EASTERN WATER SKINK Eulamprus quoyii (Dumeril and Bibron, 1839)
This 30 cm lizard is found throughout most parts of NSW, Coastal Queensland and areas in Victoria and South Australia which are close to the Murray River.
The Water Skink is usually found in close proximity to creeks and rivers. Only in wetter forests is it likely to stray any distance from water, where it may be found in adjoining farm country, and high and dry rock outcrops. A very swift moving species it commonly takes to water when disturbed, often retreating under overhanging creek banks. In suburban areas this species is common in storm-water drains, and similar environments. The diet of the Water Skink is omnivorous.
A live-bearer, this species produces 2 to 5 young in mid summer(January).
The above was from the book Australian Reptiles and Frogs by Raymond Hoser and now available on a fantastic CD-Rom along with a vast amount of other information, papers and the like on reptiles, frogs and other wildlife.