Central Australia ReptilesCentral-netted Dragon Perentie

Central Australia is home to some amazing reptiles, from the small geckoes and garden lizards found living in and around people’s home to our gigantic Perentie, that can reach a considerable size of 2.5 to 3 metres in length and up to 40 kg in weight.

Bynoe's Gecko (Heteronotia binoei), Alice Springs NT
Bynoe’s Gecko (Heteronotia binoei), Alice Springs / Central Australia

As you explore the region, keep an eye out for some of the wonderful reptiles to be seen. During the cooler months of the year, they may be seen basking on rocks and even the roads and highway (please keep an eye out for them and drive safely).

Perentie, Palm Valley - Finke Gorge National Park
Perentie (Varanus giganteus), Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park)
A Dragon at the Creek - Ellery Creek Big Hole Long-nosed Dragon (Gowidon longirostris)
Long-nosed Dragon (Gowidon longirostris), Ellery Creek Big Hole NT
Central-netted Dragon with Australian Emperor Dragonfly at Uluru © Eva Preining
Central-netted Dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) with Australian Emperor Dragonfly, Uluru © Eva Preining
Black Headed Goanna (Varanus tristis orientalis), Finke Gorge National Park
Black Headed Goanna (Varanus tristis orientalis), Finke Gorge National Park
Sand Goanna (Varanus gouldii), Kata Tjuta (Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park)
Sand Goanna (Varanus gouldii), Kata Tjuta (Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park)
Gould's Goanna, Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park
Gould’s Goanna – Varanus gouldii (V g flavirufus), Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park
Lined Firetail Skink (Morethia ruficauda), Alice Springs / Central Australia
Eastern Tree Dtella (Gehyra versicolor), Alice Springs NT
Eastern Tree Dtella (Gehyra versicolor), Alice Springs NT
Inland Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps), Binns Track, NT
Inland Bearded Dragon / Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps), Binns Track, NT

We often see many of the smaller reptiles and even the occasional large one living or visiting homes and garden, such as in Alice Springs and many of the communities.

Ctenotus saxatilis, Alice Springs NT
Ctenotus saxatilis, Alice Springs NT
Common Desert Ctenotus (Ctenotus leonhardii), Alice Springs NT
Common Desert Ctenotus (Ctenotus leonhardii), Alice Springs NT

Snakes also belong to the class Reptilia, order Squamata, suborder Serpentes. Care should be taken when crossing path with snakes, especially as some species will go on the defensive and may attack.

Stimson's Python (Antaresia stimsoni), Simpsons Gap
Stimson’s Python (Antaresia stimsoni), Simpsons Gap
Yellow-faced Whip Snake (Demansia psammophis cuprieceps), Finke Gorge National Park
Yellow-faced Whip Snake (Demansia psammophis cuprieceps), Finke Gorge National Park

Reptile lovers can pop into the Alice Springs Reptile Centre and the Alice Springs Desert Park to see some of the reptile species on display, that live in Central Australia.

Centralian Blue Tongue Lizard (Tiliqua multifasciata), Alice Springs Reptile Centre
Centralian Blue Tongue Lizard (Tiliqua multifasciata), Alice Springs Reptile Centre
  • Scientific classification
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia

Central Australia ReptilesCentral-netted Dragon Perentie

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Northern TerritoryCentral Australia Aileron Alice Springs Binns Track Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve Ernest Giles Road Finke Gorge National Park Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve Hermannsburg Historic Precinct Ilparpa Claypans Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve MacDonnell Ranges Mount Connor Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary Owen Springs Reserve Red Centre Way Drive Standley Chasm Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Conservation Reserve Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Watarrka National Park & Kings Canyon Wurre / Rainbow Valley