Is Australia the Only Country with Kangaroos?

When people think of Australia, kangaroos are often the first image that comes to mind, leading many to ask: is Australia the only country with kangaroos? It’s a fair question, especially since kangaroos have become an international symbol of the country. But the answer is more interesting than a simple yes or no.

Travellers and wildlife lovers often assume kangaroos only hop across the Australian Outback, and it can be confusing when you hear about wallabies, wallaroos, or other marsupials in nearby regions.

As someone who’s travelled extensively through Australia, I’ll share the facts about kangaroos, and how they compare to their close relatives in neighbouring countries. By the end, you’ll know exactly where kangaroos can be found and why they remain such a special part of Australia’s identity.

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Is Australia the only country with Kangaroos?

Firstly, let’s get something straight! Kangaroos are indigenous to Australia and New Guinea. Still, there’s no denying that Australia is definitely the most known country to visit and see them. 

Kangaroos and wallabies (“Roo’s” or “Skippys,” as the locals like to call them) are fascinating creatures that belong to a unique group of animals called macropods. These marsupials boast hind legs larger than their forelimbs, allowing for effortless and powerful jumps. 

Their hind feet are equally impressive, adapted to provide balance and traction. However, it is their long muscular tails that add an extra touch of grace and agility. These creatures use their tails not just for balance but also as a fifth limb, propping themselves up when they sit on their hind leg.

Surprisingly, If we piece together data from various sources, it’s estimated that around 50 million Kangaroos call Australia home. It’s hard to imagine that there are over double the amount of kangaroos than humans in the country of Australia!

But what’s even more surprising is that these animals are one of the few wild species that would actually miss human presence should we one day disappear. 

6 Places to see Wild Kangaroos in Australia?

The Australian continent is home to all three varieties of Macropus (red, eastern gray, and western gray) kangaroos. Personally, I prefer to see any creatures in their own environment and free. Therefore, I’m starting with the list of places you can see them in the wild. 

However, just a quick heads up, they are purely wild and unpredictable experiences. This means that catching a glimpse of them is never guaranteed and may only happen during certain times of the day. But hey, that just adds to the thrill of the experience, right? 

On the other hand, wild interactions are not always possible for everyone, especially with children and accessibility limitations. So, further down below, I have the Parks and Zoo options mentioned in each state where you can visit and guarantee a siting. 

1. Cape Hillsborough National Park (Queensland)

What is one of the best places to get up close and personal with one? Well, I think it’s at the Cape Hillsborough Kangaroo experience in the National Park!

The park is renowned for its spectacular sunrise views and even more so for the kangaroos that venture out onto the beach to find food. And the best part? It’s only a short 40-minute drive from Mackay.

Note: Please read up on my review of the Caravan Park for somewhere to stay for this experience.

2. Great Ocean Road (Victoria)

The Great Ocean Road has lots of things to do and is a beautiful drive starting just a few kilometers west of Melbourne at Torquay and finishing at Allansford near Warrnambool. Though I didn’t see too many of these marsupials during my travels, I still had my fair share of moments as I drove alongside the fields where they graze. 

➡  Find Great Ocean Road Tours from Melbourne HERE with GYG.

One of those moments was near the small town of Port Campbell, which I used as a base to stay on this road trip. The most popular locations for sightings are near Cape Otway and Port Campbell National Park, or Bells Beach and the Anglesea Golf Course.

3. Kangaroo Island (South Australia)

Where else will you find this iconic animal than on an Island named after them? So our next best place to see them is none other than the must-see Kangaroo Island! 

➡  Check prices HERE with GYG for Kangaroo Island Tours

Fun fact- did you know that about one-third of the island’s vast land is protected? That means we’ve got a lot of space for these lovable creatures to hop around! Here, you’ll get to witness firsthand the island’s resident marsupials. And get this- there are believed to be around 65,000 of them on the island! 

4. Cape Le Grand National Park (Western Australia)

The Western coast is known for its unique beauty and wildlife experiences, But the Cape Le Grand National Park should be added to your list. Not only are the beaches absolutely stunning, but you might even get the chance to spot some wild ones hopping around! However, unlike their eastern counterparts, western greys are noticeably smaller in size. 

