wildlife to watch for on the northern rivers rail trail

This blog post was written is partnership with Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital.

Your Wildlife Spotting Guide

One of the greatest joys of exploring the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is the opportunity to experience Australia’s unique wildlife in its natural habitat. From ancient rainforests and eucalyptus forests to wetlands, farmland and river systems, the Rail Trail passes through some of the most biodiverse landscapes in NSW.

The Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital (NRWH) is proud to care for the region’s sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife. In the past 12 months, their veterinary team has treated more than 2,000 native animals, giving them the best possible chance of returning to the wild. Every day, they see firsthand just how important healthy habitats like those surrounding the Rail Trail are for the survival of Australia’s native species.

Whether you’re walking, cycling or simply taking in the scenery, keep an eye out as you never know who you might meet.

Koalas

Few wildlife sightings are as exciting as spotting a koala in the wild. They’re not easy to find, which is exactly what makes those rare encounters so memorable. Although they spend up to 20 hours a day resting, koalas can occasionally be seen high in eucalyptus trees, quietly sleeping or enjoying a meal of gum leaves. The Northern Rivers is home to one of NSW’s most significant koala populations. Habitat loss, vehicle strikes and disease continue to threaten their survival, making every protected habitat increasingly important.

Where to look:

High in mature eucalyptus trees.
Early morning and late afternoon are often the best times to spot them.

Did you know?

Koalas have an extraordinary sense of smell that helps them select the most nutritious eucalyptus leaves from hundreds of different tree species.

Superb Fairy-wrens Koala perched in a eucalyptus tree eating gum leaves. The koala is clinging to a tree trunk while surrounded by green foliage, with a blurred bushland background visible behind it.

Wallabies and Kangaroos

Wallabies and eastern grey kangaroos are common throughout the Northern Rivers and are often seen grazing in open paddocks beside the Rail Trail. More commonly on the southern section. They are generally most active around sunrise and sunset and can move surprisingly quickly if startled.

Where to look:

• Open grasslands and paddocks beside the Rail Trail.

• Early morning and late afternoon when they are feeding.

Did you know?

Eastern grey kangaroos can travel at speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour over short distances and use their powerful tails to help balance while hopping.

Where to look:

Open grassy areas.
Forest edges.
Early morning or late afternoon.

Please remember: Never approach or feed native macropods, as this can alter their natural behaviour and place both people and wildlife at risk.

Adult wallaby and joey standing together in a grassy field. The larger wallaby is standing upright while the younger wallaby sits beside it. Both are facing the camera, with a softly blurred bushland background behind them. Two eastern grey kangaroos standing among tall grass beside a tree in warm golden light. One kangaroo is standing upright behind the other, while both face towards the camera. The scene is set in natural bushland with softly blurred vegetation in the background.

Echidnas

Australia’s spiny echidna is one of our most fascinating native mammals. Echidnas spend much of their time searching for ants and termites using their remarkable long, sticky tongue. They move slowly and quietly, making them a real treat to encounter on the Rail Trail.

Where to look:

Along bush tracks.
Near fallen logs.
In leaf litter after rain.

Did you know?

Echidnas are one of only five living monotreme species in the world, mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young.

Close-up of an echidna walking across grass beside a path. The echidna's body is covered in cream and dark-coloured spines, with a long narrow snout and strong claws visible as it moves through a natural outdoor setting.