There are few wildlife encounters quite like watching a brushtail possum navigate its way through the canopy on a clear Queensland night. Eyes wide, tail curled around a branch, moving with a quiet confidence that suggests it has done this thousands of times before — because it has.

For campers in the Lockyer Valley, spotting one of these native marsupials is one of those simple, memorable moments that make time outdoors feel worthwhile. At Murphy’s Creek Escape, brushtail possums are part of the natural landscape, and with a bit of patience and the right approach, you are likely to encounter one during your stay.

 

Meet the Common Brushtail Possum

Scientific Classification

The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) belongs to the family Phalangeridae, a group of marsupials found across Australia, New Guinea, and parts of the surrounding island chain. As a marsupial, the brushtail possum gives birth to undeveloped young that continue developing inside the mother’s pouch — a defining characteristic that sets marsupials apart from placental mammals like dogs or humans.

While possums are sometimes confused with similar-looking animals such as gliders or rodents, they are distinctly marsupial in both their reproductive biology and their ecological role within Australian bushland. It is also worth noting that Australian possums are entirely separate from the opossums of North America — they share a common ancestor from tens of millions of years ago but evolved independently on different continents.

Physical Appearance

Brushtail possums are medium-sized marsupials with a compact, sturdy build. Adults typically weigh between 1.2 and 4.5 kilograms, with body lengths ranging from around 35 to 55 centimetres — roughly the size of a domestic cat. Males are generally larger than females.

Their fur varies depending on the region. Queensland individuals often display:

  • Silver-grey colouring on the back and sides
  • Cream or white undersides
  • A distinctive pink nose and large, bright eyes adapted for low-light vision
  • Large, pointed ears that can rotate to pick up sounds from multiple directions

Other colour variations — including brown, black, and reddish-tinged individuals — occur across their range in Australia, with darker forms more common in wetter environments such as Tasmania.

Why They’re Called “Brushtail”

The name comes directly from one of the possum’s most recognisable features: a thick, bushy tail densely covered in dark fur, often with a black tip. Unlike the slender, curling tail of a ringtail possum, the brushtail’s tail is broad and full — built for function as much as appearance.

The tail is prehensile, meaning the possum can use it to grip branches and stabilise itself while climbing. This makes it an essential tool for moving through the tree canopy at night, where a misplaced step could mean a significant fall. The tail also provides balance during lateral movement across branches and can anchor the animal when it needs both front paws free to feed.

 

Where Do Brushtail Possums Live?

Distribution Across Australia

The brushtail possum has one of the widest distributions of any Australian marsupial. It is found across much of the continent, including:

  • Eastern Australia — the most densely populated part of their range, spanning Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and into South Australia
  • Queensland — present from the tropics down through the ranges and into the southeast, including the Lockyer Valley
  • Tasmania — home to a notably large subspecies with dark, dense fur suited to the cooler climate
  • South Australia — present in the south and extending into drier inland areas where suitable habitat remains
  • Western Australia — found in the southwest corner and parts of the north
  • Northern Territory — present in the top end and along the coast

Preferred Habitats

Brushtail possums are highly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of environments. Their preferred habitats include:

  • Eucalypt forests — their primary native habitat, where food and hollow-bearing trees are abundant
  • Open woodland — particularly where mature trees with hollows are present
  • Rainforest edges — where a transition zone provides both shelter and dietary variety
  • National parks and conservation reserves — protected areas where habitat is intact
  • Campgrounds — especially those surrounded by bushland, where possums have learned to operate near humans at night
  • Rural properties — where large paddock trees and timbered gullies provide corridors between patches of bushland

The key requirements are hollow-bearing trees for daytime shelter, adequate food trees within a manageable home range, and limited predator pressure.

Brushtail Possums Around Murphy’s Creek Escape

Murphy’s Creek Escape sits within native bushland in the Lockyer Valley — exactly the kind of landscape brushtail possums favour. Mature trees with natural hollows provide daytime refuge, while the surrounding vegetation offers foraging opportunities after dark.

The quiet, low-disturbance environment of the property means possums are not particularly skittish around the campground area. Campers who choose unpowered bushland sites — positioned within the natural setting rather than cleared open areas — tend to have better luck with wildlife encounters simply because they are deeper into the habitat these animals use.

Camping at night at Murphy’s Creek Escape has its own particular quality, and the rustling of a possum overhead is often one of the first things new visitors notice once the campfire settles and the bush quietens down.

 

What Do Brushtail Possums Eat?

Natural Diet

Brushtail possums are primarily folivores — leaf eaters — with eucalyptus leaves making up a significant portion of their diet in many parts of their range. However, they are also notably flexible feeders and will consume a wide variety of plant material depending on what is seasonally available.

