Are There Snakes On K'gari?

Lily Kerley

Updated Thu 12 Sep 2024

A brown snake curled up

K'gari (Fraser Island) is a paradise for adventurers, offering stunning landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and a thriving ecosystem teeming with wildlife. And, indeed, many visitors often ask us: are there snakes on K'gari?

The answer? Yes, there are snakes on K'gari. Many snakes found on K'gari are non-venomous like the carpet python and green tree python. There are also a small handful of venomous snakes on K'gari, for example, the eastern brown. Just like the rest of hot, sunny, sandy, Queensland, K'gari is the perfect place for a snake to inhabit with over 20 types of snakes and pythons calling K'gari home.

In this guide, we’ll explore the types of snakes found on the island, how to identify them, and how to practice snake safety so your next K'gari holiday can be worry-free!

Types of Snakes Found on K'gari

Luckily, K'gari is made up of healthy, biodiverse ecosystems, making it the perfect place for our slithery friends to thrive. Home to a variety of snake species, most of which are non-venomous and pose little threat to humans. However, some venomous species also call the island home. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more at ease during your visit.

Here is a complete list of snake species found on K'gari

Pythons: Carpet python, eastern small-blotched python
Tree Snakes: Brown tree snake, green tree snake, keelback snake
Venomous Snakes: Red-bellied black snake, eastern brown snake, common death adder, white-crowned snake, dwarf crowned snake, golden-crowned snake, yellow-faced whip snake, black whip snake, black-bellied swamp snake, pale-headed snake, taipan, eastern small-eyed snake, rough-scaled snake, eastern bandy-bandy

Carpet Python in a man's arms

How to Identify Common Snakes on K'gari

Carpet Python

Look for a thick, muscular snake with distinctive patterns on its skin. Their scales often have a mix of brown, olive, and cream colours, forming diamond or blotchy markings. Carpet pythons can grow over 3 meters long but tend to remain coiled up during the day, hiding in shaded areas or trees.

Eastern Brown Snake

The Eastern Brown Snake is slender and ranges in colour from light brown to almost black, sometimes with darker streaks. It’s typically between 1.5 and 2 metres long. Their heads are small, and they tend to move quickly when startled. You may see them basking in the sun on sand dunes or open grassy areas.

Common Tree Snake

These snakes are easily identifiable by their vibrant colours, often green or yellow, with a thin, agile body. They can grow up to 2 metres and are often found in trees or near water sources. They’re very active and can move quickly through vegetation, tree branches or swim effortlessly across lakes.

Green Tree Snake hanging from a rod

Snake Safety in Australia

Being Snake Savvy

Encounters with snakes on K'gari are rare, but it’s always good to be prepared. Here are a few tips to stay safe during your adventures in Australia.

Stick to designated paths
Snakes tend to avoid areas with lots of human activity. By staying on marked trails, you’ll reduce your chances of stumbling across a snake.
Watch where you step
Be mindful of where you’re walking, especially in grassy or sandy and grassy areas. Snakes can blend into their surroundings, so take your time and stay alert.
Don’t disturb wildlife
If you do see a snake, give it plenty of space and avoid trying to touch or move it. Most snakes will slither away if left undisturbed.
Wear appropriate footwear
Closed-toed shoes and long pants can offer some protection when walking through snake-prone areas.
Keep an eye on your kids
If you're bushwalking with children, make sure they don't run ahead if you are in a snake habitat. Same goes with picking up logs and rocks.
Make some noise
Snakes are only aggressive if they feel threatened, which commonly happens when a human startles or tries to catch them. To avoid scaring nearby snakes, stomp as you walk so the reptiles can feel your vibrations and know you're coming.

What to Do If You See a Snake on K'gari

In the unlikely event that you encounter a snake during your trip, remain calm. Most snakes will move away quickly if they sense you approaching.

Stay still
If you spot a snake close by, the best thing to do is to stop and remain still. Sudden movements may startle the snake.
Slowly back away
Once the snake has moved off, you can slowly retreat and continue on your way. Avoid making any fast movements. If you need to walk around the snake, give it a wide berth.
Alert others
Let any other people in your party or in the area know you've spotted a snake, keeping your eyes on the animal while you do this.
Contact a Ranger if needed
If you see a snake near popular tourist areas or campsites, let a park ranger know. They can assess the situation and ensure everyone stays safe.

Three people walking across a sandy dune on K'gari

Summary of Snakes on K'gari

While the idea of snakes may sound intimidating, they rarely pose a problem for visitors. K'gari is a natural wonderland, and its diverse wildlife, including snakes, plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem... really we're lucky to see so much wildlife thrive amongst healthy biodiversity! By respecting the wildlife and following safety guidelines, we can enjoy all the island has to offer without worry, so pack the sunscreen and let's dive in!