Snake Species Found in Greater Sydney

Why Are There So Many Snakes in Greater Sydney? A Complete Regional Analysis

Greater Sydney is one of Australia’s most biologically diverse metropolitan regions. Spanning coastal environments, river systems, national parks, bushland corridors, and rapidly expanding suburbs, it provides ideal conditions for native snake species to thrive.

While many people associate snakes with rural or remote areas, Greater Sydney’s mix of waterways, bushland reserves, and urban development makes snake encounters increasingly common — particularly from late spring through early autumn. As the city expands outward, human activity continues to overlap with long-established snake habitat.

To understand why snake sightings are so frequent across Greater Sydney, it’s important to look at the region’s geography, climate, and environmental pressures.

Geographical and Environmental Drivers of Snake Activity in Greater Sydney
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🌿 Extensive Bushland and National Parks

Greater Sydney is bordered and interwoven with some of NSW’s most significant protected bushland, including:

Royal National Park

Blue Mountains National Park

Garigal National Park

Lane Cove National Park

Georges River National Park

Western Sydney Parklands

These areas support large populations of snakes and act as source habitats, with surrounding suburbs forming natural extension zones where snakes forage and shelter.

💧 Rivers, Creeks, and Wetlands

Greater Sydney is built around major water systems that snakes rely on:

Hawkesbury–Nepean River

Georges River

Parramatta River

Cooks River

Duck River

South Creek

Prospect Creek

Numerous stormwater channels

These waterways act as wildlife corridors, allowing snakes to move long distances through urban areas unseen. Species such as Red-Bellied Black Snakes and Tiger Snakes are especially common near creeks, wetlands, and floodplains.

🏡 Urban Expansion and Habitat Overlap

As Sydney continues to grow, new housing estates, industrial parks, and infrastructure projects are frequently built next to or within former bushland. This results in:

Displacement of snakes into nearby homes and yards

Increased sightings during construction and land clearing

Snakes sheltering under houses, sheds, and retaining walls

Many residential properties now provide better shelter and food availability than surrounding bushland.

🌡 Climate and Seasonal Behaviour

Greater Sydney’s climate strongly influences snake movement:

Spring – Breeding season; snakes travel more and are highly visible

Summer – Peak activity; snakes seek shade and water, often entering yards and buildings

Autumn – Increased feeding before winter slowdown

Winter – Brumation in rock crevices, drains, roof spaces, and logs

Western Sydney areas typically experience higher temperatures, which further increases snake activity compared to coastal suburbs.

Common Snake Species Found Across Greater Sydney

Across the Greater Sydney region, the most commonly relocated snake species include:

🐍 Red-Bellied Black Snake – Venomous; strongly associated with rivers, creeks, wetlands, and dams
🐍 Eastern Brown Snake – Extremely venomous; prefers open grassland, industrial areas, and bush edges
🐍 Diamond Python – Non-venomous constrictor; commonly found in roofs, sheds, trees, and backyards
🐍 Common Tree Snake – Non-venomous, fast-moving, and often mistaken for dangerous species
🐍 Golden-Crowned Snake – Shy and nocturnal; commonly hidden under mulch and leaf litter
🐍 Yellow-Faced Whip Snake – Mildly venomous; often seen basking in sunny gardens
🐍 Tiger Snake – Found near wetlands and waterways; less common but dangerous
🐍 Brown Tree Snake – Arboreal and mildly venomous; known to enter roofs and sheds

Why Snakes Are Thriving in Greater Sydney

1️⃣ Connected Green Corridors – Bushland, parks, and waterways allow snakes to move freely
2️⃣ Abundant Prey – Rats, mice, frogs, skinks, and birds thrive in urban environments
3️⃣ Human-Created Shelter – Timber piles, sheds, retaining walls, and under-house voids
4️⃣ Flooding and Heavy Rain Events – Force snakes out of drains and creeks
5️⃣ Legal Protection – All native snakes are protected under NSW law, supporting stable populations

The Ecological Role of Snakes in Greater Sydney

Snakes play a vital role in maintaining environmental balance:

Natural Rodent Control – Reduces rat and mouse populations

Balanced Food Chains – Prevents overpopulation of frogs and lizards

Environmental Indicators – Healthy snake populations signal functioning ecosystems

Without snakes, Greater Sydney would face increased pest infestations and ecological instability.

Safety Advice for Greater Sydney Residents

✅ Keep lawns trimmed and gardens tidy
✅ Remove timber piles, rubbish, and construction debris
✅ Seal gaps under doors, garages, and sheds
✅ Manage ponds and standing water
✅ Supervise pets near bushland and waterways
✅ Wear closed shoes in long grass
✅ Never attempt to handle or kill a snake

If a snake is seen, remain calm, keep a safe distance, and contact a licensed snake catcher.

Professional Snake Removal Across Greater Sydney

Snake encounters are common across Greater Sydney and should always be handled by trained professionals.

📞 Shire Snake Wranglers – 24/7 Greater Sydney Snake Catchers
For fast, safe, and humane snake removal, call 0428 458 856 any time, day or night.