Best Places to See Kangaroos and Koalas
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Seeing a kangaroo hopping across a field or spotting a sleepy koala tucked into the branches of a eucalyptus tree can be one of the most memorable parts of an Australian vacation. These animals are so closely associated with Australia that seeing them in person feels almost like a rite of passage.
The good news is that you don't necessarily have to visit a zoo to see them. Kangaroos are widespread throughout Australia, and there are numerous places where you can encounter them in their natural environment. Koalas are more difficult to spot because they spend much of their time high in eucalyptus trees, but there are several excellent destinations where your chances are particularly good. Tourism Australia highlights locations ranging from Kangaroo Island and the Great Ocean Road to Port Stephens, Magnetic Island, and Raymond Island as some of the country's notable places for wild koala sightings.
Some destinations are especially good because you can see both kangaroos and koalas on the same trip.
Here are some of the best places to add to your Australian itinerary if wildlife is high on your list.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
If you're looking for one destination that combines abundant wildlife with beautiful scenery, Kangaroo Island is hard to beat.
Located off the coast of South Australia and easily reached from Adelaide, the island is home to kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, echidnas, seals, sea lions, and an impressive variety of birdlife. Tourism Australia describes it as a major wildlife destination, with opportunities to see kangaroos and wild koalas as well as Australian sea lions.
The island's size and relatively wild environment make wildlife spotting feel different from a traditional zoo visit. Kangaroos can be seen grazing in open areas, while koalas are often tucked into eucalyptus trees.
Where to See Kangaroos
Keep an eye out as you drive around the island, particularly in grassy areas and along roadsides. Stokes Bay and areas around Flinders Chase National Park are good places to look.
Be particularly careful when driving around dawn and dusk. Wildlife is active at these times, and Tourism Australia notes that vehicle restrictions are in place on some parts of Kangaroo Island around these periods because of the number of animals on the roads.
Where to See Koalas
Flinders Chase National Park is one of the places where you can look for koalas in their natural habitat.
For a better chance of actually finding them, consider joining a guided wildlife tour. An experienced guide will know where animals are commonly found and can help you spot a koala that would be almost impossible to notice on your own.
Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is another option for learning about and seeing koalas, while guided experiences on the island can provide a more focused wildlife experience.
Make It More Than a Wildlife Trip
Kangaroo Island is worth visiting even if you weren't looking for animals.
See the remarkable rock formations at Remarkable Rocks, visit Seal Bay, explore Stokes Bay, sample local honey and oysters, and spend some time along the island's dramatic coastline.
This is a particularly good destination for travelers who want their wildlife experience combined with scenery, food, and outdoor exploration.
The Great Ocean Road, Victoria
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's classic road trips, and wildlife is an added bonus along the way.
The route begins near Melbourne and winds along Victoria's spectacular southern coast, passing beaches, cliffs, rainforest, small towns, and the famous Twelve Apostles.
It's also an excellent place to look for both kangaroos and koalas. Tourism Australia specifically recommends the Great Ocean Road for koala spotting, including Kennett River and Cape Otway.
Kennett River
Kennett River is one of the best-known koala-spotting stops along the route.
Park near the Koala Kafe and explore the surrounding walking areas, keeping your eyes trained upward. Koalas can be surprisingly difficult to spot because they blend into the eucalyptus branches and may remain completely still.
Don't assume that a quiet tree is an empty tree.
Cape Otway
Continue farther along the coast toward Cape Otway, where eucalyptus forest provides excellent koala habitat.
The area is also home to the historic Cape Otway Lightstation, making it easy to combine wildlife spotting with sightseeing.
Kangaroos Along the Route
Kangaroos can be seen in several places around the Great Ocean Road region.
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is particularly worth considering. Victoria's tourism authority notes that the reserve is a good place to look for kangaroos and koalas, while the nearby Anglesea Golf Club is famous for its resident eastern grey kangaroos.
You don't even have to play golf to see the animals at Anglesea. The local tourism authority notes that visitors can watch the kangaroos from the clubhouse balcony.
Where to Stay
Break up the drive with a night or two around Apollo Bay.
