6 Best Places to See Kangaroos in the Wild on the NSW Coast
One of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters in Australia is seeing kangaroos in the wild — not in a zoo, but hopping across a beach or grazing in the grass near your tent. Along the coast of New South Wales, there are a handful of places where this happens more often than you’d think. Here’s a guide to some of the best spots to catch a glimpse of these iconic animals in their natural habitat.
1. Cave Beach Campground – Booderee National Park (Jervis Bay)
Visit the Booderee National Park for more details.
2. Little Bay Beach – South West Rocks
Just a short drive from the historic Trial Bay Gaol, this area is home to a large mob of kangaroos that graze and rest in the open picnic areas. They’re incredibly calm around people and sometimes even lie in the shade just metres from visitors. The views here are stunning — roos, headlands, and turquoise water all in one.
3. Diamond Head Campground – Crowdy Bay National Park
Tucked into a wild and open part of the coast, Diamond Head feels like a proper escape. Kangaroos often hang around the campground and roam through the scrubby bush behind the dunes. It’s one of the quieter places on this list, but if you’re looking for a classic ‘beach and bush’ camping experience with wildlife in the mix — this one’s hard to beat.
Get more info about Diamond Head.
4. Callala Golf Club – Jervis Bay
This peaceful coastal golf course is a surprise wildlife haven. Kangaroos roam freely along the fairways, often relaxing in the sun while golfers quietly play through. If you're nearby in Callala Bay or Callala Beach, it's worth a quick stop — you’ll likely spot them even from the road.
5. Emerald Beach – Look At Me Now Headland (Coffs Coast)
Follow the walking track from Emerald Beach up to the headland and you’ll likely spot a few kangaroos grazing with a panoramic view of the ocean behind them. It’s a favourite sunrise walk for locals — and a photographer’s dream when the roos are backlit against the water.
More infos from NSW National Park
6. Pebbly Beach – Murramarang National Park
Once famous for viral images of kangaroos hopping on the sand, Pebbly Beach still offers a decent chance of a sighting. You’ll mostly find them in the grassy areas near the car park and picnic zones, especially early or late in the day. The surrounding national park is full of native wildlife too — including goannas and glossy black cockatoos.
Tips for Spotting Kangaroos in the Wild
- Time it right: Kangaroos are most active around dawn and dusk (known as crepuscular behaviour). Midday, they’re usually resting in the shade.
- Keep a respectful distance: These are wild animals — don’t try to touch or feed them. Zoom lenses are your friend.
- Don’t feed them: Human food can make kangaroos sick and change their behaviour. Even if they seem tame, it’s best to observe without interaction.
- Stay still: If you move slowly and quietly, you’ll likely get a longer, closer look without scaring them off.
- Look for movement in grassy areas: Especially near the edge of bushland or open fields.
Before You Go
Seeing kangaroos in the wild is one of those “only in Australia” moments that never gets old. Whether you’re camping by the beach or just passing through, these six coastal locations give you a good chance of spotting them — and often with a dramatic backdrop too.Don’t forget, they’re wild animals. Keep your distance, avoid feeding them, and take it all in without getting too close. Respect goes a long way — for your safety and theirs.
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