Lexi Webster
Australia is known for its diverse wildlife, and kangaroos are one of the country's most iconic animals. With a population of almost double that of humans in Australia, kangaroos are a common sight across the country, from quiet beaches to sandy deserts. While they are typically associated with rural areas, kangaroos can also be found in suburban neighbourhoods and even urban centres like Canberra. In fact, some people in suburban areas have reported seeing kangaroos outside their windows or roaming the streets. However, the likelihood of spotting a kangaroo varies depending on the region and proximity to metropolitan areas. So, do kangaroos roam free in Australia? The answer is yes, and they are a beloved part of the country's natural landscape and culture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do kangaroos roam free in Australia? | Yes, kangaroos thrive across a diverse range of Australian habitats, from quiet beaches to sandy deserts. |
| Where to see kangaroos in Australia | Murramarang National Park on the South Coast of NSW, Carnarvon Gorge, Coombabah wetlands forest, southern Adelaide, Canberra, and Perth. |
| Population | The total kangaroo population is almost double that of people in Australia. In 2023, 36.5 million kangaroos were subject to population control in the five states that allow commercial harvesting. |
| Kangaroo culling | Australia sets annual quotas for kangaroo culling. In 2023, the quota allowed for the culling of around five million kangaroos, but only 4% of the total population was eliminated. |
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What You'll Learn
Where to see kangaroos in Australia
While kangaroos are not often spotted on city streets in Australia, they are indeed found roaming free in the country. Travellers will most likely encounter kangaroos by heading out of the city to open grassland. Here are some of the best places to see kangaroos in Australia.
Canberra
Australia's capital city, Canberra, has the country's highest concentration of kangaroos. The top locations around the city and within the Australian Capital Territory to spot kangaroos include Mount Ainslie, Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla National Park, and the Governor General's house. Government House is set on 54 hectares of parkland, making it a kangaroo hotspot.
Murramarang National Park
Located south of Sydney along the New South Wales coast, Murramarang National Park offers an expansive stretch of dramatic shoreline encompassing cliffs, rocky headlands, and sandy beaches backed by forest. Troops of eastern grey kangaroos nap near the campgrounds and golden sands at Pebbly Beach until dusk, when they congregate to graze. Nearby Pretty Beach is another spot to see kangaroos, as they are often found near the bush hiking trails and cabins in the area.
Lucky Bay
Lucky Bay, situated within Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance on Western Australia's south coast, is known for its pristine beach and turquoise waters. Western grey kangaroos are commonly seen here, enjoying the sun on the sand or hopping along the five-kilometre stretch of beach.
Yanchep National Park
Less than an hour's drive north of Perth on Australia's west coast, Yanchep National Park stands out for its numerous caves and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore the park's trails, ranging from 500 metres to 46 kilometres, and experience the unique coastal plain biodiversity, including kangaroos.
Anglesea
Along the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia's most scenic drives, Anglesea is a hotspot for kangaroos. They congregate at the local golf course, with the Anglesea Golf Club even offering guided roo tours on weekdays.
Grampians National Park
Located in regional Victoria, Grampians National Park is home to eastern grey kangaroos. While exploring the park, visitors should be cautious when driving between dusk and dawn, as kangaroos are known to roam freely in this area.
Kangaroo Island
Accessible by ferry from the mainland, Kangaroo Island, south of Adelaide, boasts some of Australia's finest beaches and striking rock formations. Flinders Chase National Park is the place to experience the island's diverse wildlife, including kangaroos. The kangaroos here are smaller than their mainland relatives, with darker and longer fur. They are often spotted resting in the shaded vegetation of the park's Black Swamp during the day and emerge to graze in the early morning and late afternoon.
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Population control and culling
In Australia, it is usually illegal to kill, buy, sell, or possess a kangaroo. However, due to land clearing and the subsequent abundance of grass, kangaroo populations have grown, and farmers have come to view kangaroos as pests. In response to this, the Australian government permits license holders to 'cull' or shoot kangaroos. This has resulted in the largest slaughter of land-based wildlife on the planet. In the past 20 years, 90 million kangaroos and wallabies have been lawfully killed, with approximately 3 million adult kangaroos killed per year.