Their natural diet includes:

  • Eucalyptus leaves — a staple, particularly in open forest and woodland habitats
  • Native flowers — particularly during spring and early summer when flowering is at its peak
  • Fruits and berries — consumed opportunistically when available
  • Young shoots and buds — a preferred food source during periods of new growth
  • Bark — occasionally chewed for moisture or access to cambium tissue beneath

The nutritional quality of eucalyptus leaves is relatively low and they contain compounds that are toxic to many animals. Brushtail possums have specialised liver enzymes that help detoxify these compounds, allowing them to access a food source most other mammals cannot use effectively.

Opportunistic Feeders

While their wild diet is predominantly plant-based, brushtail possums are known to take advantage of other food sources when available. In areas close to human habitation or agricultural land, this can include:

  • Garden plants — ornamental shrubs, herbs, and leafy vegetables
  • Introduced fruit trees — particularly citrus, which is highly attractive to them
  • Insects — consumed occasionally, providing a protein supplement

This flexibility is one of the reasons brushtail possums have adapted so successfully to suburban environments across Australia.

Seasonal Feeding Behaviour

Food availability for brushtail possums shifts throughout the year, and their behaviour adjusts accordingly:

  • Spring brings new leaf growth and early flowering — one of the most productive feeding periods
  • Summer continues flowering and brings fruit to maturity in many native species
  • Autumn sees a shift toward bark, older leaves, and whatever fruit remains
  • Winter is the leanest season, when possums may extend their foraging range and spend more time active each night to meet their energy needs

Access to fresh water is also relevant — possums obtain most of their moisture from food but will drink from still water sources, particularly during dry periods.

 

Behaviour and Lifestyle

Nocturnal by Nature

Brushtail possums are strictly nocturnal. During daylight hours they rest inside tree hollows, dense foliage, or in roof cavities in urban areas. As light fades, they emerge to begin foraging — often within 20 to 30 minutes after sunset.

Activity typically peaks in the first few hours of the night, tapering off before dawn. This pattern makes the window between sunset and around 10 PM the most reliable time to observe them in a campground setting.

Excellent Climbers

Their climbing ability is exceptional, supported by a combination of physical adaptations:

  • Sharp, curved claws on all four feet that grip bark effectively
  • Strong, muscular hindlimbs that provide the power for upward movement
  • The prehensile tail, which acts as a fifth limb when navigating complex branch structures

Despite being capable and confident in trees, brushtail possums also spend time on the ground — particularly when moving between habitat patches or investigating a food source at ground level.

Solitary Animals

Brushtail possums are largely solitary and territorial. Each individual occupies a home range that it defends against others of the same sex. Male home ranges are typically larger than female ranges and may overlap with the ranges of several females.

Interactions between individuals — outside of breeding — are generally characterised by avoidance or low-level aggression. When two possums do meet, the encounter often ends with one retreating rather than any sustained confrontation.

Home range sizes vary depending on habitat quality, food availability, and population density. In areas with abundant hollow trees and food resources, home ranges are typically smaller than in degraded or fragmented habitats.

Communication

For an animal that operates in darkness, sound and scent play important roles in communication.

Vocally, brushtail possums are louder than most people expect. Common sounds include:

  • Deep guttural growls — used in territorial disputes or when threatened
  • Hisses — a close-range warning signal
  • Cough-like “chk” calls — a distinctive sound often heard in bushland at night
  • Chattering and clicking — particularly during mating season

Scent marking is equally important. Possums have scent glands on the chest and chin, which they use to mark branches and other surfaces within their home range — communicating presence, sex, and reproductive status to other individuals moving through the area.

 

Life Cycle and Reproduction

Breeding Season

Brushtail possums breed twice a year under ideal conditions, typically in autumn (March–May) and spring (August–October). However, the timing and success of breeding varies by region and by the individual animal’s body condition.

In Queensland, spring breeding is generally the more productive season, coinciding with increased food availability as native vegetation enters its most active growth period.

Raising Joeys

Like all marsupials, brushtail possums give birth to undeveloped young after a very short gestation of around 17 days. The newborn joey — barely the size of a jellybean — crawls unaided through the mother’s fur to reach the pouch, where it attaches to a teat and continues developing.

The joey remains inside the pouch for approximately 4 to 5 months, after which it begins to emerge for short periods. From around 5 to 7 months, it rides on the mother’s back during her nightly foraging. By around 8 to 9 months, the young possum is weaned and begins establishing its own range, though it may remain in proximity to the mother for some time.

