The Quenda (Isoodon fusciventer) is one of WA’s most rewarding urban wildlife encounters – a compact, busy little marsupial that forages through leaf litter with its distinctive elongated snout. Despite being listed as a species of conservation concern, Quenda are surprisingly findable around Perth if you know where to look. For a broader guide to wildlife watching locations across WA, see the Where to See Wildlife in Western Australia index.
About Quenda
Quenda is the Noongar name – far better than the European name ‘bandicoot’, which means ‘pig-footed rat’. They were a sub-species of the Southern Brown Bandicoot but now raised to a full species after this paper. They are medium-sized marsupials, roughly rabbit-sized, with a pointed snout, coarse brown fur, and a habit of digging small conical holes while foraging for invertebrates and fungi. They are mostly nocturnal but can be seen at dusk and dawn, and sometimes during the day in quieter spots.
Quenda are considered conservation dependent – urban populations face pressure from habitat loss, cats, foxes and dogs. Several urban reserves in Perth actively manage for them, and council signage in some parks helps raise awareness. In some places they are doing really well in amongst our urban landscape.
Where to find Quenda around Perth
Victoria Gardens, East Perth
One of the most accessible spots in Perth – right on the river, less than 2km from the CBD. The council has installed interpretive signage about the local Quenda population. Head down at dusk and scan low near the denser riverside vegetation. Multiple animals are regularly seen here. I’ve visited twice with great results – my first visit in 2017 with my brother, and most recently returning with my son Liam in 2025 – where we found one foraging right next to the Quenda sign.
Piney Lakes, Winthrop
A reliable suburban spot south of the river. I’ve had good daytime sightings here as well as evening visits. My first Piney Lakes visit produced excellent views, and a return trip confirmed it as one of the more reliable Perth locations.
Craigie Bushland, North Perth
A great option for night-time spotlighting in the northern suburbs. On my visit with a friend we found Quenda alongside possums and a bat – a solid all-round night.
Kings Park, Perth CBD
Perth’s famous botanical gardens and bushland reserve can also deliver Quenda sightings. I spotted one on a daytime stroll – not guaranteed but worth keeping your eyes open on any visit.
Lesmurdie Falls
In the Perth Hills, Quenda can be found around the picnic area near the carpark. I took my son Liam here when he was just 2.5 years old and we had good views – a lovely family-friendly spot.
Dryandra Woodland National Park
About 2 hours from Perth, Dryandra is WA’s premier wildlife spotlighting destination and Quenda are regularly encountered here alongside Numbats, Woylies and more. See my Dryandra spotlighting post for a full account of what’s possible on a good night there. They are still eluding me there though!
Tips for finding Quenda
- Best time: dusk to early evening; occasionally active during the day in quieter reserves
- What to look for: movement low in leaf litter; listen for rustling and scratching
- Torch: a red-light torch is less disruptive at night
- Look for diggings: small conical holes in the ground are a good sign Quenda are active in the area
- Be patient and quiet: they’ll often emerge if you stand still for a few minutes
- Dogs: leave them at home – Quenda are easily stressed by dogs
All Quenda posts on this site
- Quenda at Victoria Gardens – found right next to the sign (2025)
- Craigie Bushland: Quenda, possums & a bat (2023)
- Piney Lakes – revisit (2017)
- Urban Quenda at Victoria Gardens (2017)
- Quenda, quenda, quenda – Piney Lakes (2016)
- Bushwalking at Lesmurdie Falls with my son (2016)
- Stroll through Kings Park (2018)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Quenda active during the day?
Quenda are mostly nocturnal but can be seen at dusk and dawn. In quieter reserves like Piney Lakes and Victoria Gardens, daytime sightings do happen – particularly on overcast days or in areas where they’ve become accustomed to people.
Is it safe to feed Quenda?
No – it’s best not to feed them. Human food disrupts their natural diet and can make them dependent on handouts. Watching them forage naturally is far more rewarding anyway.
Are Quenda endangered?
Quenda are listed as conservation dependent in WA. Urban populations face pressure from cats, foxes, dogs and habitat loss, which is why predator-fenced reserves like Craigie Bushland are so important.
Can I see Quenda with kids?
Absolutely – Victoria Gardens and Piney Lakes are both easy, flat, well-lit spots that work well for families. Dusk is the best time and kids find the foraging behaviour captivating.
What’s the difference between a Quenda and a rat?
A common question! Quenda have a distinctively elongated pointed snout, a sloped body profile, a short tail and coarse brown fur. They’re much larger than a rat and move with a distinctive bouncing gait. They are a native marsupial with a backwards-facing pouch – smart when you do a lot of digging!
Do I need special equipment to see Quenda?
Not at urban spots – just patience and quiet footwear. For reserves like Dryandra a red-light torch helps at night without disturbing them. A thermal camera is a fun upgrade but definitely not essential.
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Page last updated May 2025. Know a good Quenda spot I haven’t covered? Leave a comment on any post – always keen to hear about new locations.