[1][2] It is endemic to eastern Australia, straddling the border of Queensland and New South Wales.

It is known only from the central and western McPherson Ranges, in the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Site.

It is named after Sydney environmentalist Ross Knowles for his contributions to the study of Australian frogs.

[4][5][6] This species breeds in bogs, seepages, and the banks of headwater streams.

[6] Although it is found in some protected areas such as Mount Barney National Park, it is highly threatened by invasive species, habitat loss, and potentially chytridomycosis, and its range has the potential to shrink significantly due to climate change.