Lifespan

In the wild, brushtail possums typically live for 6 to 7 years, though some individuals survive into their early teens in favourable conditions. Key factors affecting survival include:

  • Predation (owls, pythons, dingoes, and domestic dogs are significant threats)
  • Habitat loss and fragmentation
  • Vehicle strikes, which are a common cause of mortality in areas near roads
  • Competitive pressure from other possums in high-density populations

 

The Ecological Importance of Brushtail Possums

Seed Dispersal

As they move through the landscape each night, brushtail possums consume fruits and plant material from a wide range of native species. Seeds pass through the digestive system intact and are deposited across the possum’s home range, contributing to the regeneration and genetic diversity of native plant populations. This makes them an important dispersal vector for many tree and shrub species.

Maintaining Forest Health

Their selective browsing on leaves, shoots, and bark influences the structure of the vegetation around them. In healthy ecosystems where possum populations are at natural densities, this browsing pressure promotes plant diversity and can stimulate regenerative growth in certain species.

Part of Australia’s Food Chain

Brushtail possums are a significant prey species for a number of native predators. Their presence supports populations of:

  • Powerful owls and barking owls — apex avian predators that depend heavily on medium-sized marsupials
  • Carpet pythons — which take possums opportunistically, particularly during their nightly movements
  • Dingoes — an important natural predator across much of Australia’s bushland
  • Goannas — which may take young possums or raid nesting hollows
  • Large birds of prey — including wedge-tailed eagles and other raptors

The presence of healthy possum populations in an area is generally an indicator of broader ecosystem function — they sit at an important mid-point in the food web.

 

Brushtail Possums and Humans

Living Alongside People

Few Australian mammals have adapted as successfully to human-modified environments as the brushtail possum. They are a common presence in suburban backyards, urban parks, and of course, campgrounds across the country. Their ability to use roof cavities as den sites and ornamental gardens as a food source has made them remarkably resilient in the face of land clearing and urban expansion.

This adaptability is ecologically useful in fragmented landscapes but can create friction with human residents — particularly in urban areas where possums in roof spaces cause noise and property concerns.

Protected Native Wildlife

Brushtail possums are protected under Australian wildlife legislation across all states and territories. It is illegal to trap, harm, or relocate them without a permit issued by the relevant state authority.

In Queensland, wildlife matters are managed under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. If you encounter a possum in distress — injured, displaced, or showing signs of illness — the appropriate course of action is to contact a licensed wildlife carer or the Queensland Wildlife Hotline (1300 ANIMAL)  rather than attempting to handle or relocate the animal yourself.

Relocation by untrained individuals often results in the possum’s death, as they are highly territory-dependent and disoriented animals frequently cannot establish themselves in unfamiliar areas.

Common Misunderstandings

Are brushtail possums dangerous? Brushtail possums are not aggressive by nature and will generally retreat when they encounter humans. That said, they are wild animals with sharp claws, and any animal — possum included — will defend itself if it feels cornered, threatened, or is handled. Giving them space and resisting the urge to reach out or get too close is the right approach for everyone involved.

Do they attack people? Brushtail possums avoid direct confrontation with humans and will typically move away when given the opportunity. The vocalisations they produce — particularly the guttural growls heard at night — can sound alarming but are directed at other possums or perceived territorial threats. A possum that stands its ground near a campsite is usually focused on a food smell, not on the people nearby. Keeping your distance and not reaching toward it is all that’s needed.

Can they damage property? In urban settings, possums nesting in roof cavities can cause damage to insulation and create noise. At a campground, they may investigate unsecured food or rummage through accessible bags, which is a reason to store food properly — both to protect your supplies and to avoid habituating wildlife to human food.

 

Brushtail Possums vs Ringtail Possums

Both species are commonly encountered in eastern Queensland, including around the Lockyer Valley. Here is how they compare:

Feature Brushtail Possum Ringtail Possum
Size Larger; 1.2–4.5 kg Smaller; 0.7–1.1 kg
Tail Thick, bushy, dark fur; prehensile Slender, tapered, white-tipped; prehensile
Diet Leaves, flowers, fruit, shoots; more opportunistic Predominantly leaves, with a preference for new growth
Habitat Wide-ranging; eucalypt forest, woodland, urban areas, campgrounds Prefers dense shrubby understorey; rainforest edges, coastal scrub
Social Behaviour Solitary and territorial More social; pairs and small family groups are common
Nest Type Tree hollows (primary); roof cavities in urban areas Dreys — spherical nests built from leaves and bark, high in dense shrubs or trees

Both species can be active in the same area on the same night, and campers at Murphy’s Creek Escape may encounter either. The brushtail is typically more conspicuous due to its size, noise level, and confidence moving through the canopy and across the ground.

