Native Animals

Wollongong is home to a wide range of native mammals, birds, amphibians and insects.

All native animals (except dingoes) are protected in New South Wales.

You can support our native wildlife by adding native plants and trees to your garden, and keeping your pets away from native animals.

We also have plenty of environmental volunteer programs you can join to help build and protect habitats for native animals.

Here are some guides to local animals you might see in your garden or our natural areas:

There are many types of native animals and plants in our region that are threatened or at risk of becoming extinct.

State laws exist to protect these types of species. You can read more, and learn about threatened species in our area, on the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage’s website.

If you find an injured or orphaned native animal, contact one of the groups below or a vet for assistance.

WIRES 1300 094 737
Wildlife Rescue South Coast 0418 427 214. This service covers areas south of (and including) Wollongong CBD only. If you’re north of the Wollongong city centre, contact WIRES.

Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) is an infectious disease affecting poultry, pets and wild birds, mammals and in rare cases, humans.

We need everyone to be alert for signs of H5N1 avian influenza and keep pets clear of sick and dead birds.

For more details, see our Bird Flu page.