Road Trip with Roos: The Ultimate Guide to Seeing Kangaroos in Australia

No Australian Road trip feels complete without a kangaroo encounter. If you’re hitting the open road in a Cruisin’ motorhome, spotting these iconic animals should sit high on your bucket list. Kangaroos are as much a symbol of Australia as the outback itself. There’s something undeniably magical about watching them in the wild. Whether you’re visiting Australia for the very first time or you’re a seasoned traveller hoping to see more of these curious creatures, this guide will show you where to find kangaroos in their natural habitats as you journey across the country.

Image: Kangaroos at Lucky Bay, Tourism Western Australia

Tips and Tricks to see Kangaroos

Best Times: Early morning during dawn at sunrise and late evening at sunset are when kangaroos are most active.
Check open spaces: Grassy fields, farmland edges, and near waterholes are the best spots.
Be aware of your surroundings: Stay quiet, move slowly and calmly to avoid scaring them off.
Keep your distance: Admire from afar to respect their space (and stay safe). They are usually timid creatures and can be startled easily by loud noises or sudden movements so try your best to stay quiet.
Drive carefully: Travel during daylight hours, as kangaroos are most active at sunrise and sunset and often dart across the road. This not only helps you avoid accidents but also keeps the wildlife safe. Once you’re settled at your campsite, you can relax and wait for the magic to happen.
Pack your camera: Utilise the natural lighting and shoot during golden hour and make sure to zoom in and focus for the best pictures.
Bring your Binoculars: At the end of the day, kangaroos are wild animals, and it’s important to respect their space. A good pair of binoculars lets you enjoy every detail of their behaviour up close, without intruding or disturbing them in their natural environment.

Image: Kangaroos at Emerald Beach, Destination NSW

Why Spotting Kangaroos on a Motorhome Road Trip is Easy

One of the best parts of exploring Australia by motorhome is that the drive itself often feels like a wildlife safari. Kangaroos are found across much of the country, and with the flexibility of a motorhome you’re perfectly placed to spot them along the way. Whether you’re cruising scenic highways, setting up at a quiet campground, or pulling into a national park, it’s not unusual to see kangaroos grazing in open fields or bounding across the horizon. The beauty of motorhome travel is that you can stop whenever you like — turning a simple roadside sighting into a memorable wildlife encounter.

Image: Kangaroos playing, Tourism Western Australia

Best Spots to See Kangaroos on your Motorhome Road Trip

1. Lucky Bay, Esperance - WA

If your dream road trip includes both a beach escape and a close-up kangaroo encounter, Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park is the place to be. Famous for its sand also known for being the whitest sand in Australia — this postcard-perfect spot is home to kangaroos that casually lounge on the shoreline as if they own the place. It’s a surreal sight to see them basking in the sun or hopping along the surf. Bring a picnic, take a swim in the turquoise waters, and soak up the unforgettable experience of sharing a beach with Australia’s most iconic locals.

Image: Lucky Bay Kangaroos, Tourism Western Australia

2. Yanchep National Park, WA

Just a short drive from Perth, Yanchep National Park is a perfect spot for nature lovers and a top spot to see Australia’s native wildlife up close. The park is brimming with natural attractions — from bushwalking trails and caves to peaceful wetlands alive with birdlife. While you might spot koalas snoozing in the treetops or catch vibrant birds’ overhead, the real stars of the show are the kangaroos, often seen grazing in the open fields as you explore.

Image: Kangaroos in Yanchep National Park, Tourism Western Australia

3. Kangaroo Island, SA

As the name suggests, Kangaroo Island is one of the best places in Australia to see kangaroos — and not just any kangaroos. The island is home to its very own subspecies of the Western Grey, which has evolved slightly differently from their mainland relatives. These kangaroos are abundant and can be spotted all over the island, from roadsides to grassy flats where they graze in large numbers. During the heat of the day, they often retreat to the shade, but in cooler months you’ll find them happily feeding in open pastures even in daylight. While they’ll hop off quickly if startled, patient travellers are rewarded with plenty of chances to watch and photograph this unique species in its natural setting. A visit here guarantees an authentic kangaroo-spotting experience unlike anywhere else.

Image: Kangaroo Island, Tourism Australia/ South Australian Tourism Commission

4. Pebbly Beach, NSW

For a kangaroo oasis, head to Pebbly Beach in Murramarang National Park — famous for its friendly resident roos. Here, kangaroos aren’t shy about sharing the sand and are often happy to hop up close, even posing for a photo or two. The area is also a popular camping spot, with a great surf beach and scenic bushwalking trails right on your doorstep. Surrounded by native flora, wildlife, and the sound of the ocean, Pebbly Beach is the perfect place to unwind, soak up the sun, and enjoy a uniquely Australian experience where nature and wildlife live side by side.

Image: Pebbly Beach Kangaroos, Destination NSW

5. Hunter Valley Vineyards, NSW

For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, head to the Hunter Valley, where world-class wine meets unforgettable wildlife encounters. Known as the birthplace of Australian wine and a paradise for food lovers, this region blends gourmet indulgence with close encounters of the furry kind. Beyond cellar doors and vineyard lunches, you’ll get the chance to meet kangaroos, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, and more. Picture yourself sipping a glass of premium shiraz while kangaroos graze nearby or hopping between the vines — it’s an experience that perfectly captures the magic of the Hunter Valley.

Image: Kangaroos at the vineyards

6. Maria Island, TAS

Nicknamed Tasmania’s Noah’s Ark, Maria Island is a sanctuary for rare and threatened wildlife, making it one of the best places in the country to experience animals in their natural habitat. Here you can spot Cape Barren geese, wombats, wallabies, Tasmanian devils — and of course, kangaroos. The island is home to the Forester kangaroo (a subspecies of the eastern grey), the second-largest kangaroo species in Australia. They often gather in groups of ten or more, with close bonds that make for fascinating watching. For travellers, this means plenty of opportunities to see mobs of kangaroos grazing together against the island’s stunning backdrop of beaches and bushland.

Image: Maria Island Kangaroos

7. Daintree Rainforest, QLD

Take your motorhome north and step into the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth —by an incredible 10 million years. It’s a place where you can truly feel the weight of time in the air. Among its ancient trees lives the remarkable Tree Kangaroo, one of the few kangaroo species that has evolved to thrive in the treetops. With strong claws and shorter, broader feet, these shy creatures are perfectly built for climbing and leaping through the dense canopy. They’re most often seen alone or in small family groups during the cooler hours of early morning and late afternoon, making those the best times to catch a glimpse of this rare and fascinating kangaroo.

Image: Tree Kangaroo, willgilmoree

Ready to Spot Some Roos?

No Australian Road trip feels complete without a kangaroo sighting. These beloved marsupials are a true highlight of any journey, adding a touch of magic to a country already brimming with stunning beaches, wild landscapes, and endless adventure. Spotting kangaroos in their natural habitat is an experience you’ll never forget — whether they’re lounging on the sand, bounding through open plains, or grazing at sunset.

With this guide, you’ll know exactly where to look as you travel across Australia in the comfort of your Cruisin’ motorhome, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace and create unforgettable memories along the way.