This is a large-headed species with a heavy set of jaws. A pair of ridges run from the eye orbits along the centre of the snout. Scales are more oval in shape than other species, and scutes are relatively small. Juveniles are pale yellow in colour with black stripes and spots on the body and tail. The juvenile colouration persists for several years, growing progressively paler and less colourful with more indistinct bands which eventually disappear.
Mature adults are generally dark, with lighter tan or grey areas.
Dark bands and stripes are present on the lower flanks, but do not extend onto the belly region. The larger the animal grows, the greater the variety of items that it includes in the diet, with only the smaller items taken less frequently. Breeding territories are established in freshwater areas. These are constructed between the months of November and March during the wet season - this serves to raise the eggs above the ground to help prevent losses due to flooding. Many nests are still flooded every year, however, killing all the unhatched embryos.