Best Places to See Kangaroos in Australia (and Wallabies too!)

If you’re planning a trip to Australia, one of the most unforgettable experiences is spotting kangaroos in their natural habitat. In this guide, we’ll share the best places to see kangaroos in Australia, as well as wallabies, wallaroos, and other fascinating marsupials. Whether you are camping by the beach, hiking in national parks, or exploring the outback, these iconic animals are never far away. Plus, we include practical tips to ensure you have an ethical and rewarding wildlife experience.

Where to See Kangaroos and Wallabies: State-by-State Highlights

First and foremost, kangaroos and wallabies are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, so plan your outings accordingly.

Australian Capital Territory

• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve — Reliable sightings of kangaroos and wallabies near Canberra.

New South Wales

• Murramarang National Park — Camp alongside kangaroos just meters from the beach.

• Pebbly Beach — Famous for its friendly beach kangaroos.

• Booderee National Park — A mix of kangaroos and wallabies in coastal forests.

Northern Territory

• Kangaroo Sanctuary, Alice Springs — A must-visit for up-close encounters and kangaroo conservation stories.
• Finke Gorge National Park — Remote landscapes where euro (hill kangaroo) and black-footed rock-wallabies are often spotted.
• Litchfield National Park — While less common, agile wallabies can be seen at dawn or dusk near campsites and walking tracks.

Queensland

• Cape Hillsborough — Experience magical sunrise kangaroo and wallaby encounters.

• Granite Gorge — Known for approachable wallabies, perfect for families.

• Carnarvon Gorge — Scenic walks where eastern greys and wallaroos roam.

• Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) — Spot rare rock-wallabies in a rugged outback setting.

South Australia

• Ikara-Flinders Ranges — Dramatic landscapes with sunset kangaroo safaris.

• Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary — Spot elusive rock-wallabies.

Tasmania

• Cradle Mountain — Evening sightings of pademelons and Bennetts wallabies.

• Maria Island — A peaceful haven for kangaroos, wombats, and wallabies.

• Narawntapu National Park — Nicknamed Tasmania’s “Serengeti” for good reason.

Victoria

• Grampians National Park — Large mobs of kangaroos graze on open grasslands.

• Wilsons Promontory — Coastal trails with both kangaroos and swamp wallabies.

• Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve — A volcanic crater teeming with marsupials.

Western Australia

• Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand — Kangaroos famously lounge on white sand beaches.

• Yanchep National Park — Easy kangaroo spotting near Perth.

📷 Tips for Ethical Viewing of Kangaroos and Wallabies

To enjoy kangaroo and wallaby encounters responsibly, approach with care and respect for their space. Observe from a distance, avoid feeding them, and be especially cautious when driving at dawn or dusk.

🐾 Be quiet and move slowly — sudden movement will scare them off.
🚫 Don’t feed wild animals.
🌅 Visit at dawn or dusk for the best chance of sightings.
📸 Use a zoom lens — don’t get too close.
🚗 Slow down when driving at dusk and dawn — they often cross roads.

📚 What Are Kangaroos and Wallabies, Scientifically Speaking?

Kangaroos and wallabies belong to a group of marsupials called macropods, meaning “big foot.” They’re all part of the same biological family:

🤔 Kangaroo vs Wallaby: What’s the Difference?

You’ll often hear people refer to all hopping marsupials as “kangaroos” — and that’s perfectly fine! While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are some subtle differences. Kangaroos are usually larger and live in open grasslands, while wallabies are smaller and prefer forests or rocky areas.

But honestly? Regardless of which species you spot, seeing these marsupials in the wild is a true highlight of any Australian adventure.