Rabbits on the Northern Beaches 

Domesticated rabbits arrived in Australia with the First Fleet. The first wild population began in Victoria in 1859 when rabbits were released for hunting. Wild rabbits are now abundant across Australia and are well established on the Northern Beaches. Wild rabbits are found in all kinds of habitats from bushland reserves and urban boundaries, golf courses, sportsfields and private properties where they can destroy vegetation and graze on open lawn.

Priority Pests

Wild rabbits are a Priority pest and are responsible for major environmental damage to native vegetation, sportsfields, reserves, lawns and gardens. According to the NSW Government, wild rabbits cost Australia more than $200 million in damage each year. 

Why are rabbits a problem?

Rabbits are a problem because they destroy native vegetation, increase erosion and damage lawns, gardens and sportsfields. They eat the seedlings of native and garden plants, reducing native plant biodiversity and competing with native animals for food and shelter.

Rabbit control programs

Australia has been running wild rabbit control programs since the 1920s, and managing feral animals in urban areas works best when efforts are coordinated. Council undertakes a range of control measures, including the annual release of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHDV1), targeted shooting, warren fumigation, and other approved methods to help reduce their impacts across the community.

What can you do?

Council undertakes rabbit control across the LGA, and property owners can help too. If you have wild rabbits on your property, please manage them by engaging a qualified pest controller or emailing Council to learn about the rabbit‑trapping procedure and trap‑hire program. 

Landowners have responsibilities under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 to help manage wild rabbit populations on their properties. Wild rabbits can contribute to land degradation and compete with native wildlife, and they are recognised as a key threat to endangered species and ecological communities under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Keeping wild rabbits off your property 

There are three simple steps you can take to keep wild rabbits off your property:

1. Fence the property to prevent access
2. Place blood and bone around the property boundary to deter rabbits
3. Spray plants with a liquid deterrent made from boiled garlic and chilli and reapply after rain

Sydney North Vertebrate Pest Committee

Sydney North Vertebrate Pest Committee was established in 1998. The group consists of key land managers from across the Sydney North Region including local government, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Local Land Services, Forestry NSW, Sydney Water, Taronga Zoo and Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. The aim of the group is to share information, raise awareness, educate the community and develop the skills required to manage feral animals including rabbits.

Own a pet rabbit?

Abandoning domestic rabbits contributes directly to the wild rabbit population on the Northern Beaches. When released, whether deliberately or by accident, pet rabbits can easily establish in the wild and interbreed with existing populations. Releasing a pet rabbit is both cruel and irresponsible, and if you can no longer care for your rabbit, please find it a new home or contact a pet rescue service such as the RSPCA.

Releasing non‑native animals without a licence (except homing pigeons) is prohibited under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. Abandoning animals is also an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979, with penalties of up to $5,500 or six months’ imprisonment.

If you choose to own a pet rabbit, responsible care is essential. Ensure your rabbit is de‑sexed, vaccinated annually against Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, and kept in a secure hutch to prevent escape. Taking these steps helps protect both your pet and the local environment.

RHDV (Calicivirus) Wild Rabbit Control Program - Monday 2nd March 2026

In conjunction with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Great Sydney Local Lands Services, Council's Invasive Species team is planning to undertake a release of the RHDV rabbit calicivirus on the evening of Monday 2nd March 2026 at select sites across the Northern Beaches LGA.

For any queries please see the below FAQs or contact Council’s Invasive Species Team at: invasivespecies@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.