Where to See Kangaroos in Brisbane – Best Spots to Catch a Glimpse of Aussie Icons
If you are visiting Brisbane or even a local looking for a uniquely Australian experience, spotting kangaroos in the wild or up close is something truly special.
Thankfully, you don’t have to travel far from the city to see these iconic marsupials.
From wildlife sanctuaries to bushland reserves, Brisbane offers plenty of places where you can meet kangaroos face-to-face.
🏞️ 1. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
While it’s best known for cuddly koalas, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket also features a large open paddock where visitors can hand-feed friendly kangaroos.
It’s home to Eastern grey kangaroos, wallabies, and wallaroos.
You’ll be walking among them as they laze in the sun or bounce around the field.
Distance from Brisbane CBD: 12 km (~20 minutes by car or bus)
Why it’s great:
Safe, family-friendly environment perfect for close-up encounters.
Tip:
Purchase a bag of kangaroo feed on-site for a truly interactive experience.
🌿 2. Wacol Bushlands & Pooh Corner Reserve
If you’re keen to see kangaroos in their natural habitat, head to Pooh Corner Reserve in Wacol.
Just west of Brisbane, this quiet stretch of bushland is home to wild mobs of Eastern grey kangaroos.
They are most active at dawn and dusk, so plan your visit accordingly.
Best for:
Spotting kangaroos in the wild, away from crowds.
Location:
Pooh Corner Reserve, Grindle Road, Wacol
Insider tip:
Bring binoculars and stay quiet—you are a guest in their home.
🦘 3. Coombabah Lake Conservation Park (Gold Coast Region)
Just under an hour’s drive from Brisbane, Coombabah Lake Conservation Park is a haven for wildlife lovers.
It’s not uncommon to see large groups of kangaroos relaxing in the grass or hopping along the trails.
The kangaroos here are used to people, making for great photo ops without needing to get too close.
Distance:
Around 50 km (~45 minutes by car)
Why go:
Peaceful walking trails and a high chance of kangaroo sightings.
Bonus:
The area is also rich in birdlife and wallabies.
🌄 4. Mount Coot-tha Reserve & D’Aguilar National Park
Just a short drive from the CBD, Mount Coot-tha and the surrounding D’Aguilar National Park offer a beautiful mix of bushwalking and wildlife spotting.
While kangaroos aren’t guaranteed on every visit, they do roam freely through the open eucalyptus woodlands—especially early in the morning or late afternoon.
Activities:
Hiking, bushwalking, picnicking, and wildlife photography.
How to get there:
Less than 10 km from Brisbane CBD by car or public transport.
Best spots:
Look near the JC Slaughter Falls or the Simpson Falls picnic areas.
🌲 5. Karawatha Forest Reserve
Located in Brisbane’s southern suburbs, Karawatha Forest is a massive 900-hectare reserve that’s home to both kangaroos and wallabies.
This is a top spot for nature lovers looking for a peaceful, crowd-free escape with a good chance of wildlife encounters along the trails.
Where:
Stretton and Kuraby areas (south of Brisbane)
Tip:
Visit in the early morning for better chances of spotting kangaroos.
Amenities:
Walking trails, picnic spots, and the Discovery Centre for kids.
🕒 Best Time to See Kangaroos
Kangaroos are most active during dawn and dusk—these cooler parts of the day are ideal for grazing.
During hot afternoons, they tend to rest in the shade, making them harder to spot in the wild.
Tips for best viewing:
Stay quiet and observe from a distance.
Wear neutral-coloured clothes to blend in with the environment.
Bring a camera or binoculars for better views.
🧭 Want a Guided Experience?
If you would prefer a guided day trip, there are plenty of tour operators offering wildlife tours from Brisbane to places like Moreton Island, North Stradbroke Island, or the Sunshine Coast hinterland, where kangaroo sightings are common.
Final Thoughts
Seeing kangaroos in or around Brisbane is a rewarding and uniquely Australian experience.
Whether you want to hand-feed them in a sanctuary or quietly watch them in the wild, Brisbane offers
something for every nature lover.
Pack your camera, lace up your walking shoes, and enjoy meeting these magnificent marsupials!
