Ever wondered where to spot kangaroos in Perth? You’re in luck because I’m here to show you some of the coolest spots around the city where these iconic Aussie animals are just hanging out, ready for your visit.
Perth is awesome because it’s not every day you can be in the city centre one minute and among wildlife the next. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you live here, seeing kangaroos is always a highlight.
I’ve personally checked out many of these Perth kangaroo hotspots and they’re legit! So, if you’re ready to get up close with some friendly roos, stick with me. Let’s dive into where you can find them in the city.
Kangaroo Hotspots in Perth
Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park, North Perth
Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park is a prime spot for kangaroo sightings right in Perth’s northern suburbs, close to Joondalup. It’s unique because you can wander through and enjoy the park for free – no entry fees to worry about here.
The park doubles as a natural area and a cemetery, but it’s surprisingly lively thanks to the local kangaroos that call it home. These roos are used to people, so you’ll likely catch them chilling out in the grass or hopping around during the cooler parts of the day. Just keep a good distance to give them their space.
Some of the kangaroos here are absolutely huge, and there are loads of them! They also seem to hang out in groups, so if you spend a while wandering around the park you’ll come across a fair few separate crews of kangaroos.
Pinnaroo is also super quiet, with plenty of parking. Every time I’ve been there I’ve only seen a few other people, so you pretty much get to admire the kangaroos by yourself! That’s why it’s my go-to suggestion when people ask me where to see kangaroos in Perth.
Heirisson Island, East Perth
Right in the heart of the city, Heirisson Island is another hot spot for seeing kangaroos in Perth. It’s smack in the middle of the Swan River, easily accessible with a quick drive across the causeway that connects the north and south of the city. What’s even better is that visiting is completely free.
This little island is home to a resident group of Western Grey Kangaroos. You’ll usually find them lounging under the trees or nibbling on grass. The island isn’t huge, which makes it fairly easy to find them without too much trekking around.
One thing I love about Heirisson is that it feels like a hidden gem despite being so central. It’s not overrun with tourists, and there’s usually plenty of space to roam around or sit and watch the Perth kangaroos go about their day.
Besides kangaroo watching, Heirisson Island is home to some lovely walking trails and a few peaceful spots ideal for a picnic by the river. Just keep your food out of sight of the kangaroos! If you’re into photography, the city skyline views from the island are also epic, especially at sunset.
Perth Zoo, South Perth
For a guaranteed kangaroo sighting and a whole lot more, you can’t miss Perth Zoo. Sure, you won’t exactly be seeing kangaroos in their natural habitat, but it’s a brilliant day out for the whole family and you’ll get to see much more than just kangaroos!
Located just across the river from the city centre in South Perth, the zoo is super easy to get to and, while it does cost around $35 to enter, it’s totally worth it for the variety of animals and the well-kept facilities.
Plus, if you go on a weekday it’s usually super quiet, so you’ll get the kangaroo enclosure all to yourself. Here, you can watch kangaroos doing their thing in an area that’s made to feel just like their natural environment – only this one’s within reach of a coffee shop!
What’s cool about the zoo is how much they focus on teaching visitors. You walk away not just with a kangaroo sighting under your belt but also with a whole host of new knowledge. There are signs everywhere telling you about what the animals eat, how they live, and what we can do to help protect them.
John Forrest National Park, Perth Hills
Just a short drive east of Perth, John Forrest National Park is a real treat for anyone looking to spot kangaroos in the wild. It’s also an easy and relaxing day trip from the city – one of my favourite places to take a breather. This park is a total escape with gorgeous trails and natural waterfalls!
Head to the picnic areas near the main entrance or along the scenic Eagle View Trail for the best chance to see kangaroos grazing or lazing around, especially during the cooler parts of the day. It’s free to walk around the park, but there’s a small parking fee.
I love bringing friends to John Forrest because it feels like every visit offers something new. Aside from kangaroos, this place is beloved for its hiking trails. You’ve got options like the quick 2.5 km Glen Brook Trail for a light stroll or the more adventurous 15 km Eagle View Trail if you’re in the mood for a full day’s trek. And be sure to check out the Hovea and National Park Falls, which are especially gorgeous after some rain.
Yanchep National Park, Wanneroo
Yanchep National Park, just a 45-minute drive north of Perth, is the perfect spot to mix a little wildlife watching with some outdoor fun. This park is not only packed with natural beauty but is also one of the best places in the area to see kangaroos in Perth in their natural setting.
You can wander around for free once you’re in the park, although there’s a parking fee. I recommend heading over early in the morning or later towards the evening when the kangaroos are most active for the best chance of spotting them. They usually hang out around the park’s lake and the grassy areas near the visitor centre, so keep your eyes peeled!
Yanchep is a double whammy when it comes to spotting iconic Aussie wildlife because it also has a koala enclosure, where you can see koalas hanging out in the eucalyptus trees. Koalas aren’t native to WA, so this is one of the few places you can see them without going to a zoo.
Whiteman Park, Swan Valley
The Swan Valley is one of the most famous day trips from Perth, but I bet you didn’t expect to find kangaroos here! However, if you head over to Whiteman Park, including a visit to Caversham Wildlife Park, you’re guaranteed to see kangaroos.
You’ll need to pay to enter Caversham, but it’s more than worth it. This is the go-to place in Perth if you’d like to meet and greet, and get your photo taken with, kangaroos! These roos are super chill, making it easy to snap a selfie or two as they munch on snacks from your hand. It’s always a highlight for me and a unique chance to see them up close – way different from spotting them in the wild!
At Caversham, you can also take a photo with a koala, feed colourful lorikeets right from your hands, and catch a sheep shearing demonstration. It’s pretty much a one-stop shop for all things wildlife!
Besides the animals, Whiteman Park has lots of other things to keep you busy like old-school tram rides and multiple museums that dive into the interactive history of motors and tractors.
Need to Know Facts About Kangaroos in Western Australia
Now that you know the best spots to spot kangaroos around Perth, here are a few key things to know before you meet them!
- Types of Roos: Western Australia is home to several kangaroo species, but the most common is the Western Grey Kangaroo. They’re slightly smaller than their Eastern cousins but just as fascinating.
- Driving Caution: If you’re driving in rural WA, especially around dawn or dusk, keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos. They often hop across roads unexpectedly, so it’s wise to drive carefully to avoid accidents.
- Population Stats: Believe it or not, kangaroos outnumber people in Australia, and WA has a booming population, making it a fantastic place for sightings in the wild.
- Viewing Tips: The best times to see kangaroos are early morning or late afternoon when they’re most active. Parks and nature reserves are your best bet for a safe and respectful encounter.
