Kangaroos in Sydney: Visitor's Guide
While wild kangaroos are rare in Sydney's urban areas, visitors can still encounter these iconic Australian animals. This guide explores the best locations to see kangaroos in and around Sydney, from wildlife parks to national parks, offering tips on when and where to spot these fascinating marsupials.
Hopping into Sydney: Your Guide to Kangaroo Encounters
G'day, mate! So, you've landed in Sydney and you're dying to see some kangaroos, right?
Well, I've got some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that you won't find Skippy hopping down George Street. The good news? There are still plenty of ways to get up close and personal with these bouncy beauties. Let's dive in!
The Urban Roo: A Rare Sight
Here's the thing: kangaroos aren't big fans of city life. They prefer wide-open spaces and bushland to skyscrapers and traffic. So, spotting a wild kangaroo in the heart of Sydney is about as likely as finding a koala at the Opera House. But don't worry, I've got you covered!
Wildlife Parks: Your Best Bet
Featherdale Wildlife Park: The Roo Lover's Paradise
If you want a guaranteed kangaroo encounter, Featherdale is your go-to spot. Here's why:
- Walk-through enclosures where you can feed and pet kangaroos, wallabies, and pademelons
- Chance to get close to joeys (book the "cute and cuddly" encounter in advance)
- Just 40 minutes from Sydney CBD
- Tons of other Aussie animals to see
- You can also see Quokkas
Pro tip: Grab some 'roo food for a few dollars – it's like a magnet for these hoppy fellows!
Taronga Zoo: Views and Kangaroos
Taronga Zoo is a bit different, and here's why it's worth a visit:
- Spectacular views of Sydney Harbour
- Australian Walkabout area with various kangaroo and wallaby species
- Can't feed the roos, but you might get to pat one if it hops by
- Take the ferry for an extra dose of Sydney charm
Wildlife Sydney Zoo: City Centre Convenience
Right in the heart of Darling Harbour, this zoo offers:
- Various kangaroo species in the Kangaroo Walkabout
- Best visited early morning when the animals are most active (kangaroos are nocturnal animals!)
- Combine with Sea Life Sydney Aquarium for a full day out
Wild Encounters: For the Adventurous
Western Sydney Parklands
If you're feeling lucky and want to spot wild kangaroos:
- Regular sightings of eastern grey kangaroos and swamp wallabies
- Best times: early morning or late afternoon
- No guarantees, but that's the thrill of wildlife spotting!
Garigal National Park
More for wallaby enthusiasts:
- Chance to see swamp wallabies
- Requires patience and good hearing (listen for that distinctive hop!)
- Just 25 minutes north of Sydney CBD
Beyond Sydney: Where the Roos Roam Free
If you've got a bit more time, consider these spots:
- Blue Mountains: Stunning scenery and plenty of kangaroos
- Murramarang National Park: Beach-loving roos (yes, that's a thing!)
- Jervis Bay: White sand beaches and kangaroo-spotting opportunities
You can find my full list of alternative places near Sydney in this article .
Kangaroo Etiquette 101
Remember, whether in a park or the wild:
- Don't feed wild kangaroos
- Keep a respectful distance
- Never try to touch a joey in the wild
- Drive carefully, especially at dawn and dusk
Conclusion:
| Place | Chance of seeing kangaroos | Chance of getting close | Pat and feed a kangaroo or joey | Entry fee | Variety of animals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Featherdale Wildlife Park | almost guaranteed | yes | yes, book their “cute and cuddly” encounter | Adult: $37.80, Child: $25.20, click here to check prices for families | great variety |
| Taronga Zoo Sydney | almost guaranteed | depends | you can pat kangaroos if they come to you | Click here to check the current entry fee | great variety |
| Wildlife Sydney Zoo | almost guaranteed | likely | You can pet the kangaroos if advised by the keeper, but you can’t feed them | if you book online: Adult: $38.40 Child: $28.80 | mostly Australian animals |
| Western Sydney Parklands | low, best in the late afternoon or early morning | unlikely | not recommended and extremely unlikely | free | local wildlife, mostly birds and sometimes kangaroos or wallabies |
| Garigal National Park | low, best in the late afternoon or early morning | unlikely | not recommended and extremely unlikely | about $8 per vehicle per day (applies at Davidson Park only) | local wildlife, mostly birds and sometimes kangaroos or wallabies |
While Sydney's bustling cityscape isn't prime kangaroo territory, there are still fantastic opportunities to see these iconic Australian animals. From up-close encounters in wildlife parks to adventurous spotting in nearby national parks, you've got options.
Just remember to respect these magnificent creatures and their habitats. So, grab your camera, put on your explorer's hat, and get ready for some unforgettable kangaroo experiences in and around Sydney. Happy hopping!
