Are the possums in Hyde Park, Sydney, pests?

Sydney’s Hyde Park possums offer a vision of native Australian wildlife right next to the city centre. Unlike elsewhere, the possums in Hyde Park are not regarded as pests.

Possums in New Zealand

The prevailing view of possums depends on where you are in the world. In New Zealand, in particular, possums are regarded as an absolute menace.

That’s because possums aren’t native to New Zealand. They were brought in from Australia and went rampant. There are now millions of possums across New Zealand, merrily chomping away on precious vegetation and generally being a one-species ecological disaster.

New Zealander try to flatten possums on the roads and turn the skins into gloves. It is fair to say possums are not popular.

Possums in Australia

Possums in Australia get an altogether different treatment. They’re not universally adored, but possums are a native species in Australia.

They’re also a protected species – by law, they cannot be harmed.

13 brilliant experiences in Sydney you should book

The Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains.

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Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour.
Save money with a multi-attraction pass.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy the romance of a tall ship cruise on Sydney Harbour.
Eat all you can at the Skyfeast at the top of Sydney Tower.
See migrating humpbacks – on a whale-watching cruise.
(Highly recommended ✅) Go behind the scenes of Australia’s most famous building on an Opera House tour.
Dine as the city lights up on sunset dinner cruise around the harbour.
Combine beers and stories on a historic pubs tour through the convict-era Rocks district.
Stand on your board and catch waves during Bondi Beach surfing lessons.
Go to wombat and kangaroo-spotting hotspots on a Southern Highlands tour.
Enjoy Sydney’s wild side on a Manly snorkelling & nature walk.
(🥇Top choice in Sydney) And, best of all, paddle to hidden beaches on a harbour kayaking adventure.

Where do possums live?

The natural habitat for possums is the rainforest, but they have proved pretty adaptable. As humans have encroached upon and torn down their territory, Australia’s possums have proved remarkably adaptable.

This means that possums aren’t beloved by some Australians – especially farmers and suburban gardeners.

The possums of Hyde Park, Sydney

The most famous place to see possums in Australia is Hyde Park next to Sydney’s CBD. The brushtail possums hang out in both the northern and southern sections of the park. They’re best seen at dawn and dusk, when they are most active.

The Hyde Park possums are not a pest, although their numbers are carefully monitored by the City of Sydney.

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Taronga Zoo – the zoo with harbour views (and plenty of cute Aussie animals)
Sydney Opera House – official walking tour. See behind the scenes!
Wild Life Sydney – Aussie animal favourites in convenient Darling Harbour location. Perfect if on limited time.
Sydney Cricket Ground – behind the scenes secrets tour.
Sydney Tower Eye – 360 degree views from 250 metres above the city.

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