Water infiltration and movement into soil are important factors for cropping systems in texture contrast soils subject to runoff and erosion under unsteady rainfall. This study considers the effects of 10 years of direct drilled (with stubble retained) wheat, in a duplex soil (luvisolic type soil with sandy clay loam A horizon and clay subsoil) in southeastern Australia, on water penetration into both dry and wet soil profiles, in comparison with conventional tillage (soil cultivated 100 mm after stubble burnt). Earthworm populations, biomass, and species diversity were determined under each tillage system. Surface-applied bromide in solution was used in the field, under ponded conditions, to trace water movement into the soil profile and to detect differences in leaching patterns between tillage systems. In dry soil conditions, conventional tillage retarded the movement of water, and the soil surface quickly became saturated. Bromide penetration and movement was increased below 100 mm by direct drilling, in comparison with conventional tillage. Bromide added to a wet soil tended to concentrate at the surface 50 mm under conventional tillage, compared with direct drilling. Preferential flow, where a proportion of infiltrating water bypassed the soil matrix, apparently occurred in the 0 to 100-mm depth under direct drilling. Unsaturated flow and impeded water movement were evident near the surface of the conventional tillage. It is suggested that different soil structures and soil stabilities directly influenced water infiltration, although antecedent moisture conditions appeared to strongly influence leaching patterns. Characterization of earthworm abundance and species indicated that conservation tillage increased the presence ofAporrectodea trapezoidesandAporrectodea rosea, which forms extensive, vertical burrows. Overall, direct drilling improved the movement of water into the A horizon of duplex soils