➡  Compare prices HERE with GYG for Cape Le Grand Tours

But don’t let their smaller stature fool you, as these guys are just as fascinating to observe! Although they are known for their preference for shade during the day, they come out to play just before sunset – making the golden hour a great time to see them frolicking on the sand. 

5. Murramarang National Park (New South Wales)

The Murramarang National Park on the New South Wales south coast is a literal hotspot, with these cute marsupials dotting the landscape just waiting for you to say g’day. Want to up your odds of spotting one? Head to any grassy area in the park, and you’ll be in with a good chance. 

Eastern grey’s love to laze on the sand at Pebbly and Pretty Beaches in the evenings, and you can soak up the views while you watch these guys chill out. Or, for some extra beach action, check out Jervis Bay to the north of the park or Honeymoon Bay near Currarong.

6. Surrounding Canberra (ACT)

The country’s capital city, Canberra, also boasts the highest concentration of these iconic animals. But where in and around Canberra should you go for a guaranteed sighting? 

Mount Ainslie and Namadgi National Park are great spots to start, as are Tidbinbilla National Park and the Governor General’s House. With 54 hectares of parkland to explore, it’s no wonder that they love Government House. 

Best Wildlife Parks and Zoos?

Are you tired of hiking through the outback and still not seeing those elusive kangaroos? There is no need to worry, as Australia has plenty of wildlife parks and sanctuaries where you are sure to spy on one of our national treasures. 

Some of the Wildlife Parks and Zoo’s are as follows: 

Queensland

• Alexandra Park Zoo
• Australia Zoo
• Billabong Sanctuary
• Bungalow Bay Koala Village
• Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
• Darling Downs Zoo
• Dreamworld
• Hamilton Island Wildlife
• Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre
• Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
• Ipswich Nature Centre
• Kuranda Koala Gardens
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
• Paradise Country
• Rainforestation Nature Park
• Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo
• Snakes Downunder Reptile Park & Zoo
• Walkabout Creek Wildlife Centre

New South Wales

• Aussie Ark
• Australian Reptile Park
• Australian Wildlife Sanctuary
• Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park
• Hunter Valley Zoo
• Mogo Wildlife Park
• Shoalhaven Zoo
• Symbio Wildlife Park
• Sydney Zoo
• Taronga Zoo Sydney
• Taronga Western Plains Zoo
• WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Victoria

• Ballarat Wildlife Park
• Gumbuya World
• Kyabram Fauna Park
• Halls Gap Zoo
• Melbourne Zoo
• Werribee Open Range Zoo

Northern Territory

• Alice Springs Desert Park
• Territory Wildlife Park

South Australia

• Adelaide Zoo
• Cleland Wildlife Park
• Gorge Wildlife Park
• Monarto Safari Park

Western Australia

• Bunbury Wildlife Park
• Caversham Wildlife Park
• Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
• Ranger Red’s Zoo (Peel Zoo)
• Perth Zoo
• Yanchep National Park

Tasmania

• Tasmania Zoo
• Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary

Canberra

• National Zoo and Aquarium

Best Time to See them?

From my personal experience, I’ve found the best times to see Kangaroos is in the early morning, just before sunrise, and in the late afternoon, around sunset. This is when they are hungry, moving about to graze, and don’t seem to like direct sunlight too much. 

Are they Dangerous?

Growing up in Australia, I’ve had plenty of up-close encounters with kangaroos. And as adorable as they may seem, it’s important to remember that the older ones can be dangerous if they feel provoked or threatened. 

As much as I’ve never been hurt by one, I’ve certainly been around a few that let me know I was too close. This was done with some scratching or using their tail to balance while kicking you.

It’s best just to back away as far as you can or leave entirely. 

If you come across one in the wild, it’s important to keep a safe distance and to avoid any sudden or sharp movements that might startle them. And whatever you do, don’t try to approach, feed, pat, or corner them, especially if they’re bigger than you. 

Wrap-up!

There’s nothing quite like experiencing Kangaroos in the wild, and there is no better place than Australia to do so. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, enjoy cultural experiences, or just looking for an adventure off the beaten path, Australia will impress!

Your unforgettable dream trip awaits, but please check out my handy Australia Blogs with Tips and Tricks HERE! Careful research can ensure that your journey down under will be full of special moments and incredible scenes!