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Native fauna

Over 100 species of indigenous fauna have been recorded within the resorts.

Mammals

They are home to a diverse range of native Australian mammals, such as the:

  • Mountain Pygmy-possum
  • Eastern Grey Kangaroo
  • Black-tailed Wallaby
  • Platypus
  • Short Beaked Echidna
  • Common Wombat
  • Common Ringtail and Brushtail Possums
  • Dusky and Agile Antechinus
  • Broad-toothed and Bush Rats
  • and numerous species of small bats.

Birds

A variety of stunning birds can also be seen in mountain environments such as the:

  • Wedge Tail Eagle
  • Magpie
  • Kookaburra
  • Australian and Black-shouldered Kite
  • Brown Falcon
  • Superb Lyrebird
  • Yellow-tailed Black and Gang Gang Cockatoos
  • Crimson Rosella
  • Flame Robin
  • Pardalote and a variety of Honeyeaters.

Invertebrates, reptiles, frogs and fish

Numerous endemic alpine invertebrates, reptiles, frogs and fish inhabit the resort habitats and waterways. Notable species include:

  • She-Oak and Guthega Skink
  • Mountain and Barred Galaxias
  • Alpine Tree Frog
  • Bogong Moth
  • Stoneflies.
Gang‑gang cockatoo perched in alpine forest
Gang‑gang cockatoo at Mt Buller

Supporting native wildlife

Injured animals within the resort should always be seen by a wildlife professional, so never approach, feed or attempt to rescue an animal.

Instead, call a wildlife rescue service, such as Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300 for assistance.

Wildlife is most active during dusk and dawn so extra care when travelling during those times.

Never feed the wildlife as it may result in significant problems for both animals and people.

  • Processed seeds, bread, dairy and other foods that are not part of an animal's natural diet can make them very sick or cause death.
  • Animals that expect to be fed by people can become aggressive, harassing people for food when they are hungry.
  • Hand-feeding can result in the transfer of illness or disease: both to and from the animal.
  • Animals that are fed by people may lose their ability to forage for natural foods.

Resort residents who wish to attract wildlife to their property can plant native species (of local provenance from the Victorian Alps Nursery) on leased sites.

Please remember: non-native and non-alpine species are not permitted to be planted within alpine resorts.

Native flora

Over summer, alpine resorts are home to more than 400 native plant species, many of which are found only in the alpine region and flower abundantly during the warmer months.

Alpine nursery

ARV runs the Victorian Alpine Nursery, a wholesale tubestock production nursery operated by Mt Hotham Alpine Resort since 2005.

In that time, this business has established a reputation to a be a leader in supplying high quality, local provenance, alpine and cold climate plants.

The nursery is open to the public by appointment only. Orders and enquiries can be placed by email, phone or by making an appointment to visit the nursery: Victorian Alps Nursery.

Each resort has its own flora guide you can pick up from the visitor services centre in resort or download a copy below.

Pest species

Unfortunately, there are also several introduced species within the resors– rabbits, foxes, Sambar deer and feral cats – all of which pose significant threats to our unique alpine species.

Pest plant species have also made their way into the resorts, threatening native species and harbouring pest animals.

Species of concern are Blackberry, English Broom, Hawkweeds, St John’s Wort, Yarrow and Ox-eye Daisy.

For more information visit Pest, plant and animal control.

Page last updated: 21/04/26