The Water Dragon

The Eastern Water Dragons live along rivers and creeks throughout the Northeast of Australia down to southern NSW. Generally they are shy lizards and quickly run away when disturbed - even across the top of the water with lots of splashing. When running they stand up and mainly use their back legs.

Males are larger than females and can grow up to 90 centimetres and have a red chest which makes them easy to identify. They have elaborate courtship displays which include cute activities such as bobbing their heads up and down and arm waving. They can lay a large number of eggs.

Water Dragons are quick climbers, racing over the bare rocks to catch an insect. They only hunt during the day, and like to relax in the sun. When it gets too hot they prefer shady wet places. In Secret Gully, the little water monitor spends a lot of time behind a waterfall, looking at her reflection in a wet shiny rock.

When you come near water monitors they will drop into the water with a plop. They feel safe in the water and can hide in crevices of rocks or under tiny ledges.