Best Places to See Kangaroos in Australia

If spotting wild kangaroos is on your Australia wish list, you’re in the right place. From the dazzling white sands of Western Australia to the ochre outback of the Northern Territory, there are unforgettable places to see kangaroos—safely, ethically, and often in spectacular landscapes. This guide brings you the best locations by state and territory, smart timing tips, recommended tours, and practical advice to turn your kangaroo-spotting dreams into a highlight of your trip.

Whether you’re planning a quick coastal getaway or an epic cross-country road trip, use this article to craft your itinerary. Ready to meet Australia’s most iconic locals? Let’s hop to it.

Quick Answer: Where to See Kangaroos in the Wild

Short on time? These are the top, reliably rewarding places to see kangaroos (and their macropod cousins) across Australia.

• Kangaroo Island, South Australia – Wild kangaroos at golden hour, plus abundant wildlife island-wide
• Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia – Famous “kangaroos on the beach”
• Murramarang National Park and Pebbly Beach, New South Wales – Coastal roos browsing on dunes
• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, ACT (Canberra) – A near-certain sighting in a beautiful bushland setting
• The Grampians (Halls Gap), Victoria – Kangaroos gathering on ovals and in paddocks, especially at dusk
• Anglesea Golf Club, Victoria – Guided kangaroo tours right on the fairways
• Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia – Classic outback encounters with reds, greys, and euros
• Coombabah Lakelands, Gold Coast, Queensland – Easy-access eastern grey kangaroos near boardwalks
• Narawntapu National Park, Tasmania – “Tasmania’s Serengeti” with Forester kangaroos in open plains
• West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory (near Alice Springs) – Red kangaroos at dawn and dusk

Tip: For guaranteed ethical, close-up encounters (and great photography opportunities), pair wild viewing with a guided visit to a sanctuary such as the Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs or a reputable wildlife park.

Kangaroos 101: Know Your Species and Behavior

Australia’s “roos” belong to the macropod family (literally “big foot”). Knowing who’s who will help you identify them in the wild and choose the right destinations:

• Red kangaroo (Macropus rufus): The world’s largest marsupial, thriving in arid outback interiors. Males have a rust-red coat; females can be blue-grey. Best viewed in the Northern Territory, South Australia’s outback, western New South Wales, and Queensland’s Channel Country.
• Eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus): Common in southeastern Australia (NSW, Victoria, Queensland, ACT, Tasmania). Large mobs gather in grassy areas near forests and coastal scrub.
• Western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus): Found in Western Australia and South Australia; the Kangaroo Island kangaroo is a smaller, darker subspecies.
• Euros/wallaroo (Osphranter robustus): Stockier, often seen in rocky ranges of central and western Australia.
• Wallabies and relatives: Smaller macropods (like agile wallabies and pademelons) are also common. You’ll often see them alongside kangaroos, depending on the area.

Behavior basics:

• Best times: Crepuscular animals, kangaroos are most active at dawn and dusk. That’s your golden window for sightings and photos.
• Habitat: Open grassy areas next to sheltering bush or scrub. Look for golf courses, ovals, paddocks, dunes, and woodland edges.
• Safety: They’re powerful, wild animals. Always keep distance, especially from large males and mothers with joeys.

When and How to See Kangaroos Responsibly

• Go early or late: Plan sunrise or sunset visits for active behavior and soft, photogenic light.
• Keep your distance: At least 20–30 meters from kangaroos; more if a large male is present. Don’t approach, corner, or try for selfies.
• Never feed: Human food harms wildlife and can cause aggressive behavior. Feeding is illegal in many protected areas.
• Drive carefully: Kangaroos often cross roads at dusk and dawn. Slow down, use high beams where appropriate, and avoid driving at night in rural areas.
• Read country: Watch for alert ears, stillness in shade, and movement along tree edges or dunes.
• Respect Country and parks: Follow local signage, stick to tracks, and check park alerts before you go.

