The general coloration of the upper parts varies from pale sandy brown through yellowish brown to ashy brown or grayish. The underparts are white in all species except N. mitchelli, which is whitish gray below. The body covering is fine, close, and soft in most forms. The long hairs near the tip of the tail give the effect of a brush. These rodents are characterized by their strong incisor teeth, long tail, large ears, and extremely lengthened and narrow hind feet, which have only four sole pads.
Females have four mammae.
All species that have been examined have a well-developed sebaceous glandular area on the underside of the neck or chest. He suggested that the glands are used for territorial marking and marking of group members, including newborn young. Australian hopping mice inhabit sand dunes, grasslands, tree and shrub heaths, and lightly wooded areas. Normally, they move about awkwardly on all fours or make short hops, but if startled they bound rapidly and gracefully using only the large hind feet. They dig their own burrows, some being of simple construction but others being rather complex.