Common Brushtail Possums

Common Brushtail Possums at Hobart Zoo and Aquarium

Nocturnal, nimble, and unmistakably Aussie—Common Brushtail Possums are one of the most familiar marsupials in Australia. With their fluffy tails, big eyes, and excellent climbing skills, they’ve adapted well to both forests and city life.

In the wild

Native to woodlands, rainforests, and urban areas across Australia and Tasmania, these nocturnal creatures are solitary and territorial, spending their nights foraging for leaves, fruit, flowers, and bark. They nest in tree hollows or roof spaces, using their prehensile tails to grip and balance as they move.

How We Care for Our Possums at Hobart Zoo and Aquarium

Climb-Ready Habitat

Their enclosure features branches, hollow logs, climbing posts, and nesting boxes to encourage natural climbing and denning behaviours.
Nocturnal Feeding

Possums are offered an evening diet of native foliage, fruit, vegetables, and specially formulated marsupial pellets, aligning with their natural activity cycle.
Quiet Retreats

Shaded dens and elevated hideouts allow our possums to rest during the day and explore freely at night—just as they would in the wild.

🐾 See if you can spot them curled up in their nesting box—or visit in the evening to watch them come to life. Brushtail Possums are a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s nocturnal wildlife at Hobart Zoo and Aquarium.