The regulation of kangaroo culling is complex due to the division of laws between the Commonwealth and state governments in Australia, and different legislation depends on whether kangaroos are killed for commercial or non-commercial purposes. Commercial killing is governed by the National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Commercial Purposes. To obtain a license to cull kangaroos, landholders or managers must intend to mitigate damage or ensure public safety. If the property is in a commercial harvest zone, landholders will require a commercial license and may engage a licensed commercial harvester to remove kangaroos from their property. Persons with a valid firearms license and appropriate firearms can assist landholders who have been issued a license by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
The National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Non-Commercial Purposes and the Volunteer Non-Commercial Kangaroo Shooters Best Practice Guide specify acceptable methods of shooting kangaroos, including the type of firearms and ammunition that must be used, and how the shooting must be conducted (for example, shooting from moving vehicles or helicopters is not permitted). The code also includes procedures to minimize the pain and suffering of shot animals and euthanize pouch young and dependent young. Since August 2018, carcass tags are no longer required to be attached to kangaroo carcasses in NSW under licenses to harm kangaroos for non-commercial purposes. The changes allow landholders and shooters to use the carcass for any secondary purpose, except for sale, swap, or trade.
Some argue that professional control of kangaroo populations leads to better animal welfare and conservation outcomes. When professional control diminishes, amateur shooting increases, and kangaroos may starve through overpopulation. Regulators cannot monitor the number of kangaroos killed nor ensure high standards of animal dispatch. The kangaroo industry takes only a tiny percentage of the population, and populations fluctuate due to drought.
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Kangaroos in suburban areas
Kangaroos are a common sight in suburban areas of Australia, with some areas reporting higher concentrations of kangaroos than others. The presence of kangaroos in these areas is influenced by factors such as proximity to bushland, parklands, and golf courses. For example, residents of southern Adelaide may spot kangaroos just a short drive away, while those in Perth may see them in paddocks along the freeway. Similarly, kangaroos are frequently seen in the suburbs of Canberra, where an abundance of native parkland provides an ideal habitat.
Eastern grey kangaroos, in particular, have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to altered landscapes. They can be found in outer suburban parks, rural residential areas, and even golf courses, as long as their basic needs for shelter, water, and grass are met. This adaptability has led to situations where humans and kangaroos coexist, each tolerating the other's presence.
However, the increasing urban sprawl in Australia is having a detrimental effect on kangaroo populations. As cities expand, native wildlife like kangaroos are being displaced from their traditional habitats, often with nowhere else to go. This has resulted in a rise in injured kangaroos, with car collisions being the most common cause. Wildlife rescuers and veterinarians are inundated with calls to assist kangaroos that have been hit by cars or trapped in construction zones.
To mitigate the impact of urbanisation on kangaroos, residents of suburban areas are advised to take certain precautions. It is important to refrain from approaching, feeding, or attempting to be friendly with kangaroos. Domestic pets should be kept restrained when kangaroos are nearby. Additionally, it is crucial to respect their space and avoid cornering or chasing them. By following these guidelines, humans can coexist with kangaroos in suburban areas while ensuring the safety of both parties.
While kangaroos have shown an impressive capacity to adapt to changing environments, the ongoing urban development in Australia poses a significant challenge to their traditional way of life. As humans expand their footprint, it becomes increasingly important to find a balance that allows for the harmonious coexistence of humans and wildlife.
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Kangaroos in rural areas
Kangaroos are a common sight in rural areas of Australia, with their presence often depending on the proximity to metropolitan areas and the availability of native bushland. While they are less likely to be seen in inner-city suburbs or densely populated urban centres, they are frequently spotted in rural and semi-rural regions, sometimes even venturing into residential areas.
In rural parts of New South Wales (NSW), for instance, it is not uncommon for residents to observe kangaroos in their natural habitat. The western Riverina district of NSW, in particular, is known for its high population of kangaroos. Similarly, in southern Adelaide, it is not unusual for people to catch glimpses of kangaroos just a short drive outside the city.
The presence of kangaroos in these areas can lead to occasional conflicts with humans, particularly as urbanisation and population growth encroach on their natural habitats. Kangaroos may be attracted to suburban areas that offer a mix of bushland and parkland, sometimes wandering into residential neighbourhoods. This proximity to human settlements can lead to concerns for the safety of both residents and the kangaroos themselves.
