The Egretta novaehollandiae, commonly known as the White-faced Heron, is native to Australasia. Its geographical distribution includes Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. It is also found in New Zealand, where it is a common bird, and has been reported as far north as Southeast Asia in places like Indonesia, the Philippines, and occasional emigrant sightings in the Malay Peninsula.

The White-faced Heron inhabits a range of environments, typically preferring wetlands. This includes freshwater and saltwater marshes, rivers, lakes, ponds, coastal mudflats, and estuaries. It is also commonly seen in man-made environments like agricultural fields and urban areas where water is present.

The species is very adaptable and exploits a variety of habitats due to its feeding strategy. It feeds on amphibians, insects, small fish, and other aquatic organisms which it catches by wading through shallow water or grass. Its adaptable lifestyle and varied diet allow it to occupy both coastal and inland water systems efficiently, adjusting to seasonal water availability. In New Zealand and parts of Australia, it has also adapted to foraging in lawns and grasslands.