The Long-nosed Bandicoot is back in Lower and Mid Mountains neighbourhoods, and many residents are rejoicing at having neighbourly visits from these furry friends. By being bandicoot aware and making our surroundings even more bandicoot friendly, we can ensure both marsupial and human neighbours enjoy their time together and cohabit in a way that is happy, safe, and secure.
As we roll towards summer many neighbourhoods in Winmalee, Springwood, Sun Valley and Valley Heights are noticing disturbances in their gardens.
Key Points:
After bushfires, heatwaves, drought and floods, bandicoots are bouncing back in the Blue Mountains
Bandicoots aren’t just cute, they bring benefits to your garden too
There are simple things you can do to encourage these visitors, and to cohabit well together
Mysterious visitors leaving small holes in garden beds or glimpses of shadowy shapes galloping across the lawn. Never fear, these telltale signs are a great indication that our native bandicoot populations, so badly decimated by recent and historical fire and disaster events, are bouncing back.
Many in the area are delighted that these furry creatures are choosing to come and pay them a call, catching nocturnal video footage of the marsupials as they scurry across driveways and hunt for worms and insects.
“We’ve got bandicoots in our yard in Winmalee, as do most of our neighbours. We’ve also had brush turkeys, and this morning a quail! I’ve lived on this main road block for over 20 years and have had a quoll in my yard, but never seen anywhere near this many new species.” – Bec Southwell, Winmalee
Bandicoots used to be plentiful across our nation with over 21 distinct species identified, although according to Bush Heritage Australia almost half of those species are now extinct, with many others endangered or threatened. Thankfully the long-nosed bandicoot, which is most common in our area, is not on the endangered list as a species.
However, they can find themselves greatly reduced in areas where there is a significant loss of habitat or introduced predators, so keeping our local inhabitants healthy and happy is critically important for the good of the species as a whole.
In the past month multiple sightings of the animal and their digs or ‘snout pokes’ have indicated a rise in the bandicoot population of the Lower and Mid Mountains. Across the Lower Mountains the response to the increase of bandicoot numbers has been fairly positive, with most people welcoming them into their property. Some homeowners are a little worried that the bandicoots may get into prized flower beds or disturb veggie gardens, and there is concern that bandicoots can bring bush ticks into suburban areas.
Native animals like possums, bandicoots and wallabies have a high tolerance for tick venom and as a result they can carry ticks long distances and into household yards. However, by ensuring that you do not handle the bandicoot, keep your household pet tick treatments up to date, and examine dogs and cats regularly for any parasites, you can effectively manage any potential tick problem.
It’s also important to remember that sharing our spaces with these native marsupials isn’t just great for them, it can also provide real benefits for us human residents too.
Benefits of bandicoots
Bandicoots are small native marsupials who dine mostly on insects and larvae – particularly cockroaches, spiders (including the dreaded funnel web), and Christmas Beetle larvae. The latter is a great benefit to gardeners as these beetles eat away grass roots and can leave your lawn patchy and damaged.
Bandicoots also help aerate the soil through their digging, which can also help keep your garden in shape. They are like little gardeners you don’t have to pay!
Added to this they’re great at dispersing fungi spores throughout the greater ecosystem, which is critical for healthy forests and bushlands.
A playful family of bandicoots visit a Winmalee backyard. Video footage courtesy Leila Wright
How to encourage and support bandicoot visitors
Bandicoots are solitary foragers and are quite territorial. Once they have staked out their patch they will stick to it.
Male bandicoots have a territory of up to 7 hectares, while the females tend to stay in much smaller areas, so if you do see one you can be sure that this little marsupial is as much an established inhabitant as any of your human neighbours.
Due to this territorial nature it is important not to try to relocate or remove a bandicootwho has made your home part of its territory. Even if you are successful and the bandicoot doesn’t just return on its own, another bandicoot will simply take the opportunity to move right in and you’re back where you started.
Meanwhile the relocated bandicoot will find it tough to find available territory in which to set up their new home, forcing it to either fight existing bandicoot residents for inhabited territory, or travel further afield to look for a suitable vacant location.
This journeying and fighting leaves the wandering marsupial vulnerable to predators like dogs and foxes, and makes it more likely they may be hit by cars, particularly on the busy Great Western Highway.