To minimise potential conflicts, experts recommend maintaining a respectful distance from kangaroos and avoiding any aggressive behaviour towards them. Providing food or water to kangaroos is discouraged, as it can lead to dependency and increase the likelihood of aggressive behaviour. Instead, it is important to ensure that kangaroos can find their own natural sources of nourishment. Additionally, landowners can take preventive measures such as appropriate fencing to deter kangaroos from entering gardens or lawns in populated areas.
The eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) is the most commonly sighted species, with a range extending from northern Queensland down to Victoria and Tasmania. This species favours open woodlands and can often be found in groups called "mobs," which offer protection to weaker members. Population densities of eastern grey kangaroos can reach up to 100 per square kilometre in suitable habitats.
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Kangaroos in national parks
Kangaroos are a common sight in Australia, and there are several national parks where you can spot them in their natural habitat.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, home to the famous Ayers Rock, is one of the best places to see red kangaroos in their natural habitat. The kangaroos are often seen grazing in the grassland along the trail to the Mutitjulu waterhole. The Kuniya Walk is especially common for spotting red kangaroos. The presence of water and the rocky red cliffs offering shade make it an ideal spot for kangaroos to rest.
Carnarvon Gorge National Park
Carnarvon Gorge National Park, located in Queensland's Sandstone Wilderness, is another great spot to see hundreds of kangaroos freely jumping around and enjoying their natural habitat. The park boasts deep, craggy gorges, stunning cliffs, and over 2,000 pieces of Aboriginal rock art. It is a tropical oasis with mossy gardens and vibrant greenery.
Namadgi National Park
Namadgi National Park, noted for its stunning mountain ranges and valleys, is an excellent place to spot kangaroos. Visitors can see kangaroos hopping around in herds in the open plains. Outside the city, hundreds of kangaroos roam freely in the park's rugged landscape.
Grampians National Park
Grampians National Park, famous for its rugged terrain and rich biodiversity, is perfect for kangaroo spotting. Visitors can spot eastern grey kangaroos in the valleys and grassy slopes.
Narawntapu National Park
Tasmania, the largest island in the Australian territory, is known for its abundant wildlife. Narawntapu National Park on the north coast of the island is one of the best places to see wild kangaroos. Visitors can spot the island's native Forester kangaroos and wallabies grazing on the open grassland. The park boasts stunning landscapes with coastal heathlands, dense woodlands, rivers, streams, and waterfalls.
Other Spots
In addition to the national parks, kangaroos can be spotted in various other locations across Australia. Lucky Bay in Western Australia's Cape Le Grand National Park is known for its pristine white sand and vibrant blue waters, where kangaroos are often seen sunbathing. Pebbly Beach, just south of Sydney, is another spot to find kangaroos lounging on the beach. In Queensland, Cape Hillsborough National Park is home to wallabies, the smaller relatives of kangaroos, who cluster on the beach at dawn and dusk.
Australia's wine regions, such as Western Australia's Margaret River and South Australia's Barossa Valley, also offer opportunities for kangaroo sightings among the vineyards. Golf courses, like Noosa Golf Club and Anglesea Golf Club, are popular spots for kangaroo-spotting due to their well-watered grass.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, kangaroos thrive across a diverse range of habitats in Australia, from quiet beaches to sandy deserts. They can be found in suburban areas, national parks, and even in cities like Canberra and Sydney.
There are many places in Australia where you can see kangaroos in their natural habitat. Here are some specific locations:
- Murramarang National Park on the South Coast of NSW
- Carnarvon Gorge, which is a remote location that can be accessed by car
- Coombabah wetlands forest
- Southern Adelaide and its surrounding areas
Yes, kangaroos are hunted in Australia. They were traditionally hunted by the Indigenous population for food and by native wild dogs called dingoes. Today, state authorities allow licensed hunters to cull millions of kangaroos annually to control their population and protect other endangered species.
The frequency of seeing kangaroos in Australia depends on the location. While they are not typically found in inner-city areas like the CBD of Sydney, they are prevalent in suburban and rural areas. Some people report seeing kangaroos regularly, even in urban parts of cities like Canberra.
