Snake Species Found in Illawarra

Why Are There So Many Snakes in the Illawarra? A Comprehensive Analysis
‍
The Illawarra region of NSW, stretching from Helensburgh in the north through Wollongong, Shellharbour, and down to Kiama, is famous for its beaches, escarpments, and rainforests. But locals know that the Illawarra is also prime snake territory. With lush bushland, wet gullies, suburban gardens, and farmland all blending together, snakes thrive here just as much as people do.

So why exactly are snakes so common in the Illawarra, and which species are you most likely to encounter? Let’s take a detailed look.

Geographical and Environmental Overview
‍
📍 Escarpments and National Parks
The Illawarra Escarpment towers above the coastal plain, providing a vast natural corridor for wildlife. Key reserves and parks include:

Royal National Park (north), connecting into Helensburgh and Stanwell Tops.

Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, stretching from Austinmer to Mount Kembla.

Macquarie Pass National Park, linking the escarpment to the Southern Highlands.

Budderoo and Barren Grounds Nature Reserves, rich in reptiles and birdlife.

These reserves are not just scenic backdrops — they form wildlife highways where snakes can move freely into surrounding suburbs.

🌿 Bushland Meets Suburbs
From Helensburgh and Wombarra in the north, through Figtree, Mount Keira, and Farmborough Heights, down to Shellharbour and Kiama, many Illawarra suburbs sit right against dense bush. This overlap of human homes and native habitat makes backyard snake sightings a regular occurrence.

💧 Rivers, Creeks, and Wetlands
The region is full of water systems — creeks running down the escarpment, Lake Illawarra, and numerous dams and wetlands. Red-Bellied Black Snakes thrive in these damp areas, while frogs and lizards provide an endless food source for other species.

🏡 Population Spread
With a population of over 320,000, the Illawarra has everything from high-rise apartments in Wollongong to leafy suburban backyards in suburbs like Bulli, Thirroul, and Dapto. The larger the yard, the more likely it is to provide snake shelter — especially if there are sheds, gardens, or wood piles.

🌡 Climate
The Illawarra’s warm temperate climate is perfect for reptiles. Unlike cooler inland areas, snakes here are active for much of the year. On sunny winter days, it’s not unusual to see snakes basking on roads, rocks, or driveways.

Common Snake Species in the Illawarra
‍
Based on relocation trends across the region, here are the most frequently encountered species:

🐍 Red-Bellied Black Snake – Highly venomous but generally shy. Strongly associated with wetlands, creeks, and backyards near water.

🐍 Diamond Python – Harmless and excellent at controlling rats. Common in roof spaces, trees, and sheds.

🐍 Common Tree Snake – Harmless and fast-moving. Frequently mistaken for venomous snakes, often found in gardens and even bathrooms.

🐍 Eastern Brown Snake – Extremely venomous. Found more in farmland and open grassy areas, especially on the western side of the escarpment.

🐍 Golden-Crowned Snake – Nocturnal, mildly venomous, and usually seen under logs, rocks, and leaf litter.

🐍 Yellow-Faced Whip Snake – Slender, fast, and mildly venomous. Common in dry, open bushland.

🐍 Eastern Tiger Snake – Highly venomous, usually found near creeks, wetlands, and dams. Rare, but high-risk when encountered.

Why Are Snakes So Common in the Illawarra?
‍
1️⃣ Natural Corridors – The escarpment provides perfect cover, with rock crevices, leaf litter, and dense forest. Snakes use these pathways to enter suburbs.

2️⃣ Food Sources –

Rats and mice attract pythons and brown snakes.

Frogs bring in Red-Bellied Blacks and Tree Snakes.

Birds and lizards provide prey for arboreal hunters.

3️⃣ Human Influence – Wood piles, sheds, ponds, and even compost heaps create ideal hiding spots and prey hotspots.

4️⃣ Climate and Seasonality –

Spring: Mating season, high activity.

Summer: Snakes are most visible.

Autumn: Feeding intensifies before winter.

Winter: Brumation, but snakes still emerge on sunny days.

5️⃣ Conservation Protections – Snakes are protected by law. With more awareness and licensed relocation, populations remain stable despite development.

Ecological Importance of Snakes in the Illawarra
Snakes aren’t just part of the landscape — they’re vital for balance.

Rat Control – Diamond Pythons and Browns keep rodent numbers down.

Ecosystem Balance – By feeding on frogs, lizards, and birds, snakes help prevent population spikes.

Biodiversity Indicator – Healthy snake numbers mean healthy bushland.

Safety Tips for Illawarra Residents
‍
✅ Keep yards tidy – cut grass, clear clutter, and trim bushes.
✅ Seal gaps in sheds, garages, and under houses.
✅ Keep pets supervised near bush edges.
✅ Cover drains and vents with mesh.
✅ Wear shoes in long grass, use a torch at night.
✅ Never try to catch a snake – call a professional.

Professional Snake Relocations in the Illawarra
Snake encounters are part of life in the Illawarra, but they don’t have to be dangerous. If you find a snake in your home, backyard, or workplace:

📞 Shire Snake Wranglers – 24/7 Illawarra Snake Catchers
For expert advice and safe relocations across the Illawarra, call 0428 458 856.

#Illawarra #SnakeRelocation #SnakeCatcherIllawarra #ShireSnakeWranglers