Where to See Kangaroos in Perth: Wild Encounters & Close-Up Experiences!

Even after years of spotting kangaroos, I still get excited when I see one hopping through the bush. There’s something special about watching them hop effortlessly through the bush or laze around in the afternoon sun. If you’re visiting Perth and hoping to see kangaroos for yourself, you’re in luck – there are plenty of great spots to find them, whether you want a guaranteed close-up encounter or prefer to see them in their natural habitat.

Perth is home to western grey kangaroos, a species found across southern Australia. These kangaroos are social, often gathering in groups, and can be seen in parks, reserves, and even some unexpected places around the city.

In this guide, I’ll share the best places to see kangaroos in and around Perth, plus tips on when and how to spot them. Whether you’re after a hands-on experience or a wild sighting, this list will help you plan the perfect encounter with Australia’s most iconic animal. Please remember Kangaroos are wild animals and should be treated with respect. Avoid touching or feeding them unless you’re in a designated wildlife experience where it’s allowed.

Perth Mini Guide
While you’re here for the kangaroos, don’t miss these top spots:

Where to Stay

• Ritz Carlton (elegant and central)
• The Westin (excellent location)
• Quest South Perth Foreshore (great for families)

Things to Do

• Join a day tour to see the kangaroos!
• Swim with dolphins!
• Meet the quokkas on Rottnest
• Visit Perth Zoo

Where to Eat

• Little Bay (great brunch)
• Wildflower (fine dining inspired by the Noongar six seasons)

Where to see Kangaroos in Perth

Want to see kangaroos while you’re in Perth? Whether you’re after a classic Aussie wildlife encounter or just hoping to spot a few in the wild, I’ve got you covered. Here’s where to find kangaroos in Perth – plus everything you need to know about each spot.

Caversham Wildlife Park 

Caversham Wildlife Park is located at Whiteman Park, Whiteman Drive East, Whiteman WA 6068

Caversham Wildlife Park, nestled within Whiteman Park just 25 minutes from Perth’s city center, offers a unique opportunity to experience Australia’s unique wildlife up close. The park is home to over 200 species, including koalas, wombats, and of course, kangaroos!

One of the highlights of visiting Caversham is the chance to hand-feed these marsupials within the Kangaroo and Wallaby Habitat. Food is provided so you can grab a small handful and even give them a gentle stroke on their back. I remember visiting Caversham and watching a little kid excitedly hold out food for a kangaroo. One cheeky roo gently grabbed it from his hand, and he burst into giggles! If you’re traveling with kids, this is one of the best places for a stress-free, up-close encounter – The kangaroos are used to human interaction, making it a perfect spot for making memories.

Tips for meeting the kangaroos at Caversham Wildlife Park:

• Let them come to you – Interactions should be on their terms.
• Respect their rest areas – Avoid entering spaces where kangaroos are relaxing.
• Move calmly and quietly – Sudden movements or loud noises can scare them.
• Feed with care – Offer food on a flat, open palm to keep your fingers safe.
• Gentle pats only – A light stroke along the back is fine, but give them space if they move away.

The park also has great daily interactive shows and experiences like the Wombat & Friends Show, Farm Show, and Koala meeting experience so it’s well worth the entry fee.

The park operates daily from 9:00am to 4:30pm, excluding Christmas Day and entry fees apply.  

Read next: Ultimate Guide To The Hamelin Bay Stingrays

Whiteman Park (Outside Caversham)

If you’d rather see kangaroos in a more natural setting, Whiteman Park itself is a great place to spot them outside of Caversham Wildlife Park. The park covers over 3,800 hectares of bushland and is home to a population of wild western grey kangaroos. 

Your best chance of seeing them is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when they’re most active. Keep an eye out along the walking trails and open grassy areas, especially near Mussel Pool and the Wunanga Bush Trail. Since these kangaroos are wild, they may be more wary of people, so move quietly and watch from a distance for the best experience.