Hotels such as The Great Ocean Road Brewhouse or Captains at the Bay provide convenient bases for exploring the coast.
For a more luxurious experience, look at boutique properties around the Otways.
What to Eat
Apollo Bay is a good place for fresh seafood, particularly fish and local shellfish.
You can also make a meal at one of the region's farm-to-table restaurants. The Great Ocean Road is increasingly known for regional produce, wineries, breweries, and restaurants in addition to its scenery.
Phillip Island, Victoria
Phillip Island is another excellent wildlife destination, particularly if you're already visiting Melbourne.
The island is best known for its little penguins, but it also offers opportunities to see koalas and kangaroos.
The Koala Conservation Reserve allows visitors to walk through native woodland on elevated boardwalks while looking for koalas in the trees.
Tourism Australia highlights Phillip Island as a major wildlife destination, with the Koala Conservation Centre and other animal experiences alongside the famous Penguin Parade.
Why Visit Phillip Island?
Phillip Island works especially well for families because you can combine several wildlife experiences in one trip.
Spend the afternoon looking for koalas, explore the island's beaches and coastal scenery, and then stay for the famous Penguin Parade at sunset.
You'll also find Australian fur seals offshore and numerous seabirds around the island.
Where to Stay
Consider staying on Phillip Island rather than returning to Melbourne the same evening.
Glen Isla House offers a historic country-house atmosphere, while North Pier Hotel is a convenient option in Cowes.
Raymond Island, Victoria
If your priority is specifically seeing wild koalas, Raymond Island deserves serious consideration.
The small island is reached by ferry from Paynesville in East Gippsland. Once there, you can follow the Raymond Island Koala Trail, keeping your eyes trained on the eucalyptus branches above.
Tourism Australia describes the island as a place where koalas are found in their natural habitat and notes that kangaroos and echidnas can also be encountered.
The island's compact size makes it particularly appealing if you don't want to spend an entire day driving around in search of wildlife.
What Makes It Special?
There's something satisfying about spotting a koala yourself rather than being led directly to an animal in an enclosure.
Walk slowly, keep noise down, and scan the forks of eucalyptus trees.
You may see a koala curled into a tiny ball of gray fur, seemingly oblivious to everyone below.
Magnetic Island, Queensland
For travelers heading to Queensland, Magnetic Island offers one of the country's best opportunities to see wild koalas.
The island is a short ferry ride from Townsville and is known for beaches, granite boulders, tropical landscapes, and native wildlife.
It also has what Tourism Australia describes as the largest koala population in northern Australia.
The Forts Walk
The Forts Walk is one of the best places to look for koalas.
The hike takes around two hours and passes through forested areas where koalas may be resting in the trees.
Look carefully, especially around eucalyptus branches. You may also encounter wallabies and numerous bird species along the trail.
The hike has the added bonus of historic military structures and panoramic island views.
Stay on the Island
Don't rush back to Townsville after seeing the koalas.
Magnetic Island is worth at least an overnight stay if your itinerary allows.
Stay at Peppers Blue on Blue in Nelly Bay for a comfortable resort-style base, or choose a smaller beachside accommodation for a more relaxed island atmosphere.
Port Stephens, New South Wales
Just north of Sydney, Port Stephens is another strong destination for wildlife lovers.
The area combines beaches, forests, sand dunes, dolphins, and koala habitat, making it particularly easy to build an entire nature-focused getaway around your wildlife search.
Tourism Australia recommends Tilligerry Habitat Reserve as one of the best places to look for wild koalas in the area.
Tilligerry Habitat
The reserve protects native bushland and provides habitat for koalas.
Take your time walking through the eucalyptus forest and scan the branches overhead.
For travelers who want a more structured experience, the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary offers an elevated 225-meter Skywalk, a working koala hospital, and interpretive experiences.
This is a particularly good option if you're traveling with children or if you're concerned about missing a koala in the wild.
What Else to Do
Port Stephens isn't only about koalas.
Take a dolphin-watching cruise, explore the beaches, climb the enormous Stockton sand dunes, or hike through coastal bushland.