The Best Places to See Kangaroos in Australia (By State and Territory)

New South Wales: Beaches and Bushland Encounters

Murramarang National Park and Pebbly Beach (South Coast)

Nowhere says “Australia” quite like a kangaroo grazing beside turquoise water. Along the South Coast, Murramarang National Park protects a ribbon of eucalypt forest that spills onto sandy coves. Pebbly Beach is famous for wild kangaroos that sometimes lounge on the grass just behind the beach and occasionally hop onto the sand.

• Why go: Coastal scenery plus regular kangaroo sightings
• Best time: Dawn and dusk, weekdays outside school holidays for a quieter experience
• Nearby stays: Holiday parks and cabins in Durras or Depot Beach make perfect bases

Traveler tip: Stay two nights to enjoy unhurried sunrise and sunset visits—your best odds for magical photos.

Jervis Bay and Booderee National Park

Crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and a healthy population of eastern grey kangaroos in the surrounding bush. You’ll often see roos browsing near camping areas and grassy clearings.

• Highlights: Cave Beach campground, Green Patch area
• Bonus wildlife: Swamp wallabies, echidnas, and abundant birdlife

Kosciuszko and Warrumbungle National Parks (Inland)

In the alpine grasslands of Kosciuszko and the volcanic domes of the Warrumbungles, kangaroos graze at dawn along open slopes and campground fringes. Fantastic if you’re combining hiking with wildlife viewing.

Note: The former Morisset Hospital lawns are closed to visitors; plan your roo viewing at the locations above instead.

Australian Capital Territory (Canberra): Roo Capital Vibes

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Just 45 minutes from Canberra’s center, Tidbinbilla is a near-sure bet for kangaroos, with scenic drives and short walks through eucalypt woodland and open plains.

• Why go: Consistent sightings and family-friendly facilities
• Extras: Check for ranger talks and Indigenous cultural experiences

Namadgi National Park and Suburban Greens

At the city’s edge, Namadgi’s grassy valleys hold large mobs at dawn and dusk. Within Canberra’s suburbs, roos commonly graze on ovals and golf courses—only observe from a distance and never approach.

• Photo spot: Mount Ainslie and Red Hill lookouts often reveal roos in nearby reserves at first and last light

Victoria: Coastal Fairways and Mountain Grasslands

The Grampians (Gariwerd) – Halls Gap

Kangaroos are part of the daily rhythm in Halls Gap, the main village inside the Grampians. Watch them gather on the cricket oval or in paddocks below sandstone ridges as the sun sets.

• Why go: Abundant sightings, dramatic mountain backdrops, easy roadside viewing
• Stay: A cabin or campsite in Halls Gap puts you in the action

Anglesea Golf Club (Great Ocean Road)

One of Australia’s best-known kangaroo experiences, Anglesea runs guided kangaroo tours on its fairways. You’ll get close views (without intruding) and insightful commentary.

• Book ahead: Tours can fill quickly on weekends and holidays
• Combine with: Great Ocean Road viewpoints and surf beaches

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve (near Warrnambool)

Set in an extinct volcano, Tower Hill is a wildlife hotspot where kangaroos, emus, and koalas share the landscape.

• Timing: Dusk is superb as kangaroos move onto open grass

Woodlands Historic Park (near Melbourne Airport)

A handy stop for incoming or outgoing flights, this park’s grassy woodlands are home to sizeable groups of eastern greys.

South Australia: Kangaroo Island and Outback Classics

Kangaroo Island (KI)

With a name like that, expectations are high—and KI delivers. The Kangaroo Island kangaroo, a subspecies of western grey, is abundant across fields and road verges at dawn/dusk. Combine your wildlife encounters with beaches, sea cliffs, and national parks.

• Top spots: Flinders Chase National Park, Cygnet River area, and farmland fringes across the island
• Tours to book: Evening wildlife safaris and small-group island explorations
• Travel tip: Stay at least two nights for sunset and sunrise viewing windows

Flinders Ranges National Park

If you dream of red kangaroos against ancient, folding ranges, head here. You’ll also see western greys and euros, particularly near Wilpena Pound and along creek lines.

