How to Spot a Quoll in the Wild

Australia is home to some truly unique and curious creatures—but few are as special (or as secretive) as the *quoll*. These shy, carnivorous marsupials are nocturnal wonders, rarely seen by most people, even seasoned bushwalkers. But with patience and a few clever tricks, you can boost your chances of spotting one in the wild. Here’s how.

1. *Know Where to Look

Quolls live in very specific habitats, depending on their species. There are four types in Australia:

*Eastern Quoll* – Found mainly in Tasmania in grasslands, forests and open bush.

*Spotted-tail Quoll* – Prefers wetter forests along the east coast, from far north Queensland to Tasmania. 

*Northern Quoll* – Lives in rocky areas, savannah woodlands, and around escarpments in the Northern Territory, WA, and Queensland. 

*Western Quoll (Chuditch)* – Found in parts of WA, especially Jarrah forests. ---

2. *Top Locations to Spot Quolls

Want the best chance to see a quoll? Head to these quoll-friendly places:

 

*Tasmania* (Eastern & Spotted-tail Quoll) 

* *Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park* – A true hotspot, quolls often wander close to walking tracks and accommodation areas. They have even been reported trying steal food from people walking the Overland Track! 

*Bruny Island* – Good sightings of Eastern Quolls near open grasslands at dawn and dusk. 

*Mount Field National Park* – Forest edges and riverbanks are good bets. 

 

*Queensland & Northern Territory* (Northern Quoll)

*Kakadu National Park (NT)* – Rocky escarpments and stone country offer ideal habitat. 

*Litchfield National Park (NT)* – Look near waterfalls and rocky outcrops at dusk. 

*Bowra Wildlife Sanctuary (QLD)* – A reliable spot for Northern Quolls, especially around rocks and termite mounds.

 

#### *New South Wales & Victoria* (Spotted-tail Quoll) 

*Border Ranges National Park (NSW)* – Dense rainforest and escarpments are perfect habitat. *

*Grampians National Park (VIC)* – One of the best mainland spots for Spotted-tail Quolls.

#### *Western Australia (Western Quoll) 

*Dryandra Woodland* – Possibly your best chance to see a Chuditch in WA. 

*Fitzgerald River National Park* – Remote, but quoll populations survive here. 

 

### 3. *Go at the Right Time

Quolls are *nocturnal*, meaning they are active at night. Your best chance to see them is at: 

*Dusk and dawn* (also called the “crepuscular” hours) 

On *quiet, moonlit nights* when they are hunting for food 

After recent rain—when prey like insects and frogs are active too 

*Tip*: Bring a red-filtered torch to gently light up the forest without startling them. 

### 4. *Learn the Signs

Even if you don’t see a quoll, you might spot clues they’ve left behind: 

*Scats (droppings)*: These are usually dark, twisted, and full of fur, feathers, or insect parts. 

*Tracks*: Small paw prints with five toes. Hard to spot unless on soft ground. 

*Scratch marks*: Found on trees or logs where quolls climb or hunt.

### 5. *Stay Silent, Stay Still

Quolls have excellent hearing and will vanish at the slightest noise. To improve your chances: * Move *quietly* and *slowly*. * Sit and *wait patiently* near waterholes, fallen logs or animal trails. * Turn off your light if you hear rustling and listen carefully.

### 6. *What to Watch For

A quoll in the wild is unmistakable if you know what to look for: 

*Fur*: Brown or black with distinct white spots. 

*Size*: Between the size of a kitten and a small cat. 

*Tail*: Long and bushy, sometimes spotted. 

*Eyes*: Bright, reflective in torchlight (watch for the glow!). 

 

### 7. *Support Quoll Conservation: Quoll Headquarters

If you care about these incredible marsupials, consider supporting the vital work of **Quoll Headquarters**—an organisation dedicated to saving and restoring quoll populations across Australia. 

You can help by: 

* Visiting their website at https://quollheadquarters.org/ 

* Donating to fund quoll rescue and recovery programs

* Volunteering or attending their site in Northern NSW 

* Spreading the word about quoll conservation

Every bit of support counts in helping these amazing native predators thrive once again.

 

### 8. *Be Respectful

Remember: quolls are *threatened species*. Don’t feed them, chase them, or disturb their habitat. Take only photos, leave only footprints.

 

## Final Thought

Spotting a quoll in the wild is rare—and magical. Whether you glimpse one racing through the undergrowth or catch a pair of glowing eyes in the dark, it’s a moment to treasure. With patience, quiet, and care, you just might be lucky. So grab your boots, your red torch, and your love of nature—and head out into the wild.