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What reptiles can you keep as pets in Australia

Author

Victoria Simmons

Published Apr 22, 2026

The most popular Australian reptiles to keep are the Blue-tongue Lizard, Tiliqua scincoides, and the Central Bearded Dragon, Pogona vitticeps, both of which are interesting and easy to care for. Turtles are also popular pets, however a lot of time and effort needs to go in to water changing and filtration.

What snakes can you keep as pets in Australia?

There are four categories of licences ranging from category 2 to category 5 (there is no category 1). Owners must be aged over 18 from category 3 upwards. Suitable starter snakes are the Stimson’s python, the South-west carpet python and the woma python (also known as Ramsay’s python and sand python).

Can you have a bearded dragon as a pet in Australia?

In Australia no pet owner can legally keep all the species of bearded dragons at the same time. This is because: In Australia, only the species naturally available in the state can be kept and the bearded dragons that live in each state can be different.

What is the friendliest reptile for a pet?

  • Bearded Dragon. Despite their fearsome appearance, these exotic-looking lizards are generally friendly and gentle. …
  • Leopard Gecko. Slower than typical geckos and lacking the sticky pads that can make escapes easy, leopard geckos come in different colorations and marking patterns. …
  • Blue-Tongued Skink. …
  • Crested Gecko. …
  • Uromastyx.

Can I own a chameleon in Australia?

To answer your question- Yes, ALL species and subspecies of chameleons are strictly prohibited in Australia.

What is the friendliest snake?

Corn snakes are thought to be the most friendly snakes and they are certainly the most commonly owned. This is because they are very widely available and extremely easy to care for. They are also proven to be the most friendly and docile snake breed.

Can you own an iguana in Australia?

The import and keeping of green iguanas is illegal in Australia and attracts significant penalties. … Authorities have regularly found illegally kept pet green iguanas in Australia.

What is the best beginner reptile pet?

  • 1) Leopard Gecko. These cute little creatures are the darlings of the lizard world, with their smiling faces and big, bright eyes. …
  • 2) Bearded Dragon. …
  • 3) Ball Python. …
  • 4) King Snake.

What lizards make good pets Australia?

The most popular Australian reptiles to keep are the Blue-tongue Lizard, Tiliqua scincoides, and the Central Bearded Dragon, Pogona vitticeps, both of which are interesting and easy to care for. Turtles are also popular pets, however a lot of time and effort needs to go in to water changing and filtration.

What is the best beginner lizard?
  • Leopard Geckos: considered by many to be the ideal lizards for beginners since they are relatively small and easy to care for. …
  • Bearded Dragons: These are probably the most challenging of the beginner reptiles listed here, mostly due to the equipment needed to keep them.
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What geckos can you own in Australia?

  • Asian House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus)
  • Dtella (Gehyra dubia)
  • Robust Velvet Gecko (Oedura robusta)
  • Spotted Velvet Gecko (Oedura tryoni)
  • Stone Gecko (Diplodactylus vittatus)
  • Thick-tailed Gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii)

What reptiles can you own in Queensland?

  • American corn snakes.
  • anoles – all types.
  • boa constrictors.
  • ball pythons.
  • chameleons.
  • dingoes.
  • feral pigs.
  • ferrets.

Can you own a corn snake in Australia?

Corn snakes have been bred and actively distributed by the pet industry with the species now kept both legally and illegally in captivity around the world. … However, the corn snake is not included in the Live Import List making importation of the species into Australia illegal.

Are milk snakes legal in Australia?

Milk snakes are native to the Americas and illegal in Australia, but a common pet in the US. … The snake was reported to the Commonwealth and it is understood the animal will be put down.

Are hognose snakes legal in Australia?

Currently, it is illegal to own exotic animals as pets in Australia. That means that hognose snakes that are native to North America, including Western, Eastern, Southern, and Mexican hognose snakes, cannot be legally kept as pets in Australia.

Can I have a pet snake?

Several species are commonly kept as pets including king snakes, rat snakes, garter snakes, corn snakes, various pythons (particularly ball pythons), and various boa constrictors (especially the common boa constrictor). … Most snakes sold as pets are easy to handle and are usually not aggressive.

Are chinchillas illegal in Australia?

As long as you purchase a chinchilla from a legal breeder, it is legal to own a chinchilla.

Can I own a meerkat in Australia?

Jason Ricketts You can’t have a pet meerkat in Australia.

Are Axolotls legal in Australia?

Axolotls can be bought in pet stores around Australia, but cannot legally be brought into the country. … Australia has a bad record of allowing exotic species such as rabbits and cane toads into the country.

What's the safest snake to have as a pet?

One number one choice for the best snake pet is the corn snake. Of the bunch, corn snakes are considered the most docile and gentle. They are also known for being easy to handle and easy to feed.

What snake is best for beginners?

  • Western Hognose Snake.
  • Garter Snake.
  • Gopher Snake.
  • Milk Snake.
  • Rosy Boa.
  • Ball Python.
  • California King Snake.
  • Corn Snake.

Are black racers friendly?

It is not uncommon to find these black racer snakes in Florida in suburban yards. They are less fearful of people than many other snakes, and can become aggressive or even charge at people if they feel threatened.

Can you own a blue tongue lizard in Australia?

All Australian lizards are protected species in Australia. In order to legally house a blue-tongued lizard, you must register with your local government by applying for a ‘Companion Animal Keeper Licence’. … You can then apply for your licence online or call the provided number.

Are bearded dragons good pets?

Bearded dragons make excellent pets for kids. They are generally docile and gentle creatures. Kids will be able to learn how to handle them and develop a strong bond over time. Caring for them is easy, but they need regular meals, attention, and maintenance.

Are reptiles easy pets?

Reptiles as pets are a great option for a multitude of reasons. For owners looking for something relatively easy to care for, unique, or hypo-allergenic, reptiles are a great choice. … Reptiles are available in many shapes and sizes, and while some pets have higher care needs, others are fairly low-maintenance.

What are the top 10 reptiles?

  • Komodo dragon.
  • Black mamba.
  • Saltwater crocodile.
  • King cobra.
  • Gila monster.
  • Cottonmouth (viper)
  • American alligator.
  • Leatherback sea turtle.

How much is a pet gecko?

MorphPrice (USD)Standard or Common$30Fancy$50Patternless$75Lavender$75

What is the cheapest reptile to own?

Probably one of the more popular if not the most popular of all reptile pets, the Leopard Gecko earned its spot on this best reptile pets list for many, many reasons. Essentially, the Leopard Gecko wins points for being affordable, easy to handle, low maintenance reptiles to care for, and amusing.

Are uromastyx good pets?

Summary – do uromastyx make good pet lizards? Yes, uromastyx definitely make great pet lizards. Their beautiful looks, curious eyes and interesting behaviors make them very fascinating to watch! They are also rather easy to keep after the initial setup and don’t require any live feeder bugs.

Is a chameleon a good pet?

Chameleons are amazing creatures, but they aren’t the best pets for everyone. Since their care requirements are quite specific and they are easily stressed, chameleons are not for the beginner herpetologist.

Are pythons safe pets?

Ball pythons are among the most popular pet snakes. They are good beginner snakes because they are docile and easy to care. Housing for a ball python can vary from simple to elaborate. The most important thing is that you follow several rules and check in on your pet often to ensure it appears to look and act healthy.