• Best time: Early morning and late afternoon, especially after rain when feed is fresh
• Road trip mode: A 4WD opens access to quieter lookouts and remote camps

Adelaide Hills and Metro Green Spaces

Belair National Park and Morialta Conservation Park offer good odds for eastern greys in bushland just outside the city. For a guaranteed, ethical encounter, consider Cleland Wildlife Park, where supervised feeding (of appropriate food) and informative talks are available.

Western Australia: Beaches, Bush, and Big Skies

Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park (near Esperance)

White sand that squeaks, water so blue it looks filtered—and kangaroos that often relax on the beach. It’s one of the most photogenic wildlife scenes in Australia.

• When to go: Early morning for fewer people; kangaroos appear at different times day-to-day
• How to experience: Base in Esperance or camp inside the park for multiple chances

Yanchep National Park (near Perth)

An easy day trip from Perth with dependable kangaroo sightings at dawn/dusk along open lawns and trails.

• Family-friendly: Picnic areas, walking tracks, and cultural experiences available

John Forrest National Park and the Perth Hills

Perth’s first national park offers classic bush scenery and a good chance to see roos near picnic grounds toward evening.

Cape Range National Park (Exmouth)

Look for euros and kangaroos at the base of limestone ranges as the day cools. Combine with Ningaloo Reef snorkeling for an iconic land-and-sea itinerary.

Queensland: Easy Encounters and Coastal Add-ons

Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area (Gold Coast)

One of the simplest places in Queensland to see eastern greys. Boardwalks and level trails make it accessible; roos often graze on the grassy flats.

• Be mindful: Keep well back—these are wild animals used to people but still unpredictable

Girraween National Park (Granite Belt)

Among granite outcrops and wildflower-studded plains, kangaroos and wallabies graze at dawn and dusk near Bald Rock Creek and campgrounds.

Sundown National Park (near Stanthorpe)

A rugged, lesser-visited park where keen wildlife watchers may see roos and wallaroos in quieter valleys.

Note: Cape Hillsborough’s famous beach visitors are agile wallabies, not kangaroos—but it’s such a memorable sunrise experience that many travelers include it alongside kangaroo viewing elsewhere in Queensland.

Tasmania: Forester Kangaroos and Quiet Plains

Narawntapu National Park (Northern Tasmania)

Often called “Tasmania’s Serengeti,” Narawntapu’s open grasslands make wildlife spotting easy. Forester kangaroos (Tasmania’s subspecies of eastern grey), pademelons, and wombats are regulars.

• Best areas: Springlawn and Archers Knob walks
• Golden light: Late afternoon brings out big mobs on the flats

Mount William National Park and the Northeast

Look for Forester kangaroos in coastal heathlands and open pasture edges. Quiet roads and low visitor numbers can make for serene viewing.

Maria Island National Park

Known for wombats and wallabies, Maria Island also supports Forester kangaroos. Even if you don’t spot kangaroos, the island’s wildlife density and heritage ruins make it a must for nature lovers.

Northern Territory: Red Kangaroos of the Outback

West MacDonnell Ranges (near Alice Springs)

In big sky country west of Alice, watch for red kangaroos at first and last light near Simpson Gap, Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye), and open flats between ranges.

• Climate tip: In hot months, plan ultra-early starts and twilight outings; roos retreat to shade in the heat

The Kangaroo Sanctuary, Alice Springs

Home to rescued joeys and adult roos, this sanctuary offers guided sunset tours with inspiring conservation stories. It’s an ethical way to get close-up photos while supporting rehabilitation work.

• Book early: Limited-capacity tours sell out quickly in peak seasons

Finke Gorge and Remote Tracks

Those equipped for off-grid travel may spot red roos along sandy riverbeds and spinifex plains. Always travel prepared and check road conditions.

