Lexi Webster
Australia is home to unique plants and animals that have evolved separately from the rest of the world. The kangaroo is one of the most iconic and widely recognised of these. While kangaroos are not often spotted on city streets in Australia, they can be found in most rural areas. The best chance of spotting kangaroos is in open grassland, national parks, and nature reserves. Here are some of the best places to spot kangaroos in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| States/Territories | Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, South Australia |
| Cities/Towns | Anglesea, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Esperance, Melbourne |
| Golf Courses | Noosa Golf Club, Anglesea Golf Club, Federal Golf Club, Hunter Valley Golf & Country Club, Nelson Bay Golf Club, The Vines Resort, Wanneroo Golf Club |
| National Parks | Flinders Ranges, Namadgi National Park, Cape Le Grand National Park, Mikkira Station, Lincoln National Park, Mungo National Park, Flinders Chase National Park, Cape Otway National Park, Cape Range National Park, Francois Peron National Park |
| Islands | Kangaroo Island, Magnetic Island, Raymond Island |
| Other | Cape Hillsborough National Park, Cygnet River, Murray River, Lucky Bay, Eyre Peninsula, Great Ocean Road, Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Australian National Botanic Gardens |
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What You'll Learn
Golf courses
The Coast Golf Club in Sydney also offers a unique golfing experience, with humpback whales and their calves frequently spotted during the mid-migration season in June and July.
The Nelson Bay Golf Club offers guided kangaroo tours, where visitors can get within metres of wild Eastern Grey kangaroos in a safe and friendly environment.
Sanctuary Point Country Club in New South Wales has also experienced surprise visits from a large group of kangaroos, who were unfazed by the golfers and created some interesting playing conditions.
While kangaroos may not be interested in golfers, it is important to remember that they are wild animals and can be aggressive if they feel threatened.
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Grasslands and national parks
Grasslands and wide-open spaces are the best places to spot kangaroos in the wild. They are not commonly seen in cities, but in small towns, you may find them in the bush just beyond people's backyards. To see kangaroos in their natural habitat, head to the grassland and national parks of Australia.
Grasslands
Kangaroos are herbivores and are drawn to well-watered grass. They can be found in the grassland and bushland bordering Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia. Lucky Bay is known for its pristine white sand and vibrant blue waters, and kangaroos can be spotted on the beach in the early morning or at sunset.
National Parks
There are many national parks in Australia where kangaroos can be found. Here are some of the top spots:
- Murramarang National Park: Located south of Sydney on the New South Wales coast, this park features dramatic cliffs, headlands, and sandy beaches backed by forests. Eastern grey kangaroos can be spotted napping near the campgrounds and golden sands of Pebbly Beach.
- Mungo National Park: This park, situated northeast of Wentworth in New South Wales, comprises a dry lake bed in the dried-up Willandra Lakes system.
- Flinders Ranges: Three species of kangaroo can be found within the rugged landscape of South Australia's Flinders Ranges.
- Namadgi National Park: Just outside Canberra, hundreds of kangaroos roam free at Namadgi National Park.
- Lincoln National Park: Located on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula, this park features a mix of coastal and inland landscapes. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including Western Grey Kangaroos.
- Cape Hillsborough National Park: In Queensland, eastern grey kangaroos can be found chilling on the sand at Cape Hillsborough National Park, easily accessed from Mackay.
- Crows Nest National Park: This park in Queensland is ideal for spying on brush-tailed rock-wallabies and swamp wallabies.
- Cape Range National Park: Located near Exmouth, this park is home to black-footed rock-wallabies.
- Francois Peron National Park: Head to this park in the World Heritage-listed Shark Bay area to spot bilbies.
- Kangaroo Island: A large island off the southern coast of Adelaide in South Australia, Kangaroo Island is teeming with wildlife, including kangaroos and koalas. The Flinders Chase National Park on the island is a great place to experience its diverse wildlife.
Golf Courses
Kangaroos are also known to frequent golf courses, attracted by the well-watered grass. Some popular golf clubs in New South Wales even offer kangaroo-spotting tours. Here are some golf courses where kangaroos are commonly spotted:
- Noosa Golf Club
- Anglesea Golf Club
- Federal Golf Club
- Hunter Valley Golf & Country Club
- Nelson Bay Golf Club
- Wanneroo Golf Club
- The Vines Resort in the Swan Valley
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Victoria's Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is home to a large kangaroo population. The most common kangaroo species found here is the eastern grey kangaroo, identified by their pale bellies and grey furry backs. They are typically found in the grasslands and thick bushland of the Otway National Park in the early mornings or late evenings, hopping across the fields to graze. The Anglesea Golf Course is guaranteed to have kangaroos, with a resident population of around 300 eastern grey kangaroos. You can play a round of golf or simply enjoy a meal at the bistro and watch these kangaroos from the balcony.
The Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, a dormant volcanic crater, is another fantastic spot to see kangaroos. It is also home to emus, koalas, wallabies, and echidnas. You can also spot emus, koalas, and kangaroos at Kennett River campground, about 20 km west of Lorne. Drive slowly up Grey River Road, scanning the treetops as you go, and you may spot more marsupials.
The Great Ocean Walk, just west of Johanna Beach car park, and Wildlife Wonders in Apollo Bay, a protected sanctuary, are also great spots to see kangaroos.
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Queensland's beaches
Queensland is home to several beaches where kangaroos can be spotted. One of the most popular spots is Cape Hillsborough Beach in Mackay, where kangaroos can be seen at sunrise before they disappear in search of cooler ground. Cape Hillsborough is located within a National Park, about 50km northwest of Mackay in Far North Queensland. This beach is known for its breathtaking scenery, with vibrant colours in the sky at sunrise and the presence of kangaroos, making it a memorable experience for visitors.
Another well-known destination to spot kangaroos in Queensland is Carnarvon Gorge National Park in the Sandstone Wilderness. This park boasts a tropical oasis with deep gorges, stunning cliffs, and aboriginal rock art. Visitors can enjoy hiking and swimming alongside the hundreds of kangaroos that call this place home. The remote location of Carnarvon Gorge makes a car the best mode of transportation to access this natural wonderland.
For those seeking a unique experience, Queensland's tree kangaroos can be found in the Daintree Rainforest, a World Heritage-listed site. These nocturnal creatures are one of the more elusive species, so your best chance of spotting them is by embarking on a wildlife walk at night. Their appearance is distinct, with blackish-brown fur and exceptionally long tails, resembling huge possums.
Golf enthusiasts and kangaroo lovers alike can enjoy a visit to the Noosa Golf Club, where kangaroo sightings are common. The Anglesea Golf Club in Queensland is also known for its high population of kangaroos, offering guided roo tours during the week. These golf courses provide a unique opportunity to combine the enjoyment of the sport with the thrill of observing kangaroos in their natural habitat.
While not exclusively a beach, the North Gorge Walk in Queensland offers breathtaking views of Main Beach and the opportunity to capture photos of the friendly Straddie kangaroos hanging out on the headland. This location provides a delightful combination of scenic beauty and the chance to observe kangaroos in their natural environment.
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Kangaroo Island
The island is a haven for kangaroos, with an estimated population of up to 65,000. The kangaroos on the island, known as Kangaroo Island kangaroos, are a sub-species of the Western Grey Kangaroo and are characterised by their smaller size, thick dark brown fur, and slow movement. They are considered to be the friendliest roos in Australia due to their limited exposure to predators and humans. The kangaroos spend their days lying in the scrub and come out at dusk and dawn to feed on the grassy areas. Be on the lookout for little joeys, as Kangaroo Island kangaroos reproduce year-round, with a peak in births during the summer.
There are plenty of accommodation options on the island, ranging from boutique hotels to B&Bs. Recommended areas for accommodation include Penneshaw, near the ferry port, and Kingscote, on the west side of the island. The Aurora Ozone in Kingscote offers a range of accommodation options for families.
In addition to kangaroo spotting, visitors can explore Seal Bay, home to the country's third-largest sea lion colony, or visit a penguin colony at the Penneshaw Centre. Birdwatchers will delight in the opportunity to spot some of the 250 bird species on the island, many of which are unique to the area.
With its abundance of wildlife, stunning landscapes, and secluded feel, Kangaroo Island offers a truly unique Australian experience that is well worth the visit.
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Frequently asked questions
Kangaroos can be found in grassland, national parks, and nature reserves across Australia. They are also often spotted on golf courses, such as Noosa Golf Club, Anglesea Golf Club, and Federal Golf Club.
Cape Hillsborough National Park is a great spot to see eastern grey kangaroos on the beach. You can also take a ferry to Magnetic Island to see rock-wallabies.
Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park is a famous spot to see western grey kangaroos on the beach. You can also see kangaroos at The Vines Resort in the Swan Valley or at Wanneroo Golf Club.
Kangaroo Island is a great place to see kangaroos, as well as koalas and other Australian wildlife. On the mainland, head to the Flinders Ranges to see three different species of kangaroo.
Murramarang National Park and Pebbly Beach, south of Sydney, are known for their kangaroo populations. You can also spot kangaroos at golf clubs in Hunter Valley and Nelson Bay, which offer kangaroo-spotting tours.
