Everything First-Time Australia Visitors Need to Know About Meeting and Photographing Kangaroos

Guide on Australian kangaroos for first-time visitors.

Australia is synonymous with kangaroos, and for many first-time visitors and DIY travellers, meeting and photographing this iconic animal is a top priority. Whether you’re planning a road trip to explore the great outdoors or taking a weekend to see wildlife up close, Australia offers a wide range of locations where you can find kangaroos in their natural habitat. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your kangaroo experience, plus some top tips on capturing those perfect photos.

Kangaroo Facts Every Traveller Should Know

Before spotting these fascinating creatures, it’s good to know a little about them. Kangaroos are marsupials, meaning their young are carried in a pouch. Australia has four main kangaroo species: the Red Kangaroo, the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, the Western Grey Kangaroo, and the Antilopine Kangaroo. They’re social animals, often seen in groups called “mobs,” and are usually most active during early morning and late afternoon. So, if you’re keen on finding the best kangaroo spots in Australia, timing your visit right is crucial!

Where to Find the Best Kangaroo Spots in Australia

Australia is home to millions of kangaroos, so you’ll see them sometime during your travels. However, if you’re on a DIY adventure and explicitly looking for kangaroo spots in Australia, here are some must-visit places to consider:

  1. Murramarang National Park, New South Wales One of the best spots to see kangaroos relaxing on beaches is at Pebbly Beach in Murramarang National Park. The sight of these marsupials lounging by the ocean is something straight out of a postcard.
  2. Kangaroo Island, South Australia True to its name, Kangaroo Island is home to thousands of kangaroos. Just a ferry ride from Adelaide, this island is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts looking to see kangaroos alongside other animals like koalas and seals.
  3. Lucky Bay, Western Australia: Located in Cape Le Grand National Park, Lucky Bay is famous for its white sandy beaches and friendly kangaroos that are known to hop around the shores. It’s one of the most picturesque kangaroo spots in Australia.
  4. Grampians National Park, Victoria In Victoria’s Grampians National Park, you’ll find large numbers of kangaroos grazing in the grasslands, especially around the Halls Gap area. They are easy to spot and are often seen in big groups.
  5. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory The capital city of Canberra offers several nature reserves where you can see kangaroos nearby. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Mount Ainslie are both excellent options.
  6. Cleland Wildlife Park, South Australia For those wanting a guaranteed kangaroo sighting, Cleland Wildlife Park near Adelaide allows visitors to feed and interact with kangaroos in a safe environment.
  7. Morisset Park, New South Wales This popular park is just two hours from Sydney, making it an ideal day trip for first-time visitors. Here, kangaroos roam freely, and it’s a favourite spot for tourists to get close to the animals.
  8. Carnarvon Gorge, Queensland If you’re exploring the Outback, Carnarvon Gorge in Queensland is another excellent place to spot kangaroos. This lush oasis in the middle of rugged terrain is teeming with wildlife.
  9. Yanchep National Park, Western Australia: Located just outside Perth, Yanchep National Park is home to plenty of kangaroos and offers a chance to experience the natural beauty of Western Australia.
  10. Great Ocean Road, Victoria: As you drive along the stunning Great Ocean Road, you’ll likely spot Eastern Grey Kangaroos in the grasslands near Anglesea and Aireys Inlet. It’s a fantastic addition to your scenic journey.
a mob of Australian kangaroos, Australian adventure, October 2024, Australia

Tips for Photographing Kangaroos

Once you’ve found some of the best kangaroo spots in Australia, the next challenge is getting those perfect photos. Here are a few tips to help you capture the moment:

  1. Timing is Key As kangaroos are most active during dawn and dusk, plan to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This will also give you the best natural lighting for photos.
  2. Respect Their Space While kangaroos are often seen as friendly, they are still wild animals. Keep a safe distance, and never approach them too closely, especially if joeys (baby kangaroos) are around.
  3. Use a Zoom Lens: A zoom lens will allow you to take stunning close-ups without disturbing the animals. Try to capture their natural behaviour, whether they’re hopping, grazing, or interacting with other kangaroos.
  4. Capture Movement Kangaroos are known for their impressive leaps, so if you can, try to capture them in action. Use a fast shutter speed on your camera to freeze the movement.
  5. Be Patient. Patience is key when photographing wildlife. Take your time, observe, and wait for the perfect moment. The more you watch, the more you’ll understand their behaviour, allowing you to predict when they’ll do something interesting.

Rent a Vehicle for Your Kangaroo Adventure

If you plan to visit multiple kangaroo spots in Australia, having a reliable self drive car rental is great for getting around. Low-Cost Self-Drive is Australia’s top choice for vehicle rentals, offering affordable and dependable self drive car hire options for families and groups who want to explore the country at their own pace. Whether you’re heading to the Outback or cruising along coastal roads, Low-Cost Self-Drive provides comfortable self-drive vehicles that are perfect for your DIY road trip. Plus, with the freedom to stop and explore whenever you spot kangaroos or other wildlife, you’ll have the flexibility to make the most of your Australian adventure.

Conclusion

Seeing kangaroos in the wild is a magical experience for any first-time visitor to Australia. With plenty of kangaroo spots in Australia to explore, from national parks to serene beaches, you’re sure to encounter these amazing animals along your journey. 

Remember to pack your camera, be patient, and respect the wildlife around you. And for those looking to make the most of their trip, Low-Cost Self-Drive is the ideal partner, providing reliable vehicles for all your kangaroo-spotting adventures!