“Almost every night mum and baby or dad pass through our garden to check out any leftovers from our chook’s food and if they are lucky, they get some fat slugs … “ – Gregory Martin, Winmalee
While bandicoots may not seem to need much encouragement to visit our gardens, there are things you can do to not only entice them in, but also make sure they are safe and comfortable throughout their visit:
Keep pets inside during the night so they do not predate on or disturb the nocturnal bandicoots
Remove strong light sources such as flood lights from areas you are happy to have the bandicoots roam as they will avoid harshly lit areas
Refrain from using pesticides and open-sourced rat poisons such as scatter baits, as these can kill not just unwanted vermin, but also our marsupials and native rodents, who are a valuable part of our ecosystem.
Avoid strong ammonia-based fertilisers such as Dynamic lifter or chicken poo as bandicoots will often avoid these smells
Drive slowly in suburban areas, particularly those with low street lighting as bandicoots and other nocturnal native animals are often running between house and gardens looking for food, particularly males who can have a wide territory to cover.
If you do encounter an injured bandicoot on your property or as you are moving though the suburb, contact WIRES on 13 000 WIRES (1300 094 737) to arrange for a qualified rescuer to assist. Follow any instructions given to you by WIRES regarding the wellbeing of the animal before help arrives.
An adult bandicoot rescued by WIRES after a cat attack in lower mountains. Photo courtesy Tracy Burgess
Creating bandicoot friendly gardens
Whether you are someone who wants to encourage your local bandicoots to visit, or want to minimise the impact of the ones who have already decided to start paying you a call, one of the best ways to create a successful co-habitation is by designating part of your garden as a special native space where bandicoots and our other beautiful fauna can find what they need to survive and thrive, without them overly impacting your garden areas.
Giving the bandicoots their own area in your property is easier than it seems, even if you don’t have a traditional bush block.
“We’re truly blessed to be a part of this natural habitat for local wildlife!” – Frances Siddarous, Sun Valley
Bandicoots and native wildlife will be attracted to areas which cater to them, so choose a sheltered and interesting space in your garden to set up as your native space. The Department of Planning and Environment suggests that a space can be made enticing for local wildlife through simple acts such as offering water in shallow drinking vessels, particularly in hotter months for bandicoots and other wildlife to use, as well as planting native flora.
Supply some open grassy areas in the space for bandicoots to happily dig out worms and larvae. Planting native tubers and fungi will ensure bandicoots will accept your generous offer to visit. Removing these delectable treats from other parts of your garden will also quickly educate the bandicoots as to where they are most welcome.
Bandicoot in the blossoms – A long nose bandicoot enjoys sniffing out her favourite food in a native garden bed. Photo courtesy of Bethany Storm, Winmalee resident
Setting up the area as sheltered from harsh light sources as possible will also encourage the animals to remain there, rather than explore the rest of your garden as bandicoots, being mainly nocturnal, dislike harsh lighting and will avoid areas that are flood lit or have too much illumination.
And lastly, try to screen off the area from general use, and from household pets, to ensure your marsupial visitors are not threatened or harmed while you enjoy the rest of your garden.
“We have portioned a section of our garden to attract wildlife … I love supporting Aussie natives.” – Leila Wright, Winmalee
The benefit of having a designated area means that you and the bandicoots can co-exist happily, safely and comfortably as you keep the bandicoots away from areas in your garden which may have been treated with pesticides, strong fertilisers or other hazards to their health.
Using strong wire mesh around plants, garden beds or pet areas you want to keep free from bandicoot exploration will also help ensure the bandicoots only roam where you are happy to have them, and everyone can share the benefits of having these curious critters frolicking in our local neighbourhoods.
Take Action:
Keep pets inside at night and avoid using pesticides and rat poison outdoors
Don’t try to relocate unwanted bandicoot visitors – it will return or another will just take its place
You can create a native-friendly space in your garden to encourage them to go there instead of your flower beds
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
Such an amazing program for the Food Security Fair at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on Sat 18 Oct: from the renowned Holly Davis, co-founder of Iku, and author of Ferment, giving a hands on demonstration of how to preserve and increase the health and deliciousness of food through fermentation, to Dr Milena Bojovic from UTS on the Future of Food! Dr Teya Brooks Pribac from Plant Inspired will demonstrate innovative plant based cooking techniques, Michael from Good Fat Pastry will share baking innovations, Marnee Fox from Forage to Feast will share how to use Wild Edibles, seed saver extraordinaire Lloyd Sharp from Mid Blue Mountains Seed Savers will share his amazing expertise and launch the Upper Blue Mountains Seed Savers and Gardening Group, Manu Prigioni from Farm it Forward will discuss equity and nutrition security and Farm it Forward’s response to the National Food Security Strategy document, Erin Hall will provide a hands-on Weaving with Weeds workshop, and Nev Sweeney will share how to build and use a solar food dehydrator. Places are limited so bookings essential here (link in profile @bluemountainsplanetaryhealth : https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or... This event has been supported by an Australian Association for Environmental Education sEEd grant.
