Wombat burrows can stretch up to 30 meters long and feature complex networks of tunnels and chambers.

Wombats are among the world's most proficient burrowing mammals, using their powerful claws and shovel-like teeth to move up to 3 tons of earth per year. A study published in the Journal of Mammalogy notes that a single burrow system can extend 30 meters (nearly 100 feet) and reach depths of 2 meters below the surface. These systems often include multiple entrances, side tunnels, and dedicated nesting chambers to provide safety from predators like dingoes.The thermal stability of these burrows is a vital survival mechanism for the Vombatidae family. Research conducted by the University of Tasmania shows that while surface temperatures in the Australian bush can fluctuate by 30 degrees Celsius, the temperature inside a burrow remains constant at around 14 to 20 degrees Celsius. This prevents the wombats from overheating, which is critical because they have a very low metabolic rate and struggle to dissipate heat.Interestingly, these burrows often serve as life-saving shelters for other species. During the devastating Australian bushfires of 2019 and 2020, ecologists observed wallabies, echidnas, and small reptiles seeking refuge in the deep, fire-resistant tunnels of wombat networks. Although wombats are generally solitary and territorial, they are known to allow other animals to use their extensive tunnel systems during emergencies, making them 'ecosystem engineers' of the Australian landscape.