Seeing a kangaroo in the wild for the first time is one of those travel moments you don’t forget. The good news is that Australian wildlife is easier to find than you might think, if you know where to look and when. This guide covers where to see kangaroos, koalas, quokkas and a few other favourites, in the wild and in good sanctuaries.
Best bets: Kangaroos at Pebbly Beach (NSW), the Grampians (VIC) or Lucky Bay (WA). Wild koalas at Kennett River on the Great Ocean Road. Quokkas on Rottnest Island near Perth.
When is the best time to see Australian animals?
Most Australian mammals are most active at dawn and dusk. Kangaroos rest in the shade during the heat of the day, and koalas sleep up to 20 hours a day. Plan early mornings and late afternoons, and bring binoculars.
Where to see kangaroos
Pebbly Beach, Murramarang National Park (NSW)
About four hours south of Sydney, this beach is famous for eastern grey kangaroos grazing right on the sand. Early morning is best.
Grampians National Park (VIC)
Around Halls Gap you’ll often see large mobs of kangaroos on the grassy areas at dusk. The park also has great hiking and lookouts.
Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park (WA)
Near Esperance, this bay has some of the whitest sand in Australia, and kangaroos sometimes lounge on the beach.
Kangaroo Island (SA)
A short ferry or flight from Adelaide. As well as Kangaroo Island kangaroos, you can see sea lions, echidnas and koalas.
Canberra
Surprisingly, the nature reserves around Canberra are among the easiest places to see wild kangaroos close to a city.
Where to see koalas
Kennett River, Great Ocean Road (VIC)
The most reliable place to see koalas in the wild. Walk along Grey River Road and look up into the eucalyptus trees. It’s a highlight of our Great Ocean Road itinerary.
Raymond Island (VIC)
A tiny island in the Gippsland Lakes, reached by a free short ferry, with a koala trail through town.
Magnetic Island (QLD)
Off Townsville, the Forts Walk is a good place to spot wild koalas in the trees.
Sanctuaries
For a guaranteed sighting, visit a well-run sanctuary such as Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane or the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary in NSW, which also cares for injured koalas. Holding koalas isn’t allowed in most states, and many places have moved away from it. That’s better for the koalas.
Where to see quokkas
Rottnest Island is the place. It’s about 30 minutes by ferry from Fremantle or 90 minutes from Perth. Quokkas are small, curious marsupials known for their “smiling” faces, and they’re everywhere on the island. Hire a bike and explore the bays.
Selfies are fine, but don’t touch or feed them. Feeding quokkas is against the rules and can make them sick.
Other Australian animals worth looking for
- Wombats: Maria Island and Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, and Wilsons Promontory in Victoria.
- Little penguins: the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, or the St Kilda breakwater in Melbourne at dusk.
- Platypus: shy and hard to spot. Try Eungella National Park in Queensland or rivers in Tasmania, early or late in the day.
- Whales: humpbacks migrate along the east and west coasts, roughly from June to November. Hervey Bay in Queensland is a top spot.
- Saltwater crocodiles: in the tropical north. See them safely on a cruise in places like Kakadu or the Daintree, and obey all warning signs.
How to watch wildlife responsibly
- Keep your distance and never chase animals for a photo.
- Don’t feed wildlife. Human food can make them ill and change their behaviour.
- Choose sanctuaries that focus on rescue, rehabilitation and conservation.
- Drive slowly in rural areas, especially at dawn and dusk. Hitting a kangaroo is dangerous for you and the animal.
- Take your rubbish with you.
FAQs
Can you see kangaroos in Sydney?
Not usually in the city itself. Your best options are a day trip to a national park, Pebbly Beach further south, or a wildlife park.
Where is the best place to see koalas in the wild?
Kennett River on the Great Ocean Road is the easiest. Raymond Island and Magnetic Island are also excellent.
Can I hold a koala in Australia?
It’s not allowed in most states, and many sanctuaries no longer offer it. You can still see them up close.
What is the best time of year to see Australian wildlife?
Wildlife can be seen year-round. Spring is great for babies (joeys), and winter is whale season. Check our best time to visit Australia guide.
Want more ideas? Browse all our things to do in Australia.
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