Spring Pademelon Survey - FREE Event

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Fri 24 Oct 2025

Help to monitor pademelon numbers and behaviour



What is a pademelon? Fondly nicknamed a paddie, pademelons are chunky, bouncy and unbelievably cute, hopping marsupials that are slightly smaller than most wallabies. Female pademelons are on the petite side, while male pademelons are usually bigger, sometimes reaching more than ten kilograms. However … they all have one thing in common … distinctively plump backsides.



Like kangaroos, wallabies and quokkas, pademelons are macropods - a family of marsupials named for their big feet. Queensland and New South Wales have their own species of pademelon, the red-legged pademelon. Standing only 40cm to 55cm at full height, these little mammals are shy and well-camouflaged. Thick grey-brown fur covers their head and back, their cream-white underbelly accentuated by rust colouration on their limbs, cheeks and tail. Red-legged pademelons are most active in the morning, resting in the afternoon. During the day, you may see them foraging with their heads drooped and tails between their legs. They forage in small pods in the thicker understory growth, where they find refuge in numbers. If the pademelon feels threatened, they will thump the ground with their hind feet to warn the others. This is a sign your presence is unwanted.



The Spring Pademelon Survey is an opportunity to learn more about these cute little bundles of fur by joining a team of volunteers, to help survey the red-legged pademelons at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. The team of volunteers conduct regular seasonal surveys in the Reserve to monitor pademelon numbers and behaviour.



Important information -
•The Spring Pademelon Survey takes approximately one to two hours with observations being made from the track.
•Anyone with an interest in observing native wildlife is welcome to come along to participate in the Spring Survey.
•Binoculars will be handy, but not essential.
•Please note that participants need to be quiet while conducting the survey.
•Numbers are limited and registration is essential.
•Participants are requested to meet in front of the Rainforest Discovery Centre at 7.15am for a 7.30am start.



Location : Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, 148 Mountain View Road, Maleny
Day and time : Friday 24th October, 7.30am to 9.30am
Numbers are limited and even though tickets are free, bookings are essential.
Mark your calendar with the date and watch this space to secure your FREE tickets when they become available.

Images as indicated

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