[3] C. gouldii is the largest of the genus Chalinolobus, a group distinguished by fleshy lobes located at the corners of its mouth.

[4] C. gouldii is known throughout mainland Australia (excluding northern Cape York Peninsula and Nullarbor Plain) as well as Tasmania, New Caledonia, and Norfolk Island.

In wooded areas, they are mostly arboreal, though they have also been found in the stumps and hollow limbs of trees or in bird nests.

They also account for 95% of bats found in roost boxes in Wilson Reserve, Ivanhoe East, Melbourne, and 100% of bats found 1.5 km further east in Kew[3] C. gouldii is insectivorous; in much of its range, moths are the most common food item, though beetles play this role in the riparian woodlands of Tasmania.

In Western Australia, the birthing period (6–8 weeks) begins from late September to November depending on the latitude of the population involved.