Outback New South Wales: Red Roo Country

Sturt National Park (near Tibooburra)

On the NSW edge of the Strzelecki Desert, Sturt’s vast gibber plains are classic red kangaroo habitat. Expect huge horizons and minimal crowds.

• Access: Long distances, limited services—plan fuel, water, and supplies carefully
• Pair with: Cameron Corner or Mutawintji National Park for a fuller outback circuit

Guided Kangaroo Tours and Experiences Worth Booking

Booking a reputable tour can maximize sightings, add expert insight, and keep your interactions ethical:

• Anglesea Golf Club Kangaroo Tours (Victoria) – Safe, close viewing and excellent guides
• Kangaroo Sanctuary Sunset Tour (Alice Springs, NT) – Heartwarming rescue stories and photography-friendly light
• Kangaroo Island wildlife safaris (South Australia) – Evening drives targeting roos, koalas, and echidnas
• Tidbinbilla ranger activities (ACT) – Educational walks with consistent wildlife encounters
• Esperance and Cape Le Grand day tours (Western Australia) – Local knowledge for best timing at Lucky Bay

Tip: If a tour promises guaranteed feeding of wild kangaroos, skip it. Choose operators that respect distance and natural behaviors.

Kangaroo Photography Tips

• Light: Aim for golden hour. Backlighting ears can create a lovely translucent glow.
• Lenses: A 200–300mm telephoto lets you keep distance while filling the frame. A fast prime can be useful in low light.
• Perspective: Get low to eye level for intimacy; include landscape for storytelling.
• Shutter speed: 1/500s or faster for movement; raise ISO as light fades.
• Composition: Watch for joey heads peeking from pouches, grooming behavior, and group dynamics.
• Ethics: If your presence changes an animal’s behavior (staring, standing tall, moving away), you’re too close—step back.

Sample Kangaroo-Spotting Itineraries

5-Day South Australia Roo Escape: Adelaide to Kangaroo Island

Day 1: Arrive Adelaide, sunset at Belair National Park
Day 2: Ferry to Kangaroo Island, check into a lodge; dusk wildlife drive
Day 3: Explore Flinders Chase NP; sunrise and sunset roo sessions
Day 4: Coastal walks; optional nocturnal tour
Day 5: Return to Adelaide; winery lunch in McLaren Vale

Why it works: Two dusk and two dawn windows on KI almost guarantee memorable sightings.

7-Day Sydney to Canberra Coastal-and-Bush Loop

Day 1: Sydney to Jervis Bay; Booderee NP at sunset
Day 2: Morning beach time; drive to Murramarang NP for dusk roos
Day 3: South Coast towns, then inland to Canberra
Day 4: Tidbinbilla Reserve and city highlights
Day 5: Namadgi NP dawn hike; free afternoon
Day 6: Return to Sydney via Southern Highlands
Day 7: Buffer day for weather or extra stops

Why it works: Combines iconic beaches with high-probability reserves in the ACT.

10-Day Western Australia: Perth to Esperance

Day 1–2: Perth base; sunset at Yanchep NP
Day 3–4: Drive to Albany via Margaret River (whales in season)
Day 5–6: Esperance town; multiple dawn/dusk visits to Lucky Bay
Day 7–8: Cape Le Grand hikes; beach time
Day 9: Return drive, Perth Hills stop (John Forrest NP)
Day 10: Perth city or Rottnest Island day trip

Why it works: Multiple attempts at Lucky Bay in variable conditions make “roos on the beach” far more likely.

Practical FAQs About Seeing Kangaroos in Australia

Q: What’s the best month to see kangaroos?
A: Year-round. Sightings depend more on time of day than season. In hotter months, stick strictly to dawn/dusk; in cooler months, roos may graze longer.

Q: Can I see kangaroos in cities?
A: Yes—particularly in Canberra’s reserves and ovals, Perth’s nearby national parks, and Melbourne’s fringes (e.g., Woodlands Historic Park). Always keep a respectful distance.