That makes it easy to combine wildlife with a traditional Australian beach vacation.
Noosa National Park, Queensland
The beaches and national parks around Noosa make this one of Queensland's most appealing destinations, and the area is also home to koalas.
The Noosa National Park coastal walk takes you through eucalyptus forest and along dramatic coastal scenery.
Koalas can be difficult to find, but the combination of forest habitat and a beautiful hiking trail makes the search worthwhile.
If you don't see one immediately, keep looking upward.
Noosa is also a wonderful destination for combining wildlife spotting with beaches, surfing, restaurants, and relaxed resort time.
Cape Hillsborough, Queensland
If your dream is to photograph a kangaroo on the beach, put Cape Hillsborough National Park on your list.
The park is famous for wallabies and other wildlife appearing on the beach around dawn.
Tourism Australia specifically highlights Cape Hillsborough as a place where wallabies gather on the beach at dawn and dusk.
Technically, these are wallabies rather than large kangaroos, but the experience is every bit as memorable.
Go Early
This is a destination where getting out of bed early really pays off.
Arrive around dawn, stay quiet, and watch the shoreline.
The combination of rainforest, rocky coastline, rising sun, and small marsupials moving along the beach can make for an unforgettable morning.
Lucky Bay, Western Australia
For a truly spectacular kangaroo sighting, it's hard to beat Lucky Bay in Western Australia's Cape Le Grand National Park.
The beach is famous for its extraordinarily white sand and bright turquoise water, and kangaroos regularly appear along the shoreline.
Tourism Australia specifically identifies Lucky Bay as one of Australia's photogenic places to see kangaroos on the beach.
It's a long way from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, but if you're already exploring Western Australia, this is a wildlife stop worth making.
Combine It With Esperance
Base yourself in Esperance, then spend a day exploring Cape Le Grand National Park.
You can combine kangaroo spotting with swimming, hiking, photography, and some of Western Australia's most spectacular coastal scenery.
Pebbly Beach, New South Wales
Closer to Sydney, Pebbly Beach offers another opportunity to see kangaroos near the ocean.
Located in Murramarang National Park on the New South Wales South Coast, the area is known for eastern grey kangaroos and beautiful coastal scenery.
Tourism Australia lists Pebbly Beach among the Australian beaches where kangaroos are regularly seen.
This is a good option if you want to add a wildlife experience to a South Coast road trip rather than traveling specifically for kangaroos.
Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra
You don't necessarily have to leave a city to see kangaroos.
The Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra is an interesting urban option for spotting eastern grey kangaroos.
Tourism Australia recommends visiting early in the morning, when kangaroos are active in the gardens.
This is particularly convenient for travelers who are spending a few days in Australia's capital and want a wildlife experience without renting a car for a longer excursion.
Grampians National Park, Victoria
The Grampians are another excellent destination for kangaroos.
The rugged mountain landscape, grasslands, forests, and valleys provide plenty of habitat for wildlife.
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Maria Island, Tasmania
If you're visiting Tasmania, consider adding Maria Island National Park to your itinerary.
The island is home to forester kangaroos, which Tourism Australia identifies as the largest marsupial on the island and the second-largest marsupial species in the world.
The island is also known for wombats, wallabies, Tasmanian devils, and abundant birdlife.
Because there are no cars on Maria Island, exploring on foot makes the experience particularly peaceful.
It's an excellent choice for travelers who want wildlife combined with hiking and a genuine sense of getting away from everything.
Wildlife Sanctuaries and Parks for More Reliable Encounters
Wild animals are wild, which means there are never guarantees.
You can spend hours searching for a koala and find nothing but eucalyptus leaves. You can also pull over on a country road and suddenly see a dozen kangaroos in a field.
If seeing these animals is a major priority, consider adding a reputable wildlife sanctuary to your itinerary.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is one of Australia's best-known places for learning about koalas.
Located just outside Brisbane, the sanctuary dates back to 1927 and provides opportunities to see koalas and other Australian wildlife. Tourism Australia describes it as the world's first and largest koala sanctuary.
