Where Can I See Kangaroos in the Wild Near Sydney?

If you want to see kangaroos in the wild near Sydney, the best places are national parks and reserves on the city’s outskirts, like behind the Kalkari Discovery Centre in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, and even hidden patches of bushland that only locals know. On my private wildlife tours, I’ll take you straight to where wild kangaroos actually hang out, not penned in, not rushed, just bouncing around like they own the place.

Short version? Forget the zoo. Kangaroos in the Australian bush are only a short drive away, if you know where to look.

Why Wild Kangaroos Beat Zoos Every Time

Zoos are fine if you like glass, fences, and overpriced hot dogs. But seeing kangaroos in the bush is different. You hear the cicadas, smell the eucalyptus, and suddenly a mob of kangaroos is grazing right in front of you.

And yes, we say “mob” of kangaroos. It’s not just an Aussie thing — that’s the actual word. Think of it like a family BBQ, except everyone can jump higher than your uncle after three beers.

Best Places to Spot Wild Kangaroos Near Sydney

1. Kalkari Discovery Centre, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

• Kangaroos are regular visitors, you’ll often see them grazing right on the lawns near the centre.

• The best times are early morning or late afternoon, when they’re most active.

• Because they’re used to people, you can usually watch them at closer range without them bounding off too quickly.

  
  

2. Scheyville National Park

• Kangaroo sightings are possible but not guaranteed, they move between open paddocks and the woodland edges.

• The old airstrip and grassy clearings are the prime viewing spots.

• Roos here are more skittish than at Kalkari, so expect to watch from a respectful distance.

  
  

3. Euroka Clearing, Glenbrook (Blue Mountains National Park)

• A well-known grazing area for kangaroos, especially around sunrise and sunset.

• Because it’s quieter than other Blue Mountains sites, encounters feel more natural and uncrowded.

• The kangaroos here are fully wild and a little wary, great for travellers after an authentic bushland experience.

  
  

4. Secret Bushland Pockets Around Sydney

• Not on TripAdvisor. Not in the guidebooks, just the places I take my guests.

• Kangaroos hop right past while you’re sipping your morning coffee, no fences, no barriers.

• No crowds, no tour buses, just wild Australia doing its thing.

My pick to see kangaroos? Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary.

Why Choose a Private Tour to See Wild Kangaroos

You could drive around at dusk and hope for the best. Maybe you’ll see kangaroos… or maybe just the glow of your own headlights. Although I don’t play roulette with kangaroo spotting, I know exactly where to find them, at Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s 80 acres of bushland where kangaroos roam free, no fences, no gimmicks. If you want the real deal, this is where to see kangaroos in the wild.

On a private tour, it’s different:

• No guessing. I take you straight to the spots they actually use.

• No crowds. No elbowing tourists off a bus.

• Better photos. I’ll get you close (safely) so you can nail the shot of a lifetime.

• The full package. Kangaroos are only the warm-up act. Wombats, wallabies, cockatoos, and even fruit bats all get a turn in the spotlight.

  
  

Tips for Seeing Wild Kangaroos Near Sydney

• Best time: early morning or late afternoon. Midday, they’re snoozing in the shade.

• Safety first: don’t approach too closely, approach from the side and pat their lower back, they can box, and you’ll lose.

• Photography: stay low and quiet for the best shots.

• Driving tip: the wallabies around Sydney's national parks are most active at dawn and dusk, so watch the roads.

  
  

FAQ

Can I see kangaroos in Sydney itself? Not in the CBD. But within 45–60 minutes, there are reliable spots like Kalkari Discovey Centre in the bush where wild kangaroos roam.

Where is the closest place to see kangaroos in the wild from Sydney?Walkabout Wildlife Santctuary and Kalkari Discovery Centre, in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park are two of the easiest options.

Is it safe to see kangaroos in the wild? Yes, from a respectful distance. They’re wild animals, not boxing mascots.

Do kangaroos come out during the day? They’re most active at dawn and dusk, but you’ll often see them lounging during the day too.

Make It More Than Just Kangaroos

Seeing kangaroos in the wild is unforgettable — but it’s just the start. On our Nature & Wildlife: Australia in One Day – Private Tour, you’ll also:

• Pat a koala at a wildlife sanctuary.

• Wander hidden bush trails with cockatoos overhead.

• Enjoy secret beaches and lookouts no bus tour reaches.

  
  

👉 Plan Your Wildlife Adventure Today — and meet kangaroos where they belong: in the wild.