The black-footed and flanked species Petrogale lateralis, which occurs in central Australia, is distinguished by its larger size and the shorter and darker fur of the tail and hind parts.

[7] The species is able to negotiate difficult rocky terrain with great agility, their compact yet powerful build is assisted by counter-balancing the long tail and feet suited to holding the animal at precarious edges and on inclined surfaces.

The species favours north facing refuges, and while largely nocturnal in venturing out from shelter they will bask in winter sun for short periods.

Petrogale penicillata shelters during the day in rocky habitat, within vegetation or cavities of preferably complex terrain that allows them to find cooler temperatures and to elude or remain inaccessible to predators.

As a result, eradication is being undertaken, after initial protection for review of their Australian populations and the return of some wallabies to Australia.

[9][10] In 2003 some Kawau brush-tails were relocated to the Waterfall Springs Conservation Park north of Sydney, New South Wales, for captive breeding purposes.

Due to an escape of a pair in 1916, a small breeding population of the brush-tailed rock-wallabies also exists in the Kalihi Valley on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.

In late 2019 fierce bushfires swept through New South Wales and Victoria, burning protected areas inhabited by the wallaby.