It is a shrub or small tree growing in rainforests of seaward eastern Australia.

Junior synonyms of D. australis are: An attractive small tree, rarely reaching a height of 20 metres and a trunk diameter of 25 cm (10 in).

The yellow tinged foliage and black berries make identification relatively easy.

Leaves alternate, smooth edged, elliptical or oblong 4 to 10 cm (4 in) long.

The fruit matures in the months of February to July, being a shiny black berry, elliptical in shape, 12 to 20 mm in length.