It's a particularly good choice for travelers who want a reliable koala encounter without leaving a major city.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Gold Coast
If you're visiting the Gold Coast, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is another excellent option.
The sanctuary is home to more than 50 koalas as well as kangaroos, wombats, bilbies, and other Australian animals. It also includes wildlife talks and a wildlife hospital.
This can be a great addition to a Queensland vacation that already includes beaches and the Great Barrier Reef.
Taronga Zoo, Sydney
For visitors staying in Sydney, Taronga Zoo offers an easy way to see Australian wildlife without leaving the city.
The zoo's location overlooking Sydney Harbour makes it especially attractive because you're combining wildlife with one of the city's most spectacular settings.
Koala experiences and keeper talks can provide more information about the animals and the conservation work surrounding them.
Where Are You Most Likely to See Both?
If you're specifically looking for both kangaroos and koalas, several destinations stand out.
Kangaroo Island
Probably one of the strongest choices overall. You have opportunities for wild kangaroos, wild koalas, sea lions, wallabies, and other wildlife all within one destination.
Great Ocean Road
A fantastic road-trip choice where koalas and kangaroos can be added to an already spectacular coastal itinerary.
Port Stephens
Excellent for koalas, with kangaroos and other wildlife also found in the broader region.
Magnetic Island
A particularly good Queensland choice for wild koalas, with other wildlife and beautiful beaches providing plenty to do between sightings.
Raymond Island
Best if koalas are the priority, but kangaroos and echidnas can also be seen.
The Best Time of Day to See Kangaroos
Kangaroos are generally most active during the cooler parts of the day.
Early morning and late afternoon are often your best opportunities.
This is especially important during Australia's warmer months, when kangaroos may spend much of the hottest part of the day resting in shade.
Dawn is particularly good for places such as Cape Hillsborough, where wallabies are known to gather along the beach.
If you're driving through rural areas, slow down around sunrise and sunset and watch the edges of the road.
The Best Time of Day to See Koalas
Koalas spend much of their lives sleeping.
That doesn't mean you can't see them during the day—in fact, many wildlife experiences take place during daylight hours—but you shouldn't expect a koala to be moving around constantly.
Look carefully in eucalyptus trees, particularly at branch forks.
A koala may appear to be nothing more than a gray lump until you notice its ears or nose.
Guided wildlife walks can be especially useful because experienced guides know what to look for.
How to Spot a Wild Koala
Finding a wild koala is partly about knowing where to look.
Instead of scanning the ground, look up.
Search eucalyptus trees for:
A round gray shape
Large furry ears
A dark nose
Curled limbs around a branch
Broken or eaten leaves
Droppings beneath trees
A good pair of binoculars can make an enormous difference.
And don't be disappointed if your first few walks produce nothing. Wildlife spotting requires patience.
How to Spot a Wild Kangaroo
Kangaroos are easier to see because they're larger and generally spend more time in open areas.
Look in:
Open grasslands
Parklands
Golf courses
National parks
Roadside fields
Beaches and coastal grasslands
Areas near forest edges
You may see a single kangaroo or an entire mob grazing together.
Keep your distance, especially if young joeys are nearby.
How to Photograph Kangaroos and Koalas
The best wildlife photographs don't require you to get extremely close.
A telephoto lens or even a good smartphone zoom can allow you to photograph animals while keeping a respectful distance.
For kangaroos, early morning and late afternoon light can be beautiful.
For koalas, try photographing the entire tree rather than simply zooming in on the animal. Including some of the surrounding eucalyptus leaves gives the image a better sense of place.
And remember that the animal's comfort matters more than getting the perfect photograph.
Wildlife Etiquette: Give the Animals Space
One of the most important things to remember is that these are wild animals.
Don't chase a kangaroo for a photograph.
Don't corner a koala.
Don't attempt to touch wild animals.
Don't feed them unless you're at a facility where feeding is specifically permitted and supervised.
Keep dogs away from wildlife areas when required, and obey signs and park regulations.
Tourism Australia provides dedicated guidance for experiencing wildlife responsibly, and the basic principle is simple: observe animals without interfering with their natural behavior.
