This frog is endemic to coastal eastern Australia, where it ranges from northeastern New South Wales to the NSW/Queensland border.

[1][2] Prior to 2021, this species was thought to have a much wider range, from northeastern Victoria to southern Queensland, and was simply known as the bleating tree frog.

[6] This frog is associated with coastal lagoons, ponds and swamps, in heathland, sclerophyll forest and cleared farmland.

The bleating tree frog is well known for its loud, high-pitched call, which can be painful to humans nearby.

Mass breeding and calling can take place on warm, wet, overcast nights during spring and summer.