Where to See Kangaroos and Koalas Near Sydney
Your ultimate guide to wild encounters and the best wildlife parks in NSW.
Curated by Andrew Sorokin, Your Expert Private Guide in Sydney
Seeing native Australian animals is usually at the very top of every visitor's bucket list. But should you try to find them in the wild, or visit a wildlife park? The truth is, both experiences are amazing—if you know where to go. In this guide, we reveal our secret spots for spotting wild kangaroos and give you an honest comparison of Sydney’s most popular wildlife parks.
Part 1: Finding Kangaroos in the Wild (Our Secret Spots)
Large commercial buses simply cannot reach the secluded areas where wild kangaroos thrive. On our private tours, we know exactly where to take you for an authentic, natural encounter. Here are the top three destinations around Sydney to see kangaroos in their natural habitat:
Wild kangaroos spotted on our private tours
Our guests meeting a friendly mob in the Hunter Valley
🦘 The Hunter Valley (Wine & Wildlife)
Imagine sipping a world-class Shiraz while watching a mob of kangaroos bound across the vineyards. The Hunter Valley is not just Australia's oldest wine region; it is also home to a massive population of wild Eastern Grey Kangaroos. We know the exact clearings and estates where they love to rest in the afternoon sun.
👉 Experience it on our: Private Hunter Valley Wine Tour
🦘 Jervis Bay (White Sands & Marsupials)
Jervis Bay is famous for having the whitest sand in the world, but it also offers a surreal wildlife experience. In the surrounding national parks, it is very common to see kangaroos relaxing right on the beach or grazing near the coastal bushland. It’s a photographer's dream!
👉 Experience it on our: Jervis Bay & Dolphins Cruise Tour
🦘 Canberra & The Southern Tablelands
Australia’s capital city is affectionately known as the "Bush Capital." You don't even have to leave the city limits to find wild kangaroos here! They are frequently seen grazing around the Mount Ainslie lookout and near government buildings at dusk.
👉 Experience it on our: Canberra Private Day Tour
Part 2: Wildlife Parks Comparison (Featherdale vs. Symbio vs. Reptile Park)
If you want to guarantee a close-up photo, feed a kangaroo by hand, or get a picture with a Koala, a wildlife park is a must. But which one should you choose? Here is an honest breakdown from our expert guides.
Australian Reptile Park
(Central Coast Route)
- Crowds: Very low. A relaxed, peaceful vibe.
- Kangaroos: Free-roaming on beautiful green grass. Great for feeding and taking photos.
- Koala Photo: A premium individual encounter (usually $90 AUD) is included complimentary on our specific tour!
- Variety: Excellent reptiles, Tasmanian devils, and native mammals.
See Wild Animals Tour
Symbio Wildlife Park
(South Coast Route)
- Crowds: Low to medium. Much quieter than city zoos.
- Kangaroos: The Best! Very friendly kangaroos spread across large grassy areas. Ideal for independent feeding and selfies.
- Koala Photo: Available, but comes at a premium price (approx. $125 AUD).
- Variety: Includes exotic animals like red pandas and meerkats.
See South Coast Tour
Featherdale Wildlife Park
(Blue Mountains Route)
- Crowds: High. Very popular with large tourist buses.
- Kangaroos: Present, but due to the crowds, the large adult kangaroos usually retreat to a "no-touch" rest zone. You can generally only feed the smaller ones.
- Koala Photo: Very affordable. Professional photos are available for around $40 AUD.
- Variety: The largest collection of native Australian animals globally.
See Blue Mountains Tour
Escape the Crowds. See Australia the Right Way.
Don't get stuck on a 50-person bus where you have to fight for a photo with a kangaroo. Book a private luxury tour with us, and let our expert guides show you the true beauty of Australia's wildlife.
Browse All Private Tours