Why Bearded Dragons? Because Who Doesn’t Want a Mini Dinosaur?
If you’ve ever wanted a pet that looks like it walked straight out of Jurassic Park, doesn’t beg for food at the dinner table, and has a personality that ranges from chilled-out sunbather to curious explorer, then a bearded dragon might be for you.
But before you start daydreaming about your new scaly friend, let’s get one thing straight—bearded dragons are not a “low effort” pet. Sure, they won’t shred your couch like a cat or knock over every drink in sight like an excitable Labrador, but they need proper care, space, heat, light, and the right diet to thrive.
This guide lays it all out—no fluff, no myths, just straight-up facts, because a well-cared-for beardie is a happy beardie.
📜 First Things First: You Need a Licence to Keep a Bearded Dragon in Australia
Before you rush off to get a bearded dragon, you need to know the law.
In Australia, it is illegal to keep a reptile—including bearded dragons—without a proper wildlife licence. Each state has different requirements, so before you even think about bringing one home, check the laws in your area.
🗺 State-by-State Licensing
✅ Queensland – Requires a Recreational Wildlife Licence.
✅ New South Wales – Needs a Native Animal Keeper Licence.
✅ Victoria – Requires a Wildlife Basic or Advanced Licence.
✅ Western Australia – Needs a Reptile Keeper’s Licence.
✅ South Australia – A Basic Reptile Keeper’s Permit is required.
✅ Tasmania & Northern Territory – Both require permits, with variations depending on species.
📌 What to do? Visit your state’s Department of Environment & Wildlife website for up-to-date information and apply for your licence before getting a dragon.
📢 Pro Tip: Get your licence first and set up your enclosure before bringing your new mate home. They need everything ready from day one.
🚨 Taking Bearded Dragons from the Wild is Illegal
Thinking of "rescuing" a bearded dragon from the wild? DON’T.
It is illegal in Australia to take any native reptile from the wild, and heavy fines apply. For example, in November 2024, a woman was fined $20,000 for unlawfully possessing native reptiles.
Why is this a big deal?
- Wild bearded dragons are adapted to their specific environment and removing them can harm local populations.
- Captive-bred dragons are the ONLY legal option. Always get your pet from a licensed breeder or pet store.
- Releasing a captive-bred bearded dragon into the wild is just as bad. They lack survival skills and may introduce diseases to wild populations.
Want a bearded dragon? Do it the legal and ethical way.
🦎 Meet the Bearded Dragon Family – Know Your Species
Not all bearded dragons are the same! Depending on where you live, beardies come in different shapes, sizes, and colours.
🐉 The Different Species of Bearded Dragons in Australia
Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata)
📍 Found in: Eastern Australia, including Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and parts of South Australia.
📏 Size: Up to 60 cm in length.
🎨 Appearance: Typically grey-black or reddish-brown, with a distinctive "beard" of spiny scales under the throat that can darken when threatened.
🌿 Habitat: Prefers wooded areas, often seen basking on tree branches or logs.
Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)
📍 Found in: Central Australia.
📏 Size: Males up to 60 cm; females slightly smaller.
🎨 Appearance: Broad heads with spiny scales; coloration varies to blend with arid landscapes.
🌿 Habitat: Inhabits arid to semi-arid regions, including deserts, shrublands, and dry forests.
Western Bearded Dragon (Pogona minor)
📍 Found in: Southwestern Australia.
📏 Size: Approximately 38 cm in length.
🎨 Appearance: Smaller than other bearded dragons; earth-toned camouflage.
🌿 Habitat: Occupies semi-arid woodlands, coastal dunes, and arid desert regions.
Dwarf Bearded Dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni)
📍 Found in: Central Queensland.
📏 Size: Up to 30 cm in length.
🎨 Appearance: Shorter and stockier with a less pronounced beard.
🌿 Habitat: Prefers open woodlands and dry scrublands.
Nullarbor Bearded Dragon (Pogona nullarbor)
📍 Found in: The Nullarbor Plain, South Australia and Western Australia.
📏 Size: Up to 45 cm in length.
🎨 Appearance: Recognized by distinct dark banding on the back and tail, with large white stripes.
🌿 Habitat: Prefers flat, arid, sparsely vegetated regions.
🔥 The Cost of Keeping a Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons need heating, lighting, food, and occasional vet care. If you’re looking for a cheap, low-maintenance pet—this isn’t it.
Estimated Monthly Running Costs (Australia) 💰
💡 Electricity (Heat & UVB Lamps): $15–$25 per month
🥗 Food (Veggies & Live Insects): $20–$40 per month
🏡 Substrate & Enclosure Maintenance: $10 per month
🐉 Annual Vet Check (Recommended): $80+
➡ Total Ongoing Cost: $45–$75 per month (excluding setup costs).
📢 If electricity bills stress you out, this may not be the pet for you.
🥚 Breeding & Natural Habitat – What You Should Know
Bearded dragons in the wild breed seasonally, typically after rainfall.
- Females dig tunnels in sandy soils to lay clutches of 5–15 eggs.
- Eggs hatch in 50–80 days, depending on temperature.
- Baby dragons are completely independent once hatched.
📢 Breeding should be left to experienced keepers. If you’re not prepared for proper incubation, diet adjustments, and ethical rehoming, do not breed your beardies.
🐾 Territory & Movement – Why Space Matters
Wild bearded dragons are not couch potatoes. In their natural habitat, they:
🌏 Cover large territories searching for food, basking spots, and mates.
🌞 Bask on logs, rocks, and fence posts to absorb heat.
💨 Can sprint short distances when threatened.
📢 Why Does This Matter?
If a bearded dragon is pulled from the wild, it loses its natural instincts, food sources, and territory. Keeping them in captivity means providing enough space and enrichment to prevent stress and boredom.
🐉 Final Thoughts: Keep It Real, Keep It Natural
Bearded dragons are incredible, intelligent creatures that deserve proper care, respect, and a habitat that meets their needs. Owning one isn’t just about having a cool, prehistoric-looking pet—it’s about providing them with a life that mirrors the wild as closely as possible.
💡 Get a license.
💡 Set up their enclosure properly—before bringing them home.
💡 Feed them right—no shortcuts, no human food.
💡 Provide space, warmth, and UVB lighting—no exceptions.
If you’re willing to put in the effort, a bearded dragon can be one of the most rewarding, fascinating pets you’ll ever own. But if you can’t commit to their long-term care, then they’re not the pet for you.
🐉 Want a happy, healthy dragon? Respect their needs, give them the best care possible, and they’ll reward you with years of companionship, quirky behaviours, and moments that make you glad you chose them.
©Majella Gee 2025
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