Heirisson Island

The Causeway, Perth, WA 6004

Right in the middle of the Swan River, between East Perth and Victoria Park, Heirisson Island is one of the easiest places to see kangaroos without leaving the city. This little island has a fenced-off wildlife sanctuary where a small group of western grey kangaroos live.

It’s a beautiful spot for a walk, with views of the river and city skyline. The best time to see the kangaroos is early morning or late afternoon when they’re more active. I once made the mistake of visiting at midday, and the kangaroos were nowhere to be seen – except for a few taking a nap under the trees. Lesson learned: aim for early morning or dusk! They’re used to people but still wild animals, so it’s best to admire them from a distance.

There’s a footbridge connecting the island to the mainland, and it’s accessible by walking or cycling. If you’re staying in the city, it’s a quick trip and an easy way to tick ‘see a kangaroo’ off your list without heading too far.

You can get to Heirisson Island by car, bus, or on foot:

• By car: There’s a small car park on the Victoria Park side of the island, just off Great Eastern Highway. From there, it’s a short walk across the bridge to the kangaroo enclosure. If you need a rental check DiscoverCars for the best prices.
• By bus: Take any Transperth bus that runs along Great Eastern Highway and get off near the Causeway. It’s a short walk to the island from there.
• On foot or by bike: There’s a pedestrian and cycle path connecting the island to both East Perth and Victoria Park, making it a pretty walk or ride from the city.

Once you’re on the island, follow the paths towards the fenced area on the eastern side – that’s where you’ll find the kangaroos.

If you’re looking for an easy way to see these kangaroos without having to plan an itinerary, I recommend joining the Big Perth City Private Day Tour. You get to meet the Heirisson Island kangaroos, as well as visit other Perth icons like Cottesloe Beach, Fremantle and Kings Park with a super friendly and knowledgable guide.

This tour sells out quickly, so check dates here.

Perth Zoo

20 Labouchere Road, South Perth WA 6151 

Located in South Perth, just 7 minutes from the CBD, Perth Zoo is well worth a visit for any animal lover! If you want to check out the kangaroos, head to the Australian Bushwalk section where you can spot both western grey kangaroos, smaller wallabies and occasionally red kangaroos. Just keep in mind you can’t feed or touch kangaroos at Perth Zoo to ensure the well-being of the animals. 

Other Aussie favourites you can check out are emus, koalas, quokkas, echidnas and plenty more. As well as the iconic Aussies, you can also check out plenty of international animals like elephants, giraffes, orangutans, meerkats and the adorable otters! 

Perth Zoo plays a key role in wildlife conservation by running breeding and release programs, supporting global conservation efforts, and conducting important research to guide species management.

Perth Zoo is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, including all public holidays and entry fees apply. 

John Forrest National Park

Park Road, Hovea, WA 6071

John Forrest National Park, located in the Perth Hills about 30 minutes east of the city, is one of the best places to see wild kangaroos in a stunning natural setting. As Perth’s oldest national park, it’s home to plenty of walking trails, waterfalls, and pretty picnic spots – plus a thriving population of western grey kangaroos.

Just like the other spots on this list, the best time to see them is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when they’re most active. They often gather in open grassy areas near picnic spots and along trails like the Glen Brook Dam Walk and near Hovea Falls. Since these kangaroos are completely wild, they may keep their distance, so a quiet approach and some patience will give you the best chance of spotting them.

John Forrest National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. John Forrest National Park is easiest to reach by car, and there’s plenty of parking available. Standard park entry fees apply:

Park Entry Fees

Read next: Where to See (and Hold!) Koalas in Perth

Yanchep National Park

Yanchep National Park is located at Yanchep Beach Road & Indian Ocean Dr, Yanchep WA 6035

Yanchep National Park is one of Western Australia’s oldest National Parks and is located around 45 minutes north of the city. Here you’ll be able to spot heaps of native wildlife, including kangaroos. 