Social enterprise @farmitforward is working to increase local food security one backyard after another, and with young people at Katoomba High School. At the Food Security Fair on Sat 18 Oct, co-founder Manu Prigioni will speak about Incorporating equity and nutrition security in discussions on food security: Farm It Forward’s response to the National Food Security Strategy document. Reserve your spot for her presentation here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nOSJle Read more about Manu and Farm it Forward in Katoomba Area Local News here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/46PTAfF
Join seed saver extraordinaire Lloyd Sharp, from Mid Blue Mountains Seed Savers, as we launch the Upper Blue Mountains Seed Saving and Gardening group at the Food Security Fair on Sat 18 October. Lloyd will share some of his extensive seed saving experience, and there will be an opportunity to purchase and share local seeds and plants. Huge thanks to Happy Valley Seeds for donating heirloom seeds and discount cards, and to @thediggersclub for generously donating Vegetable and Flower Sowing Guides and their 2025/2026 Heirloom Seed Annual. There will be one for every attendee! The Food Security Fair is being held at the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre 33-39 Acacia St Katoomba and the Seed Saving presentation is at 10.20am. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
Nev Sweeney, renowned permaculture teacher and practitioner, from Under the Choko Tree, will be leading a workshop on how to build and use a solar food dehydrator at the Blue Mountains Food Security Fair on Saturday 18 Oct. Nev will talk about why food dehydration is a good idea, some techniques that can be used to dry food, pretreat or not to pretreat, general tips and considerations about food drying, drying fruit and veg, testing for dryness and using dried produce. He will explain how he made a simple direct solar food dryer and a more complex indirect solar food dryer. Reserve your spot here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
Planetary Health volunteer, American permaculture teacher Susan Krings, has been helping to organise the inaugural Blue Mountains Food Security Fair. If you`d like to learn more about volunteering at the Centre email planetaryhealth@bmcc.nsw.gov.au or ring 0407 437 553
You can purchase tickets for the Food Security Fair in Katoomba on Saturday 18 October here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-sec...
The day will include stalls, talks and demos about growing, sourcing, cooking, preserving and enjoying plant based food and protecting habitat for wildlife. The event is part of a series celebrating the centenary of World Animal Day.
The fabulous line up of speakers and workshop tutors includes Dr Milena Bojovic on the Future of Food; Holly Davis, co-founder of Iku and author of `Ferment`; Michael from Good Fat Pastry; Nev Sweeney from Under the Choko Tree on how to build a Solar Powered Food Dehydrator; Lloyd Sharp from Mid Blue Mountains Seed Savers; Marnee Fox from Forage to Feast; Teya Brooks Pribac from Plant Inspired; and Erin Hall on Weaving with Weeds and Manu Prigioni from Farm it Forward.
Stalls will include EarthRising Mushroom Farm, Bibi`s Kitchen, edible native plants, the Planetary Health Cafe and more.
Each session needs to be booked individually as numbers are strictly limited.
This event is being supported by a sEEd grant from the Australian Association for Environmental Education.
At the Food Security Fair on Sat 18th October the inspiring Teya Brooks Pribac, author of ‘Not Just Another Vegan Cookbook’ and founder of Plant Inspired, will be sharing innovative but very simple culinary techniques that can help you make delicious icecream, ‘egg` sandwiches and a wide range of cheeses without any eggs or dairy. Food that’s healthier for you and the planet. You no longer need to worry if the supermarket shelves suddenly don’t have eggs, or if you can’t afford them! There are so many cooking techniques that can help us create our favourite foods, without requiring animal products! The session will end with one of Teya’s fabulous cheese tastings. Bookings essential for this fascinating workshop here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
This event is one of a series celebrating the centenary of @worldanimalday @ph_alliance
In Marnee Fox’s session on Wild Edibles at the Blue Mountains Food Security Fair on Sat 18 October, she’ll share how to incorporate wild ingredients into your every day diet AND make it delicious. Marnee Fox is a sustainable interior decorator, stylist, foodie and weed convert. She`s also one half of Forage to Feast Australia with husband, renowned environmental educator Diego Bonetto. Building on Diego`s much-loved weed foraging workshops, Marnee takes the food found on the foraging tour to the table. Bookings essential (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
If you haven`t yet tried the deliciousness of Good Fat Pastry you`ll be in for a treat at the Food Security Fair on Sat 18 October! Join Michael, the creative baker producing these mouthwatering plant based (and mostly gluten free) treats for breakfast, where he will inspire you to rethink everything you know about baking:
"Baking is both borne and constrained by convention—as are our expectations. Since Ancient Egypt and Rome, eggs, dairy, and cereals have been used in baked goods for flavour and functionality. The enormity of cakes, pastries, biscuits, and desserts we know and love—and the countless we have no awareness of—have been discovered and created through spontaneity and experimentation. Almost always resting on the magical transformations of these key ingredients under heat and energy.
