[3] E. cunninghami can reach up to 40 cm (16 inches) in total length (including tail), and may be confused with the blue-tongued lizards (genus Tiliqua).

It is extremely variable in colour, ranging from dark brown to black, with or without blotchy patches, speckles, or narrow bands.

[5] There is currently research being done on the isolated population of Cunningham's skink that inhabits the southern Mount Lofty Ranges in South Australia.

[7] Such populations in deforested areas experience potentially inbreeding-enhancing factors such as reduced dispersal and increased relatedness.

This finding, as well as heterozygous excesses in immature lizards from disturbed (as well as undisturbed) habitats indicated that it maintains outbreeding in the face of increased accumulation of relatives.