Birdsville, at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015, now has Spotted Pythons (Antaresia maculosa) in stock. Unlike most of the small native pythons kept as pets in Sydney, the Spotted Python is actually one of the few python species that occurs naturally right here in NSW – its range stretches from Cape York all the way down through Queensland into the state’s northern reaches. For keepers who like the idea of owning a genuinely local native reptile with a bit more size and presence than the smaller Antaresia species, this is a great option to consider.
What You Need to Know
Spotted Pythons are a medium-sized python, with adults typically reaching 110–140 cm and living 15 to 20 years in captivity – noticeably larger than the closely related Children’s Python, though every bit as manageable for a committed keeper. A valid NSW Native Animal Keeper Licence is required before purchase, as with any native reptile. They’re fed on frozen-thawed rodents, are nocturnal by nature, and are considered suitable for keepers who’ve built a little confidence with reptiles already, or beginners prepared to do their research. Full detail on heating, enclosure setup, diet and handling is covered in our How to Care for Pet Spotted Pythons guide.
Why You Should Get a Spotted Python
There’s something appealing about keeping a reptile that genuinely belongs to this part of the country, and the Spotted Python fits that bill in a way most pet pythons don’t. They carry a striking, irregular blotched pattern that sets them apart visually from plainer species, and their larger adult size gives them a bit more physical presence in an enclosure without tipping into the demands of a full-sized python. Once settled, they’re a calm, steady snake to work with, and their straightforward feeding and heating needs make ongoing care genuinely manageable rather than a constant project.
Why a Spotted Python Might Not Be Right for You
Because they grow larger than many of the smaller native pythons, you’ll want a slightly bigger enclosure footprint in mind before committing, and their eventual size means handling takes a bit more confidence than a smaller species would. You’ll need your NSW Native Animal Keeper Licence sorted before you can buy one, plus the ongoing record-keeping that comes with holding it. As with any python, this is a 15-to-20-year (or longer) commitment, so factor in holiday care arrangements and the ongoing cost of running heating equipment. If you’re set on the smallest possible python or want a species you can handle extensively from day one, a different Antaresia species might suit you better while you build experience.
Great Pet for Apartment Living
Despite being one of the larger Antaresia pythons, the Spotted Python still suits apartment and unit living comfortably – a single adult only needs a 90 x 45 x 45cm enclosure, which sits neatly on a stand or shelf without taking over a room. They’re quiet and low-odour when their enclosure is kept clean, and their heating setup is no more demanding than the smaller native pythons, keeping running costs manageable. It’s a solid option for renters after a reptile with a bit more visual impact than the smallest species, without the space or maintenance demands of a larger snake.
Common Spotted Python Morphs
Alongside the Normal/wild-type pattern, Albino Spotted Pythons are a recognised and sought-after variant, showing a striking pale, reduced-pigment appearance instead of the usual blotched colouring. Birdsville generally stocks a range of Spotted Pythons, with availability of specific variants varying – ask our team in-store about what we currently have on hand.
Licensing Requirements
A valid Native Animal Keeper Licence from Service NSW is required before you can purchase a Spotted Python. Applications are lodged online through the Service NSW website, with phone assistance available on 02 9585 6406. Keepers must also follow the NSW Code of Practice for the Private Keeping of Reptiles, which sets out enclosure, welfare and record-keeping standards. Birdsville, as a licensed reptile dealer, requires proof of a valid licence before any sale goes ahead – we don’t process licence applications or paperwork on a customer’s behalf, so it’s worth getting this organised ahead of your visit.
Useful links:
NSW Code of Practice for the Private Keeping of Reptiles: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/publications/code-practice-private-keeping-reptiles
Reptile Keeper Licences: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/licences-and-permits/wildlife-licences/native-animals-as-pets/reptile-keeper-licences
Apply for a Native Animal Keeper Licence: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-a-native-animal-keeper-licence
What Could Happen If You Keep One Without a Licence?
NSW authorities actively pursue unlicensed native wildlife cases, and the penalties are real. A Sydney man found keeping native blue-tongue and shingleback lizards without a wildlife licence was fined $5,000 under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, plus ordered to pay a further $3,000 toward legal costs. That same licensing framework covers Spotted Pythons, so skipping the paperwork isn’t a shortcut worth taking – the financial consequences of getting caught far outweigh the time it takes to apply properly.
Availability
Spotted Pythons are in stock now at our Alexandria store. If you’re chasing a specific look, size, or want to arrange a particular pairing, get in touch or ask in-store and our team can look into a special order for you.
Package Deals & In-Store Help
As the Eastern Suburbs’ only dedicated, licensed reptile dealer, we carry everything needed to set your Spotted Python up properly – enclosures, feed, heat mats and thermostats, hides, substrate, water dishes, and feeding equipment. We can put together a package deal covering your python and its full setup, and our team is always on hand to talk through what equipment will suit your space and experience level. Whether this is your first python or you’re adding to an existing collection, we’re happy to help you get it right.
Visit Us
Come see our Spotted Pythons in person at Birdsville, 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015. Follow us on social media for updates on new arrivals, and check out our How to Care for Pet Spotted Pythons guide for the full picture on keeping one happy and healthy at home.