There are 26 species of medium-sized marsupials in this family. They are found in Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and surrounding regions.

They have stocky bodies, small heads, and front-facing eyes. Most species have long, furry prehensile tails. In most species, the first and second digits of the forefeet are opposable.

They have thick fur that can range from gray to brown to black. Some species have spots or stripes.

They are good climbers, but they also spend time on the ground. They are omnivores and usually feed at night.

Species in this family include the mountain cuscus, the gray cuscus, the silky cuscus, the mountain cuscus, the northern brushtail possum, the silver-gray brushtail possum, and the scaly-tailed possum.