Yet as the realm of food is one of creativity and sensory inquisitiveness there are inherent possibilities for alternatives—in replicating the familiar as well as creating novelty. This path can follow the complexities of molecular gastronomy or the simple pragmatism of substituting with what`s on hand. Find whatever works for you."
Spaces are limited so bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
One of the highlights of our Food Security Fair on Sat 18th October is our Weaving with Weeds workshop at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. In this relaxing and enjoyable workshop Erin Hall will help you identify common invasive weeds that are ideal for basket making, and teach you the basic skills to weave a range of different objects. At the same time you`ll be removing and repurposing weeds that are destroying habitat for our wildlife! Places are limited so bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
We’re thrilled to announce that tickets are now available for Ferment the Season with Holly Davis at the Blue Mountains Food Security Fair on Saturday 18th October at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. Holly will demonstrate how to ferment the season to create more nutrient rich and digestible food. She is the co-founder of Sydney’s Iku Wholefoods and author of ‘Ferment - A Guide to the Ancient Art of Culturing Food’ and ’Nourish: Sustenance for Body and Soul”. Learn the foundational principles and several techniques for fermenting seasonally abundant produce. Fermentation increases nutrition and eating a little ferment with every meal has unlimited benefits for our overall wellbeing and the planet! Places are limited so book early here (Food Security Fair link in profile for tickets): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
Thank you to everyone who so generously contributed to our celebration of the centenary of World Animal Day, and our tribute to the life of artist, poet, author, Animal Liberation founder, and animal rights activist, Christine Townend, at the Planetary Health Centre yesterday. At a packed event we feasted on delicious plant-based food, inspiring art and poetry, and memorable conversations, as we shared our love and respect for the extraordinary world of animals of which we are a part. Join us for further celebrations at our Food Security Fair on Saturday 18 October. Register here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
We`re thrilled to announce that tickets are now on sale for our inaugural Blue Mountains Food Security Fair at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on Saturday 18 October! Register here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
The day will include stalls, talks and demos about growing, sourcing, cooking, preserving and enjoying plant based food and protecting habitat for wildlife.
Our fabulous line up of speakers and workshop tutors includes Dr Milena Bojovic on the Future of Food; Holly Davis, co-founder of Iku and author of `Ferment`; Michael from Good Fat Pastry; Nev Sweeney from Under the Choko Tree on how to build a Solar Powered Food Dehydrator; Lloyd Sharp from Mid Blue Mountains Seed Savers; Marnee Fox from Forage to Feast; Teya Brooks Pribac from Plant Inspired; and Erin Hall on Weaving with Weeds. Stalls will include EarthRising Mushroom Farm, edible native plants, the Planetary Health Cafe and more. Each session needs to be booked individually as numbers are strictly limited.
This event is being supported by a sEEd grant from the Australian Association for Environmental Education.
Gabiann has worked as in-house writer/editor for Amnesty International, Greenpeace and Médecins Sans Frontières across Australia, Africa and the Asia Pacific. She is an award winning novelist and children’s book author, having won or been shortlisted for several Australian and international writing prizes. She was one of the key designers and the writer of the award-winning multimedia interactive narrative, Kids Together Now, which focuses on helping children deal with issues around bullying and racism.
In addition to her role as storyteller for the Planetary Health Initiative, she tutors in narrative and writing at Macquarie University and works as a writer, story developer and script producer.
The Birds of Australia STORYBOX interactive exhibit at the Springwood Hub showcases John and Elizabeth Gould's bird illustrations and First Nations knowledge. It highlights the threats to Australian birds, promotes conservation efforts, and is complemented by the Planetary Health Centre's bird photography exhibition.
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