The slender-tailed dunnart is native to the east and south-east coast and interior of Australia, from the Cape York Peninsula to the Port Lincoln area of South Australia.

This species is found at altitudes of between 60–360 metres (196.9–1181.1 ft) and preferes habitats with an average rainfall between 30–85 centimetres (11.8–33.5 in) per year.

Habitats encountered include Mallee scrub,y forests and woodlands and dry heath, these areas have sparse ground and shrub cover but have dense leaf and bark litter in Victoria to rainforest edges and swamps in Queensland.

The female may live to breed a second year, although the male generally dies after mating.

[2] An opportunistic arthropod feeder, found that a preference for beetles and moths with other prey less eaten than what was available.