The blackish blind snake (Anilios nigrescens), also called the eastern blind snake, is a small burrowing snake. Its smooth body and inconspicuous eyes can give it a worm-like appearance. A brief glimpse on a garden path is rarely enough to identify it confidently.
Was it a worm or a snake?
Blind snakes have scales and a forked tongue. Those features can be hard to see from a safe distance. If something slender disappears under mulch, leave the mulch in place. There is no need to pick it up or expose it to settle the question.
If you find one while gardening
Stop digging where you saw it and move pets away. Note the garden bed, path or doorway where it disappeared. If you already have a photograph taken from safety, the SITC identification guide explains what to send. A photo of a different animal, or an empty garden bed, cannot establish which species you saw.
If an unidentified snake is still near people, call 0411 103 488 with the location. For a suspected human bite, call 000 immediately. Australian Museum blind snake account.