 

Spotting a Brushtail Possum at Murphy’s Creek Escape

Evening Wildlife Walks

The most reliable way to see brushtail possums is simply to take a slow walk around the property after sunset. Move at a deliberate pace along the edges of the bushland rather than through the centre of open areas, and listen as much as you look. The first 90 minutes after dark tend to be the most productive.

For those staying at powered sites or exploring the broader property, a circuit of the treeline after dinner is often enough to produce a sighting.

Quiet Camping Etiquette

Wildlife encounters in a campground are far more likely when noise is kept to a minimum. This aligns naturally with Murphy’s Creek Escape’s quiet hours policy — and with general respect for fellow campers. Low voices, minimal movement, and no sudden noises create the conditions where wildlife feels comfortable continuing its normal behaviour within viewing distance.

Bring a Red-Light Torch

White light causes significant disruption to nocturnal wildlife and can temporarily blind animals adapted to darkness. A red-light torch (or a standard torch with a red filter) allows you to see clearly at ground level without disturbing the animals you are observing. Many campers find a red headlamp the most practical solution, as it keeps both hands free.

Listen Before You Look

In dense bush, you will often hear a brushtail possum before you see one. Sounds to listen for include:

  • Rustling and scraping in the canopy — the sound of claws on bark as the possum moves
  • Heavy leaf movement disproportionate to the wind — possums are not subtle animals when foraging
  • The characteristic cough-like “chk” call — a distinctive sound once you know it
  • Branch bouncing — a single branch dipping and returning under the weight of an animal crossing it

Once you have located the sound, move slowly toward it and use your red torch to scan the canopy methodically.

Wildlife Photography Tips

Photographing nocturnal wildlife takes patience and the right approach:

  • Never use flash photography — the sudden burst of light causes significant stress and can temporarily impair the animal’s vision
  • Use a high-ISO setting with a wide aperture and a slow shutter speed rather than artificial light
  • Maintain a respectful distance — close enough to photograph clearly, far enough that the animal does not alter its behaviour because of your presence
  • Wait, don’t pursue — if a possum moves away, let it go. Chasing wildlife for a better angle is both stressful for the animal and rarely produces better images
  • Respect natural behaviour — the best wildlife photographs capture animals doing what they would be doing if you weren’t there

 

How to Observe Possums Responsibly

Never Feed Wildlife

Feeding brushtail possums — however well-intentioned — causes genuine harm. Human foods are nutritionally inappropriate for them, can cause digestive illness, and erode the natural foraging behaviours that keep them healthy over their lifespan. Animals that are fed regularly by humans also become bold and habituated in ways that increase their risk of vehicle strikes, dog attacks, and conflict with other campers.

This is one of the clear guidelines at Murphy’s Creek Escape: appreciate wildlife from a distance, and let them feed on what nature provides.

Keep Food Secure

An unsecured bag of snacks or an open esky left outside overnight is an invitation. Store all food in your vehicle or in a sealed container when not in use — this protects your supplies and prevents possums (and other wildlife) from becoming conditioned to accessing campsites as food sources.

Keep Dogs Supervised

Dogs and brushtail possums do not mix well. Even a non-aggressive dog pursuing a possum can injure or fatally harm the animal. At Murphy’s Creek Escape, dogs are welcome but must be supervised  — particularly after dark when wildlife is most active.

Respect Tree Hollows

Tree hollows are a finite and critically important resource for brushtail possums and many other native species. Avoid disturbing, blocking, or investigating hollows in trees around the campground. A hollow that looks empty during the day may well contain a possum sleeping through the light hours.

Leave No Trace

Everything you bring into the bush, take out with you. Food scraps, litter, and leftover food that ends up on the ground can attract wildlife into areas where they become vulnerable to human activity. Packing out all waste is both good camping practice and a meaningful contribution to the health of the animals that call this place home.

 

Planning a Stay in the Lockyer Valley

Murphy’s Creek Escape is located about 90 minutes west of Brisbane in the Lockyer Valley — close enough to make it accessible for a weekend trip, far enough into the ranges that the wildlife is genuinely wild. For those looking for camping near Brisbane, it sits in a part of Queensland where the bush is intact enough to support populations of native species that have disappeared from many more accessible areas.

Accommodation options suit a range of preferences. Powered sites are available for those who want connectivity alongside the natural setting, while unpowered bushland sites put you deeper into the landscape where wildlife encounters are most likely. Full details on availability and rates can be found on our accommodation and rates page.

Beyond wildlife watching, the property offers family-friendly mountain bike trails, archery, and a range of other activities on site. The brushtail possum, though, has a way of making itself the highlight of a visit without trying very hard.

 

Related Articles: The Feathertail Glider (Acrobates pygmaeus)