The head and body length of A. flavipes is from 90-160 mm and adults weigh between 20 and 75 g. Coloration varies depending on region, most commonly a grizzled grey with yellowish or russet flanks, rump, belly, legs and feet with a pale throat and chin. The eyes are ringed with pale yellow. The tail is brown and well furred, becoming dark grey or black toward the tip.

A. flavipes is the most widespread Antechinus, preferring dry sclerophyll forests, heathy woodland and semiarid shrubland. In the northern part of its range it is also found in coastal heath, swampland and damp woodland. Nests are built of dry eucalyptus leaves in hollow trees, amongst rocks or in buildings.

A. flavipes is diurnal, foraging on the ground, among rocks, and in trees, consuming small vertebrates, invertebrates, eggs and nectar.

Mating occurs during a two week period, after which all the males die.

They are found in Cape York Peninsula (Queensland); Victoria and SE South australia; SW Western Australia. In SE Australia 23Nº to S Victoria, amd west to about 136º E on the South Australian coast. Inland, as far as about 145ºE in S New South Wales.

The brain weight is .695 g (includes L.+R. Trg. & L. C2 DRG). The brain meaurements are: Length AP left 9.1 mm; Length AP right 9.1 mm; Bitemporal width 12.8 mm; Temporal height left 8.4 mm; Temporal height right 8.0 mm.