Dusk and dawn are good times to look for wild wombats, but sightings are never guaranteed. Watch quietly from a distance, stay on marked paths, give wombats room to move and leave their burrows undisturbed.
Look for wombats at dusk or dawn
Wombats are more likely to be active around dawn and dusk, when Parks Victoria and South Australia’s environment department recommend looking for wildlife. Choose a park where visitors are allowed and follow local signs.
Move slowly and watch from the path rather than walking across scrub to get closer. Use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens if you have one. Don’t feed, touch, follow or try to lure a wombat out with sounds.
Give wombat burrows a wide berth
Stay on the trail if you see a burrow entrance. Don’t stand over it, block it, touch it or look inside. A visible entrance can connect to a larger network of tunnels, as described in guidance from NSW Environment and Heritage and South Australia’s environment department.
No single viewing distance applies to wombats across Australia. Follow the signs and instructions for the park you’re visiting, and give the animal more room if it moves away or seems unsettled.
Keep noise and lights low
Keep conversations quiet and put your phone on silent. Avoid camera flash, and don’t shine a torch directly at a wombat. South Australia’s parks guidance warns that bright lights and close approaches can disturb wildlife.
If you’re driving through wildlife habitat, slow down and use headlights responsibly. South Australian parks guidance advises drivers to dip their headlights in wildlife areas. Keep enough visibility to drive safely.
If a wombat crosses your path
On a trail, stop and let the wombat pass. Keep clear of its route and don’t follow it or block its way.
On a road, slow down and brake in a controlled way. Give the animal time to cross, and pass only when it is safe. NSW road-safety guidance advises drivers to leave space and avoid harsh swerving. If you find an injured wombat, don’t handle it; contact park staff or a licensed wildlife carer.