5 Most Snake-Filled Bodies Of Water In Queensland

Australia’s second-largest state, Queensland, covers a vast area in the northeastern part of the continent, stretching from the Cape York Peninsula in the north to the busy hub of Brisbane in the south. Known as the ‘sunshine state’, Queensland welcomed over 28 million tourists last year, with many coming to see its famous natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef.

The reef isn’t Queensland’s only claim to fame. The state is also home to some of the world’s most venomous snakes, including the Taipan, Brown Snake, and King Brown Snake. In total, there are around 120 snake species in Queensland, many of which enjoy watery habitats. If you’re planning on visiting any rivers, wetlands, lakes, or coastal areas, read on to discover which resident reptiles you might be sharing the space with.

Paroo River

The Paroo River in southwestern Queensland is an ephemeral river, meaning it only flows during the wet season and is often simply a dry riverbed. The river basin’s swamps, wetlands, and arid climate provide sanctuary for nearly 20 different snake species, including the Coral Snake and the Eastern Brown Snake.

The Eastern Brown Snake is a snake commonly found in Queensland and is also highly venomous. Difficult to identify as it comes in various shades of brown, the Eastern Brown Snake is typically very shy, active, and fast-moving, and will quickly move out of the way if disturbed. The Coral Snake, meanwhile, is a small and weakly venomous snake, also called the Eastern Shovel-Nosed Snake for its upturned nose, which it uses to burrow.

Lake Wivenhoe

A man-made reservoir created by the Wivenhoe Dam, Lake Wivenhoe is a popular destination for locals and tourists with six recreation areas around its shoreline. The lake has fishing, hiking, picnicking, camping, and boating facilities, which are open to the public year-round.

There’s a lot of wildlife at the lake, including numerous snakes. Look out for the unique Coastal Taipan, a shy but deadly snake with potent venom. Known as one of the most dangerous snakes in Australia, the Taipan has a pale face and a darker body. They’re found in tropical coastal regions, grassy areas, and woodlands, and often take shelter in animal burrows, hollow logs, or leaf litter.

Another resident of Lake Wivenhoe is the Keelback or Freshwater Snake. This small serpent is Australia's only non-venomous, semi-aquatic snake. They are common in damp areas, near freshwater dams, creeks and swamps.

Mooloolah River

‘Mooloolah’ is an Aboriginal word, meaning ‘black snake’. You may well see some black snakes at the Mooloolah River, which runs through the Mooloolah River National Park on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The park protects the area’s scenic coastal lowlands and covers habitats including rainforest, eucalypt woodlands, melaleuca forests, and sedgelands. There are several walking trails and a bikeway for those wishing to explore the park.

Keep an eye on the terrain if you are hiking as the Mooloolah River National Park is home to over 20 different snake species, some of which are venomous. The more dangerous include the Common Death Adder and the Eastern Tiger Snake. Death Adders are very adept at camouflaging themselves in leaf litter so be careful when walking through any natural debris and stay on cleared paths. Eastern Tiger Snakes are easy to identify thanks to their eye-catching markings that look like tiger stripes.

Deception Bay

Deception Bay, in the Moreton Bay region north of Brisbane, is an area of key ecological importance and home to at least a dozen snake species. These include the Carpet Python, the Black-Bellied Swamp Snake, and the Elegant Sea Snake. The latter is found off the coast of Queensland, sometimes washing up on beaches around Deception Bay. It’s highly venomous and the longest of all the sea snake species with stripey markings and a flat, paddle-like tail.

Carpet Pythons are generally harmless and reclusive. They prefer to hang out in trees but will venture onto the ground to hunt for small mammals, birds, and reptiles. The Black-Bellied Swamp Snake is a mildly venomous, dark-colored snake that prefers marshy habitats and moist, vegetated areas. Like most snakes, they are not aggressive and will try to avoid confrontations with humans.

Cooper Creek

Cooper Creek flows through the Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests in the world and a World Heritage site. An area of exceptional natural beauty and ecological importance, the Cooper Creek wilderness is packed with life, including around 200 reptile species.

Many of these reptiles are unusual and striking snakes. The Spotted Python is a small python identified by its large dark spots on a lighter body. You may also see a Green Tree Snake, notable for its vibrant green hue. Another colorful creature is the Bandy-Bandy Snake, which takes its quirky name from the wide bands of black and white across its body.

The rainforest around Cooper Creek is also home to several species of blind snakes, which look like earthworms and are harmless to humans although they can release a strong smell when disturbed. Blind snake species in the area include the Prong-Snouted Blind Snake, the Claw-Snouted Blind Snake, and the Robust Blind Snake.

Snake Safety

From tree snakes to sea snakes and from pythons to vipers, there are many diverse serpent species that call Queensland home. If you’re visiting the state, particularly rural or wilderness areas, you should be aware of your surroundings and watch where you’re stepping or sitting. Snakes are generally reclusive creatures and will get out of your way if possible, but they don’t like to be surprised. Never attempt to handle or otherwise disturb a snake. The best approach is to keep your distance and allow it room to leave. There are some formidable snake species in Queensland, but that's no reason to avoid the Sunshine State's many beautiful natural attractions. Stay vigilant, be calm, and take precautions to enjoy a stress-free and snake-free vacation.