Australian Goanna

The Goanna is one of Australia's largest monitor lizards. These reptiles are usually dark grey to black in colour and display cream or yellow scales, which form bands and spots in contrast. Goannas are found throughout most of Australia in a variety of environments. Using their powerful legs and tail, long neck and strong claws, the Goanna can move quickly across the ground and among tree branches, and is the only lizard to possess a forked tongue.

Discover Australia design

The coin's reverse depicts a Goanna in its habitat and the inscriptions DISCOVER AUSTRALIA and GOANNA. The Perth Mint's 'P' mintmark and the 2012 year-date are also included in the design.