Be Especially Careful Around Kangaroos
Kangaroos may look friendly, but they are powerful wild animals.
Keep a respectful distance and never approach a kangaroo simply because it appears accustomed to people.
If an animal moves away from you, let it go.
Don't Touch Wild Koalas
Even when a koala appears sleepy and approachable, it should be left alone.
Wildlife sanctuaries may offer carefully managed encounters, but that's very different from approaching a wild animal.
How to Build a Kangaroo and Koala Trip
You don't have to design an entire Australian vacation around wildlife.
Instead, add wildlife stops to a larger itinerary.
Melbourne Trip
Combine:
Melbourne → Great Ocean Road → Phillip Island
This gives you koalas, kangaroos, penguins, spectacular coastal scenery, and one of Australia's most interesting cities.
Sydney Trip
Combine:
Sydney → Port Stephens → Blue Mountains or South Coast
This gives you urban sightseeing, koalas, kangaroos, beaches, and national parks.
Adelaide Trip
Combine:
Adelaide → Kangaroo Island → Barossa Valley
This is an especially good combination for travelers who love wildlife, food, wine, and scenery.
Queensland Trip
Combine:
Brisbane → Noosa → Magnetic Island → Great Barrier Reef
You'll have opportunities for koalas and other wildlife while also experiencing beaches, tropical islands, and the reef.
Western Australia Trip
Combine:
Perth → Margaret River → Esperance → Cape Le Grand National Park
This is the choice for travelers who want spectacular coastlines and kangaroos, particularly around Lucky Bay.
Where Should You Go If Seeing a Koala Is Your Top Priority?
If a koala is the animal you most want to see, consider:
Kangaroo Island for wild koalas in a spectacular wildlife destination.
Magnetic Island for one of the best opportunities to spot wild koalas in northern Australia.
Raymond Island for a focused, self-guided koala experience.
Great Ocean Road for koalas combined with one of Australia's great road trips.
Port Stephens for koalas, beaches, dolphins, and an excellent sanctuary option.
Lone Pine or Currumbin if you want a more reliable managed wildlife encounter.
Where Should You Go If Seeing a Kangaroo Is Your Top Priority?
For kangaroos, consider:
Lucky Bay for the iconic beach experience.
Kangaroo Island for abundant wildlife in a beautiful natural setting.
Cape Hillsborough for wallabies on the beach at dawn.
Pebbly Beach for kangaroos near the New South Wales coast.
Grampians National Park for kangaroos combined with hiking and mountain scenery.
Maria Island for forester kangaroos and a peaceful island experience.
Australian National Botanic Gardens if you're visiting Canberra and want an easy urban wildlife opportunity.
A Few Things to Remember
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Even in places famous for koalas, you may need to spend some time looking. Koalas can be remarkably well camouflaged, and kangaroos may be somewhere nearby without being immediately visible.
That's part of the fun.
Don't make the mistake of treating wildlife as something you simply check off a list. Give yourself time to walk slowly, sit quietly, look into the trees, and pay attention to your surroundings.
You may find that the unexpected sightings become the ones you remember most.
The Best Australian Wildlife Experience May Be the Unexpected One
Australia offers an extraordinary variety of opportunities to see kangaroos and koalas, from remote national parks and islands to wildlife sanctuaries right outside major cities.
If you want the best combination of kangaroos, koalas, dramatic scenery, and other wildlife, Kangaroo Island is a particularly compelling choice. If you're already planning a Melbourne trip, the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island make it easy to build wildlife into your vacation. Around Sydney, Port Stephens and Raymond Island provide excellent opportunities to search for koalas, while Queensland offers Magnetic Island, Noosa, Lone Pine, and Currumbin.
And don't overlook the places where kangaroos simply happen to appear.
A mob grazing beside a country road, a koala asleep above a hiking trail, or a kangaroo standing against the backdrop of a white-sand beach can be far more memorable than any carefully scheduled animal encounter.
That's the wonderful thing about seeing Australian wildlife: sometimes the best moment is the one you weren't expecting.
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