Q: Are kangaroos dangerous?
A: They’re generally shy, but large males can be defensive and females protect joeys. Maintain distance, never corner them, and give them an easy escape route.

Q: Can I feed kangaroos?
A: No. Feeding harms wildlife and can lead to aggressive behavior. If you want a supervised feed, choose a reputable wildlife park where appropriate, species-specific food is provided.

Q: What about driving risks?
A: Avoid driving at dusk and night in rural areas. If unavoidable, slow down, scan road edges, and be prepared to stop. If you hit wildlife, contact local wildlife rescue numbers.

Q: Will I definitely see kangaroos on Kangaroo Island or Lucky Bay?
A: No wild sighting is guaranteed, but both locations offer high probabilities—especially if you plan multiple dawn/dusk windows.

What to Pack for Roo-Spotting

• Binoculars or a telephoto lens
• Neutral-colored clothing and a light jacket (it’s chilly at dawn)
• Hat, sunscreen, and water (Australia’s sun is strong even in cooler months)
• Red-filtered headlamp for pre-dawn hiking without dazzling wildlife
• Insect repellent, especially in bushy and coastal wetlands
• Patience—take your time and let the bush “wake up” around you

Accessibility and Family Tips

• Accessible viewing: Coombabah Lakelands (QLD), Yanchep NP (WA), and areas around Tidbinbilla (ACT) offer level paths and boardwalks.
• With kids: Set expectations about staying quiet and giving animals space. Keep little ones beside you, not running ahead.
• Strollers: Boardwalks and sealed paths in many reserves are stroller-friendly; sandy beaches and rough trails can be challenging.

Responsible Travel and Cultural Respect

• Acknowledge Country: Many top kangaroo destinations lie on Aboriginal land. Learn local stories and support Indigenous-run tours and cultural centers where possible.
• Leave no trace: Pack out all rubbish, stick to marked paths, and respect closures for habitat recovery.
• Support conservation: Choose operators and accommodations that prioritize wildlife protection and sustainability.

The Ultimate Kangaroo Hit List (By Experience Type)

• Best beach kangaroo photo: Lucky Bay, WA
• Best family-friendly reserve: Tidbinbilla, ACT
• Best outback red roo moment: West MacDonnell Ranges, NT or Flinders Ranges, SA
• Best “roos in town” vibe: Halls Gap, VIC (Grampians)
• Best golf-course tour: Anglesea Golf Club, VIC
• Best island wildlife mix: Kangaroo Island, SA
• Best Tasmanian plains: Narawntapu National Park, TAS
• Best coastal bush double: Murramarang NP and Jervis Bay/Booderee, NSW
• Best easy-access in QLD: Coombabah Lakelands, Gold Coast

Planning Checklist

1. Choose two or three kangaroo hotspots along your route.
2. Build in at least two dawn/dusk windows per location.
3. Pre-book any guided tours (Anglesea, Alice Springs).
4. Check park alerts and road conditions (especially in outback regions).
5. Pack your camera kit and a warm layer for early mornings.
6. Set navigation for scenic pull-outs with safe parking—don’t stop on road shoulders where visibility is poor.
7. Keep flexible—wildlife viewing rewards patience and time.

Conclusion: Make Your Kangaroo Moment Happen

Seeing wild kangaroos isn’t just a tick-box experience—it’s a window into Australia’s landscapes, from salt-white beaches to amber ranges and soft coastal bush. With smart timing, the right destinations, and an ethical approach, you’ll collect moments you’ll talk about for years: a joey peeking from a pouch at sunrise, a mob rippling across a meadow, the improbable joy of roos on white sand.

Build your trip around one or two of the headline locations—Kangaroo Island, Lucky Bay, the Grampians, Tidbinbilla—and allow time at dawn and dusk. Add a guided experience for guaranteed close-ups and expert insight. Travel slow, tread lightly, and let Australia’s most iconic marsupials come to you. Your perfect kangaroo encounter is closer than you think.