Yanchep National Park is one of my favourite spots to see kangaroos in Perth because you get to see them in a peaceful natural setting. The best time to see kangaroos at Yanchep is early morning or late afternoon when they come out to feed. During the day, they tend to rest in the shade, so look carefully under trees and in bushy areas. The Ghost House Walk Trail and the wetlands near Loch McNess are also good spots to catch a glimpse of them.

As well as the kangaroos, there’s plenty of great stuff to see and do at Yanchep National Park. There are beautiful grassy areas, great for picnics, some fantastic walking trails (my favourite is the Yanchep Rose Trail), limestone caves to explore and even a Koala Viewing Area where you can spot adorable koalas! 

Yanchep National Park is open 24/7 and standard park entry fees apply:

Park Entry Fees

Pinnaroo Memorial Park

Pinnaroo Memorial Park is located at Whitfords Ave, Padbury WA 6025

Pinnaroo Memorial Park might not be the first place you’d think of for kangaroo spotting, but this peaceful bushland cemetery in Perth’s northern suburbs is home to a large population of western grey kangaroos. The open grassy areas and quiet surroundings make it a great place to see them up close, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

Unlike other spots, the kangaroos here are used to people and often graze near the pathways, making them easy to spot. Ticks are present in the park, especially in grassy areas, so it’s a good idea to stick to the paths and wear long pants.

Since this is a memorial park, it’s important to be respectful when visiting – stick to the designated paths and keep noise to a minimum. 

Pinnaroo Memorial Park is located in Padbury, about 20 minutes north of Perth, with easy access from the Mitchell Freeway. There’s plenty of parking, and entry is free.

Read next: Where to See Black Swans in Perth

Tips for Spotting Kangaroos in Perth

Keep these tips in mind for best chances of spotting kangaroos in the wild:

• Go early or late – Kangaroos are most active at dawn and dusk.
• Look in open grassy areas – They prefer clearings near bushland.
• Be quiet and patient – Sudden movements or loud noises can scare them off.
• Check shady spots – During the day, they often rest under trees.
• Keep a safe distance – They are wild animals and may become defensive if approached too closely.
• Use insect repellent – Some areas have ticks, so take precautions if walking through grass.

10 Interesting Facts About Kangaroos

As a Science Teacher, I can’t end this article without sharing some fun facts! Here are 10 interesting facts to know about kangaroos before you visit:

1. Kangaroos can’t walk backwards due to their tail and body structure.
2. Red kangaroos can grow up to 2 metres tall, making them the largest marsupials.
3. Baby kangaroos, called joeys, stay in the pouch for about six months.
4. They can jump over 3 metres high and 9 metres in a single bound.
5. Their tails act as a fifth limb for balance and movement.
6. Female kangaroos can pause pregnancy until conditions improve.
7. They live in groups called mobs but can be territorial.
8. Kangaroos get most of their water from plants and rarely need to drink.
9. They lick their arms to cool down in hot weather.
10. Kangaroos are strong swimmers and can use water to escape predators.

Read this next: How and Where to See Quokkas on Rottnest Island: Tips for the perfect Quokka Selfie!

Last Words on Where to See Kangaroos in Perth:

There’s something magical about seeing kangaroos in the wild. Whether you’re catching a glimpse at Yanchep or hand-feeding one at Caversham, it’s an experience you won’t forget. Now, which Aussie animal will you spot next? Here are more of my guides:

• Where to See (and Hold!) Koalas in Perth: Discover the best spots to meet koalas up close.
• Ultimate Guide to the Jurien Bay Sea Lions: Learn how to swim with these playful marine mammals.
• Ultimate Guide to Exmouth Snorkelling: Explore the underwater wonders of Exmouth.
• Ultimate Guide to the Hamelin Bay Stingrays: Get tips on interacting safely with friendly stingrays.
• Complete Guide to Whale Watching in Busselton: Find the best time and places to see whales up close.
• The Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching in Dunsborough: Plan an unforgettable whale-watching experience along the stunning Dunsborough coast.

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