Spotting a kangaroo in the wild is one of those “pinch‑me, we really live in Australia” moments – and if you’ve got friends or family visiting from overseas, it’s pretty much non‑negotiable. The good news? You don’t need to trek into the outback to find them.
Around Perth you’ll find kangaroos relaxing on golf courses, grazing beside picnic spots and hopping through our national parks – plus plenty of places where kids can hand‑feed them in safe, supervised wildlife parks.
We’ve rounded up the best places to see kangaroos in and around Perth, from free city‑close walks to full‑day wildlife adventures.
Best Places To See Kangaroos in Perth with Kids
1. Heirisson Island (FREE)
Heirisson Island, right in the Swan River between East Perth and Victoria Park, is one of the most accessible free places to see kangaroos close to the city. A small, fenced sanctuary on the island is home to a group of Western Grey Kangaroos.
Take a family stroll around the island and quietly walk through the kangaroo enclosure. Depending on the time of day and weather, you might see them grazing, snoozing under trees or hopping through the scrub. It’s a lovely short outing with pram‑friendly paths and beautiful river views.
Read the Buggybuddys review of Heirisson Island
Good to know:
- Free entry, open during daylight hours
- Paths suitable for prams and scooters
- Bring hats, water and snacks – there are no cafés on the island
- Parking available at either end of the causeway
2. Whiteman Park (FREE – wild kangaroos outside Caversham Wildlife Park)
Whiteman Park is a brilliant full day out with kids, and you may be lucky enough to spot wild kangaroos in the bushland and open spaces around the park – especially at quieter times, early morning or late afternoon. While many families visit for the Playgrounds, tram rides and museums, keep your eyes peeled on the drive in and on walks through the natural areas.
For guaranteed close‑up kangaroo encounters, you can visit Caversham Wildlife Park (entry fee applies, see below), which is located inside Whiteman Park. But it’s still worth watching for wild roos as you explore the wider park.
Read the Buggybuddys review of Whiteman Park
Family‑friendly features:
- Huge grassed areas and barbecue spots
- Multiple Playgrounds and picnic areas
- Café and toilets on site
- Mini pool Playground open seasonally
3. Caversham Wildlife Park (inside Whiteman Park)
If you want guaranteed kangaroo cuddles and photo opportunities, Caversham Wildlife Park is a Perth favourite. Kids can walk through large kangaroo enclosures, gently pat them, and often hand‑feed them with supplied food. There are usually plenty of kangaroos lounging about, happy to meet visitors.
Beyond kangaroos, you’ll find koalas, wombats, farm shows, and a full day of Aussie animal fun. It’s ideal for younger children who might not have the patience to go hunting for kangaroos in the wild.
Read the Buggybuddys review of Caversham Wildlife Park
Highlights:
- Guaranteed, up‑close kangaroo encounters
- Hand‑feeding opportunities in dedicated areas
- Lots of other native animals and daily shows
- Located within Whiteman Park – combine with Playgrounds and picnics
4. John Forrest National Park
John Forrest National Park is one of Perth’s oldest national parks and a great spot to see wild kangaroos, especially around the picnic areas and trails. Many families report kangaroos lounging near the tavern and barbecue spots, happily sharing the space with visitors (but please don’t feed them!).
There are several family‑friendly walk trails, waterfalls in season, and plenty of space for a picnic. It’s a fantastic way to combine wildlife spotting with a bush adventure close to the city.
Read the Buggybuddys review of John Forrest National Park
Family tips:
- Entry fees apply for vehicles (WA Parks standard fees)
- Pack a picnic or visit the tavern/café when open
- Bring water, sunscreen and sturdy shoes
- Watch for wildlife on and near the road when driving in and out
5. Yanchep National Park
Yanchep National Park is another brilliant, family‑friendly place to see wild kangaroos. They’re often grazing on the open lawns and can sometimes be spotted along the walking trails in the late afternoon.
Kids will love the mix of wildlife spotting, koala boardwalk and caves (tours available). It’s easy to spend a full day here, and kangaroos are regularly seen around the main picnic areas and lake.
Read the Buggybuddys review of Yanchep National Park
Highlights:
- Wild kangaroos often visible on lawns
- Koala boardwalk and birdlife around the lake
- Barbecues, picnic areas and café
- Entry fees apply for vehicles (WA Parks standard fees)
6. Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park (FREE)
Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park is one of the most reliable and easy places to see wild kangaroos in Perth, especially around sunset. The peaceful, grassy grounds are dotted with friendly Western Grey Kangaroos who are used to people quietly wandering by.
Kids will love spotting mobs of kangaroos lounging on the grass or hopping between trees. Paths and lawns are generally pram‑friendly, and the open spaces make it easy for little ones to explore. Remember this is a working memorial park, so it’s important to be respectful and quiet, and to admire the kangaroos from a distance.
