The Blue Mountains are far more than dramatic scenery and walking tracks. As a World Heritage Area, it supports an extraordinary range of native fauna, with over 400 species recorded across the local government area. From kangaroos grazing at dusk to colourful parrots darting through the bush, the wildlife in the Blue Mountains is one of its most rewarding and often overlooked drawcards.
Mammals
The diverse habitats of the Blue Mountains, from deep forested gullies to open grasslands and freshwater systems, support more than 60 native mammal species. Here are some of the most likely encounters:
- Eastern Grey Kangaroo: The most iconic of the lot. Best spotted at dawn and dusk when they venture out to graze. Euroka Clearing in Glenbrook and the open farmland of Megalong Valley are the most reliable locations.
- Swamp Wallaby and Red-necked Wallaby: Common throughout the region, particularly in thick bush and sandstone heath. On early morning walks, listen for the distinctive thud of a wallaby retreating into the undergrowth.
- Common Wombat: Nocturnal and rarely seen during the day, wombats are barrel-shaped grazers that inhabit temperate forested areas. Look for their distinctive cube-shaped droppings on bush tracks.
- Common Brushtail Possum: Widespread and adaptable, found in forests and even suburban gardens. Nocturnal, so your best chance is after dark.
- Platypus: Present in freshwater systems on plateaus and in rainforest gullies, though patience is required. Early morning near quiet streams is your best bet.
- Koala: Listed as vulnerable, koalas are rarely seen in the Blue Mountains, and most long-term locals have never spotted one in the wild here. That said, sightings have increased in recent years around the lower mountains and the Hawkesbury fringe, particularly around Grose Vale, Kurrajong and Bilpin. If you do see one, report the sighting to Science for Wildlife.
Birds
With over 20 vulnerable bird species and a steady stream of seasonal migrants, the Blue Mountains is an excellent birdwatching territory. Key species to look out for include:
- King Parrot: Vivid red and green plumage, often spotted along walking tracks and in picnic areas.
- Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo: Hard to miss thanks to its loud, mournful ‘weela weela’ call drifting through the bush.
- Crimson Rosella: Striking crimson and blue colouring; spotted throughout the mountains and a frequent visitor to lookout areas.
- Laughing Kookaburra: More common in the eastern and western areas of the mountains. Its distinctive call is one of the sounds most associated with the Australian bush.
- Eastern Spinebill: A small honeyeater with a long curved bill, found throughout Blue Mountains National Park and easy to spot feeding on native flowers.
Reptiles
Around 60 reptile species make their home in the Blue Mountains, including lizards, dragons, goannas and snakes. Most are not aggressive, but a respectful distance is always wise.
- Eastern Water Dragon: A striking lizard that can reach up to 1m in length. Found near flowing water with good tree cover, and sometimes spotted in urban areas where conditions suit.
- Blue Mountains Water Skink: An endangered species restricted to around 60 threatened swamp habitats in the region. Different populations, even those close together, are genetically distinct.
- Snakes: Tiger snakes, death adders, and Eastern Browns are all present in the region. Stick to formed tracks, watch where you step and never attempt to handle or provoke them.
Frogs
The Blue Mountains’ bogs, streams and rocky gullies support a rich variety of frog species, most vocal during spring when mating season begins. Two species worth knowing:
- Blue Mountains Tree Frog (Litoria citropa): Found sheltering under rocks and in crevices near permanent or semi-permanent pools. Has pale brown skin with distinctive orange-red colouring on the groin and legs.
- Green Leaf Tree Frog (Litoria phyllochroa): Shy and rarely seen, but found near larger streams. Listen for its ‘erk erk erk’ call near waterside vegetation.
The Australian Museum’s FrogID app is a handy tool for identifying species by their calls while out on the trails.
Fish
Around 10 native fish species have been recorded in the Blue Mountains, most concentrated in the Nepean River system. Surveys are limited due to the specialist equipment required, but two species stand out:
- Longfin Eel: A culturally significant species for Aboriginal peoples, used as a food source for thousands of years. Can live up to 50 years and grow up to 3m in landlocked environments.
- Australian Bass: Found in deeper pools and river systems, typically around 30cm in length in the wild.
Where to Spot Wildlife in the Blue Mountains
Knowing where to look makes all the difference. These are the most reliable spots:
- Euroka Clearing, Glenbrook: The go-to location for seeing wild kangaroos, particularly at dawn and dusk.
- Megalong Valley: Open farmland and expansive grasslands make for easy wildlife spotting, with kangaroos and wallabies regularly visible.
- Blue Mountains National Park walking tracks: Birds, reptiles and frogs can be encountered year-round across most bush tracks in the park.
- Freshwater gullies and streams: The best environments for platypus and frog sightings, particularly in quieter, less-trafficked areas.
- Lower mountains and Hawkesbury fringe: The most likely area for an opportunistic koala sighting, particularly around Bilpin and Kurrajong.
Tips for Wildlife Watching
A few simple habits will significantly improve your chances of meaningful encounters:
- Visit at dawn or dusk, when most mammals are most active
- Bring binoculars, especially for birdwatching from lookouts and along bush tracks
- Move slowly and quietly on bush tracks to avoid startling animals
- Never feed native animals, particularly cockatoos, as it disrupts their natural behaviour and diet
- Report any koala sightings to Science for Wildlife
- Consult the Blue Mountains Fauna Inventory via BMCC for a detailed breakdown of species and their recorded locations across the region.
