Kangaroos are native to certain areas of the Australian mainland and Papua New Guinea. Some species are unique to Australia. All Australian kangaroos, except for those in zoos and wildlife parks, live in the wild.
Different types of kangaroos live in various natural environments in Australia, from cool-climate rainforests and desert plains to tropical regions. It is undoubtedly Australia’s most iconic animal. You can find them in zoos and wildlife parks in Melbourne, but there is nothing more meaningful than seeing them in the wild.
In some places near Melbourne, even in parks near your home, you may see wild kangaroos!
Today, let’s take a look at the best places to see wild kangaroos near Melbourne.
Best Place to See Kangaroo in Melbourne
Cardinia Reservoir Park Kangaroo Viewing Trail
Cardinia Reservoir Park is about a 45-minute drive east of Melbourne CBD and is one of Melbourne’s most popular outdoor destinations.
Here you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and pleasant climate, and also watch adorable kangaroos.
Park your car in the spillway car park and then walk downhill to the Crystal Brook Picnic Area. Along the way, you will see all the information about kangaroos.
If you come to the reservoir park in the morning or evening, you can see groups of eastern grey kangaroos feeding at dawn or dusk, or basking in the sun on kangaroo paths.
Woodlands Historic Park
Woodlands Historic Park is about a 12-minute drive from Melbourne Airport and about a 30-minute drive from CBD. The park has a 150-year-old old farm, indigenous canoe trees, native forests and grasslands.
The fenced “Back Paddock” is an excellent place to watch kangaroos, birds and other wildlife.
The kangaroos here are very accustomed to humans, so as long as you keep quiet, you can take some great pictures.
Lysterfield Lake Park
Lysterfield Lake Park is about 35 kilometers from Melbourne CBD. It is surrounded by mountains on three sides and is a paradise for mountain bikers.
There are many wild animals living in the park, and it is common to come across kangaroos and other small animals while cycling.
If you come in the morning or evening, they usually eat grass on the ground, but if you come at other times, you have to look for their shadows in the bushes by the roadside.
This park is very suitable for bringing children, and it also has a large lake with a beach area, playgrounds, barbecue areas and picnic areas.
Plenty Gorge Park
Plenty Gorge Park is located near Bundoora in the northeast of Melbourne. The main entrance to the park is through Gorge Road in South Morang.
Perhaps the best place to observe kangaroos is at Hawksotwe Park, which can be accessed from Plenty Road. Typically, the kangaroos seem just as interested in observing you as you are in observing them.
In addition to kangaroos, the park offers spectacular views of Blue Lake and the Plenty Gorge. You may even catch a glimpse of a platypus in the river.
Westerfolds Park
Westerfolds Park in Templestowe, in the north of Melbourne, is home to a group of Eastern grey kangaroos.
At any time of day, you can easily spot these kangaroos on the open grasslands. After 7pm, groups of kangaroos can be seen playing and frolicking on the grass, along with joeys and echidnas, as well as various native bird species.
The park is built along the Yarra River and has a network of walking paths. It is quite large, with ample parking, and is ideal for picnics, although there are no barbeque facilities.
Gresswell Forest Nature Conservation Reserve
The Gresswell Forest Nature Conservation Reserve is located in the Bundoora and Macleod suburbs, about a 30-minute drive from the CBD. It is the largest conservation reserve and the easiest place to spot kangaroos.
If you go on the Grasslands Track, you will see groups of kangaroos grazing and running on the grasslands. To minimize disturbance, visitors are only allowed to walk into the park.
Please note that there are no barbeque, picnic, or toilet facilities in the reserve in order to protect the natural landscape, but these facilities can be found nearby at the nearby Green Link Park.
Halls Gap – The Grampians National Park
If you’re planning a road trip to the Grampians National Park, be sure to stop in Halls Gap, about a 3-hour drive northwest of Melbourne.
This is a town where the kangaroo population exceeds that of humans. If you plan to camp, you can see groups of kangaroos at dawn and dusk, which is a truly spectacular sight.
Against the stunning backdrop of the Grampians National Park, you’ll witness kangaroos migrating from the valley to the park every day, providing ample photo opportunities.
You can enjoy the sight of kangaroos hopping from the comfort of a luxurious cabin, a vintage camping tent, or even your RV.
Tips for watching wild kangaroos in Melbourne
- Time is important – Dawn or dusk is the best time to see kangaroos in the wild, as they usually sleep during the day.
- Look for bushes – Kangaroos usually gather in bushes, so find the local vegetation and you will find many kangaroos.
- Look for grasslands – If you can’t find local bushes, look for kangaroos near grassy areas. Kangaroos are adaptable and can be found in habitats with water and shelter.
- Kangaroos are social animals – If you see one kangaroo, keep looking, as there may be dozens of them in nearby trees.
- Keep a distance – Although kangaroos look cute, male kangaroos can be aggressive, even deadly. Do not stand between a male kangaroo and a female kangaroo with a joey. Keep at least 10 meters away and do not touch them.
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