Good to know:
- Best at dawn or dusk for kangaroo activity
- No entry fee
- No feeding or touching the kangaroos
- Bring water and snacks – facilities are limited nearby
7. Joondalup Resort Golf Course
Joondalup Resort’s stunning golf course is famously home to a large population of kangaroos. If you’re staying at the resort or playing a round of golf, you’ve got an excellent chance of spotting them relaxing on the fairways or bouncing across the greens.
Older kids and teens who play golf will get a real thrill from teeing off alongside wild kangaroos. Even if you’re not golfing, kangaroo sightings are common from certain parts of the resort grounds, particularly early in the morning and late afternoon.
Good to know:
- Kangaroo sightings are not guaranteed, but very common
- Best viewed if you’re a resort guest or playing golf
- Stay well back – golf balls and wildlife don’t mix!
- Lovely resort setting with pools and dining options
8. The Vines Resort Kangaroo Safari
The Vines Resort in the Swan Valley offers a dedicated Kangaroo Safari, making it one of the most unique and fun ways for families to see kangaroos. Hop aboard a buggy or join a guided tour around the resort’s grounds to spot kangaroos up close in a relaxed, safe setting.
This is a great option if you’d like more of a “tour” experience where the kids are guaranteed to see kangaroos and can ask questions along the way. Combine it with a resort stay or a Swan Valley day trip for a memorable family outing.
Read the Buggybuddys review of The Vines Resort Kangaroo Safari
Highlights:
- Guided kangaroo spotting experience
- Safe and easy for all ages
- Resort facilities, pool and dining options
- Perfect add‑on to a Swan Valley family getaway
9. Perth Zoo
While Perth Zoo’s kangaroos aren’t wild, it’s still a fantastic, easy way for little ones to see them up close and learn about native animals. The Australian Bushwalk section lets families stroll past kangaroos, wallabies and other iconic wildlife in a beautiful, leafy setting.
Perth Zoo is very pram‑friendly, with plenty of shade, Playgrounds and picnic spots. It’s ideal for younger children or visitors who want a guaranteed, relaxed kangaroo sighting without heading out to the bush.
Read the Buggybuddys review of Perth Zoo
Family‑friendly features:
- Pram‑friendly paths and shaded picnic areas
- Café, Playground and interactive keeper talks
- Easy to reach from the city by car or public transport
- Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers
10. Cohunu Koala Park
If you’re happy to venture a little further afield, Cohunu Koala Park offers close‑up kangaroo encounters alongside koalas, farm animals and more in a relaxed, rustic setting. Kids can usually feed kangaroos with approved food, wander the bushy grounds and enjoy spotting animals at their own pace.
It’s a great choice for younger children or overseas visitors who’d like guaranteed kangaroo sightings in a casual, old‑school wildlife park atmosphere.
Read the Buggybuddys review of Cohunu Koala Park
Good to know:
- Entry fees apply
- Kangaroo feeding with supplied food is usually available
- Rustic, hilly grounds – prams are okay but be prepared for some slopes
- Combine with a day out exploring the Byford/Serpentine area
11. Ranger Red’s Zoo & Conservation Park (Pinjarra)
Ranger Red’s Zoo & Conservation Park in Pinjarra is a hands‑on, interactive zoo where kids can often pat and feed kangaroos as well as meet a wide range of native and farm animals. It’s very much a “get involved” style experience, which many families love.
With talks, encounters and plenty of opportunities for close‑up animal fun, it’s an excellent option for a day trip from Perth, especially if you’re heading towards Mandurah or the South West.
Read the Buggybuddys review of Ranger Red’s Zoo & Conservation Park
Good to know:
- Entry fees apply
- Lots of hands‑on, interactive animal experiences
- Great as part of a Pinjarra or Mandurah day trip
- Check current opening times and encounter options before you go
12. Local Golf Courses – Wanneroo & Marangaroo
Several Perth golf courses are well known for their resident kangaroo populations. Wanneroo and Marangaroo golf courses, in particular, often have mobs of kangaroos relaxing on the fairways.
These spots are best suited to families with older kids or teens who play golf, or for those who are happy to book a round and enjoy the novelty of golfing with kangaroos watching on. For safety reasons, it’s not suitable to wander the course just to see kangaroos – but if you’re already there to golf, it’s a fun bonus.
Good to know:
- Kangaroos are wild – watch from a respectful distance
- Normal green fees apply
- Be mindful of golfers and flying balls
- Early morning and late afternoon are best for wildlife
Tips for Seeing Kangaroos Safely with Kids
- Best time: Dawn and dusk are usually the most active times for wild kangaroos.
- Keep your distance: Kangaroos are wild animals – admire them quietly and don’t chase, crowd or touch them.
- No feeding: Human food can make kangaroos sick and encourage unsafe behaviour. Only use approved food provided by wildlife parks.
- Road safety: Take extra care when driving around national parks, golf courses and rural roads – kangaroos can jump out suddenly.
- Be respectful: In places like Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park and national parks, be mindful of other visitors and the environment.
Whether you’re a Perth local or visiting from overseas, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to seeing a kangaroo. From FREE wild encounters to hands‑on wildlife parks, Perth has a kangaroo experience to suit every family.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
