The yellow-bellied sea snake is venomous and while they only inject a small amount of venom while biting, it is highly toxic. Most swimmers will never encounter the snake but if they wash ashore, do not touch them or attempt to return them to the water. These sea snakes will bite if roughly handled.

Lake Cowal

New South Wales' largest natural inland lake, Lake Cowal covers around 13,000 hectares. It’s an officially designated wildlife sanctuary, listed on the Register of the National Estate, but is accessible to the public for birdwatching, photography, and wildlife viewing.

Over 30 reptile species have been spotted at Lake Cowal. These include the eastern bandy-bandy and the blue-bellied black snake. The eastern bandy-bandy is a striking black and white striped snake with a strange habit. When threatened, it forms several loops with its body to shield and protect its head. It’s rare to encounter them in the wild as they are nocturnal and mostly live underground.

The blue-bellied black snake, by contrast, doesn’t mind a bit of sunbathing and has been spotted doing just that around Lake Cowal. They are a venomous snake and can be identified from their shiny, almost iridescent blue/black scales.

Shoalhaven River

The Shoalhaven River is a barrier river estuary that flows into the sea near the town of Nowra on the south coast. The diversity of habitats throughout the estuary provides homes for a large number of snakes, including several venomous species such as the red-bellied black snake, tiger snake, and the eastern brown snake.

Another one to watch out for in the area is the eastern small-eyed snake, a small, dark snake that likes to hide under, and in, natural debris. You may also see the less dangerous marsh snake. Although venomous, the marsh snake likes to keep out of people’s way and its bites are rarely fatal. The snake’s head is often darker than its body and has a white or pale-yellow line that runs from its eye to the back of its head. The marsh snake is active during the day and hunts on the skinks and frogs found around the estuary.

Snake Safety Tips

New South Wales welcomes around 40 million visitors a year, and most of them will leave without ever meeting the state’s native snakes. Snakes are by nature shy and nonconfrontational. If they see you coming, they will likely get out of the way and stay hidden. Most snake bites occur when people try to kill or capture snakes.

You can help reduce the risk of snake encounters by following a few common-sense rules — wear long pants and boots if walking through the undergrowth, stay on marked paths, and never step anywhere if you can’t see where your foot will land. If you are bitten, keep still, apply a pressure bandage if possible, and seek medical attention.