6 November 2025
As the year draws to a close, join Wildlife Queensland to give Queensland’s brush-tailed rock-wallabies the greatest gift of all: a future in the wild.
A race against time for Queensland’s rocky survivors
Across Queensland’s rugged escarpments and mountain ranges, the brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) once thrived. Agile, sure-footed, and perfectly adapted to life among the cliffs, these marsupials were a familiar sight on rocky slopes and forested ridges.
Today, only small, scattered colonies remain, some with just a handful of individuals left. The devastating 2019–20 bushfires destroyed up to 80% of their habitat across New South Wales and scorched vital colonies across Queensland’s Main Range, Mount Barney and Crow’s Nest. Many wallabies that survived the flames later starved, with little food or shelter left among the ashes.
Now, intensifying fires, introduced predators and continuing habitat loss are pushing this iconic species to the edge. Without urgent action, we could lose the brush-tailed rock-wallaby from Queensland’s wild landscapes within years.
The quiet determination of a survivor
Despite these challenges, the brush-tailed rock-wallaby remains a symbol of resilience. It is a true Queenslander: resilient, resourceful and uniquely adapted to our rugged landscapes. Yet even the hardiest survivors cannot endure without help. As safe refuges vanish and climate pressures grow, their future becomes more uncertain.
Every joey that makes it to adulthood is a small victory, a spark of hope for the recovery of the species and the health of the ecosystems they help sustain. Protecting these wallabies means protecting the rich biodiversity that defines our state.
Turning compassion into conservation
Wildlife Queensland’s project officers are on the ground every week, trekking across steep ranges, installing monitoring cameras and working alongside landholders and Traditional Owners to rebuild safe havens for these remarkable animals.
“Ongoing conservation efforts that tackle pest threats and improve connectivity are so important for this species,” says Wildlife Queensland Projects Officer Paul Revie. “With your help, we can prevent further range contraction and secure their future.”
The Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Project has now completed its targeted predator control phase and is moving into the next stage, monitoring population growth across more than 15,000 hectares of key habitat. Early results are promising, with increased juvenile survival providing a hopeful sign for recovery.
Protecting the future of Queensland’s rocky survivors
Looking ahead, Wildlife Queensland is committed to continuing the recovery of brush-tailed rock-wallabies through habitat restoration, ongoing monitoring and collaboration with Traditional Owners and landholders to improve landscape connectivity. By combining Indigenous fire knowledge with science-based management, the organisation aims to protect critical refuges, manage threats and give these wallabies a chance to thrive once more.
Time is running out to make a difference. Your tax-deductible donation before the end of the financial year will help Wildlife Queensland continue critical work to help bring these wallabies one step closer to safety.
Please donate today to give Queensland’s joeys the future they deserve.