Respect the island: check access, fire and weather conditions before you go.Plan responsibly →

Protect South Straddie wildlife

Small island.
Remarkable wallabies.

South Stradbroke Island is home to agile wallabies and a distinctive golden form of the swamp wallaby. Their future depends on healthy habitat and thoughtful human behaviour—not close encounters.

Six ways to help

Original illustration of wallabies in South Stradbroke Island coastal habitat — Original editorial illustration—not a species-identification photograph.

Why they matter

An island form worth looking after.

Queensland Parks describes the golden swamp wallaby as endemic to North and South Stradbroke islands. Its current island guide gives the more specific range as Peel, North Stradbroke and South Stradbroke islands. The City of Gold Coast calls the island form unique and of high conservation significance. Wallabies are protected native wildlife under Queensland law.

That does not mean this website should claim every dark-faced animal is a rare “black-faced wallaby”. The Queensland wildlife record for South Stradbroke Conservation Park lists agile wallabies and swamp wallabies. Coat colour and facial markings alone are not enough for a reliable identification.

A dark-faced wallaby holding and eating a carrot on South Stradbroke Island — Wallaby on South Stradbroke Island · Species not identified from the image alone

Island photo record

Observe the details. Keep the conclusion open.

Dark facial markings make this a striking encounter, but a photograph alone is not enough to confirm whether an animal is an agile wallaby, a swamp wallaby or a particular island form.

The animal is shown eating a carrot. How it obtained the food is unknown; visitors should never feed wallabies or leave food where wildlife can reach it.

See the responsible wildlife guide →

Golden swamp wallaby

A brightly coloured island form of the swamp wallaby, associated with dense understorey and recognised for its conservation significance.

Agile wallaby

Also officially recorded on South Straddie. Queensland Parks says it was once common in the wider region and is often seen on the island.

Seen a black face?

Photograph quietly from a distance and note the date, location and habitat. Seek expert confirmation before assigning a species or rarity label.

Act for wallabies

Protection starts with everyday choices.

Never feed them

Human food can alter natural behaviour, concentrate animals and contribute to stress, disease and nutritional problems. Feeding wildlife in protected areas is prohibited.

Give them space

Watch quietly, use a zoom lens and leave an escape route. Never chase, touch, corner or pose with a wallaby.

Keep pets away

Domestic animals are not permitted in the conservation park. Even brief contact or saliva can seriously harm wildlife.

Protect the understorey

Stay on established access routes, avoid trampling shelter vegetation, prevent weeds and support careful fire and habitat management.

Take rubbish home

Secure food and remove every scrap. Queensland Parks does not provide park bins because rubbish attracts wildlife and scavengers.

Slow down and look

Where authorised vehicles or bikes operate, travel cautiously—especially around vegetation, campgrounds and during low-light hours.

Injured or orphaned wildlife

Call first. Don’t attempt care yourself.

Queensland Government guidance says to contact trained responders immediately. Even an animal that looks only slightly injured may have internal injuries.

7am–7pm daily1300 ANIMAL

1300 264 625

Follow the operator’s instructions. Licensed wildlife carers—not members of the public—should rehabilitate protected animals.

Evidence desk