Adults are very large with a heavy build and a maximum length of around three metres.
A large head, distinct from the neck, small and numerous body scales.
Colouration and pattern are distinctive.
Body colour ranges from brown to varying shades of grey, marked with darker-edged light blotches, bands or lines.
The diamond variant (found in mid and southern regions of New South Wales) is darker, almost black with numerous white or yellow spots (one per scale, periodically forming larger clusters).
All juveniles are a reddish brown colour with faint markings.
