The frilled lizard is a tree-dwelling lizard of northern Australia and New Guinea, famous for its dramatic neck frill. It is one of Australia’s most iconic reptiles.
Interesting facts
- Its frill can be about 30 cm across.
- If bluffing fails, it runs away on its hind legs.
- It spends most of its time in trees.
- It appeared on Australia’s two-cent coin.
- It helped inspire the frilled dinosaur in the film Jurassic Park.
- It is most active and visible during the wet season.
Behaviour
Frilled lizards spend most of their time in trees, coming down to hunt insects. They are most active in the wet season.
Breeding and young
Females lay about 8–23 eggs in a shallow nest. The sex of the hatchlings depends partly on temperature.
Threats and conservation
The species is not considered threatened, although it is affected by habitat changes and cane toads.
Where to see it
- Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
- Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory
- Cape York Peninsula, Queensland
- The Kimberley, Western Australia
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
Kakadu National Park Wildlife Guide
