Macropods — kangaroos and wallabies — are one of the most distinctive groups of animals in south-western Australia. From the abundant Western Grey Kangaroo grazing on suburban paddocks to the elusive Black-flanked Rock Wallaby clinging to granite outcrops in the Wheatbelt, the region supports a remarkable diversity of species. Some are easily seen on any visit; others take patience, local knowledge and a bit of luck. This page covers all the macropod species you might encounter in WA and where to find them.
Western Grey Kangaroo — Macropus fuliginosus
The Western Grey is the most common and widespread kangaroo in the Perth region — the one you’re most likely to encounter on any bushland visit, at dusk in paddocks, or even in suburban parks. They are large, social animals that live in groups called mobs. Conservation status: Least Concern.
Where to find Western Grey Kangaroos near Perth
- Heirisson Island — a small island just outside the Perth CBD with a small resident population on the western side. Park at the eastern carpark, head under the road and through the fence. Often found in shaded vegetation and quite tame. Accessible by public transport to the eastern end of Adelaide Tce, then walk to the island across the bridge.
- Serpentine Falls — popular with picnickers and BBQers; kangaroos are regularly seen on the grassed areas near the carpark.
- Yanchep National Park — often found around Lake McNess on the grass in front of the pub. Note there is also a non-native captive Koala population here.
- Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park — many roos found on the grounds and throughout the bush grave settings. Could be creepy at night! Nearby Craigie Bushland is worth combining with a visit.
- Dryandra Woodland National Park — abundant throughout the reserve, especially on the paddocks around the village at dusk. See the Dryandra spotlighting post for more.
Quokka (Quak-a) — Setonix brachyurus
One of Australia’s most iconic and recognisable animals, Quokka are abundant and easy to see on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) just off Fremantle — but small, elusive populations also survive on the WA mainland from the Perth Hills south to Albany. Conservation status: Vulnerable. They are a genuinely special wildlife encounter whether you’re after a classic Rottnest selfie or a harder-earned mainland sighting.
→ See the dedicated Quokka page for locations, tips and FAQ
Tammar Wallaby (Damar / Dhamer) — Notamacropus eugenii
Known in Noongar as Damar or Dhamer, the Tammar wallaby is a small, compact wallaby that tends to shelter in thick scrub during the day and emerge to feed at dawn and dusk. They are timid and can be difficult to spot on the mainland, but island populations are much more relaxed around people. Conservation status: Least Concern nationally, though mainland WA populations have declined significantly from their historical range due to foxes and habitat clearing.
Where to find Tammar Wallabies
- Garden Island (Meeandip) — the most accessible population, on the naval base HMAS Stirling off Rockingham. Public access is by private boat only to certain coastal areas during daylight hours — military authorisation required for full island access. See the Garden Island post for the full story.
- Tutanning Nature Reserve — the most reliable mainland location, with animals found along the appropriately named Tammar Road. A nocturnal visit is needed. See the 2018 Tutanning post and the 2020 WA Nats post.
- Dryandra Woodland National Park — present in small numbers and genuinely rare to encounter. We found three individuals at Gnaala Mia campground in June 2026 — see the Dryandra family trip post.
Black-flanked Rock Wallaby (Moorang / Moororong) — Petrogale lateralis
Known in Noongar as Moorang or Moororong, the Black-flanked Rock Wallaby is one of WA’s most striking macropods — a beautifully marked wallaby adapted to life on granite outcrops and rocky escarpments. Its distribution has contracted dramatically since European settlement as foxes, cats and habitat clearing have taken their toll, leaving populations as islands in a sea of farmland. Conservation status: Vulnerable.
Where to find Black-flanked Rock Wallabies
- Wheatbelt (note: access is not encouraged during hot, dry months due to fire risk)
- Mt Caroline Nature Reserve — surrounded by private land, so DBCA approval is required before accessing. See the rock wallaby posts for details.
- Mt Stirling
- Nangeen Hill (WWF & DBCA managed) — locked predator-proof fenced enclosure, no easy public access.
- Gundaring Nature Reserve
- Kokerbin Nature Reserve
- Swan Valley region (translocated populations)
- Avon Valley NP — translocated; exact locations uncertain.
- Walyunga NP — translocated; exact locations uncertain.
- Paruna Sanctuary (AWC managed) — translocated and fenced, with limited daytime winter access.
- Northern populations
- Kalbarri — recently rediscovered by rock climbers; new animals have been translocated to bolster the population.
- Yardie Creek, Exmouth
- Barrow Island
- Other populations
- Cape Le Grand — translocated.
- Esperance Islands — Salisbury Island.
Western Brush Wallaby (Kwoora) — Notamacropus irma
Known in Noongar as Kwoora (also recorded as kwoor, kwara or kwer), the Western Brush Wallaby — also known as the Black-gloved Wallaby — is a medium-sized wallaby with distinctive black feet and a white face stripe. I have found them extremely timid and very camera shy — I have had a number of sightings but am yet to get a photo of a live one. My only image is of a road-killed animal on Brookton Highway being fed on by a pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles. I have seen animals along Beraking Pool Road, Flynn, though this access is sometimes closed. Conservation status: Near Threatened. This remains one of my target species — I will update this page when I get a better encounter.
Euro (Common Wallaroo) — Osphranter robustus
The Euro is a stocky, solitary macropod typically found on rocky hillsides and ranges. My only sighting has been in the north at Coral Bay, but there are records from John Forrest NP and others have seen them in the Wheatbelt nature reserves. Conservation status: Least Concern.
Red Kangaroo (Maloo) — Osphranter rufus
Known in Noongar as Maloo, the Red Kangaroo is Australia’s largest marsupial and the largest macropod in the world. In WA they are typically found in the arid and semi-arid inland north and east of the state, well away from the Perth region. Conservation status: Least Concern. I have limited personal experience with this species in WA — I’ll update this section as I get more encounters.
Macropods FAQ
What kangaroos can you see near Perth?
The Western Grey Kangaroo is by far the most common and easily seen species near Perth. Heirisson Island in the Swan River is a well-known spot close to the CBD. Quokka can be seen on Rottnest Island (and with more effort on the mainland). Tammar wallabies require a trip to Tutanning Nature Reserve or Garden Island. Black-flanked Rock Wallabies are found in the Wheatbelt, roughly 3-4 hours from Perth.
What is the difference between a kangaroo and a wallaby?
Both belong to the family Macropodidae — the name means “big feet.” The distinction is largely one of size: kangaroos are the larger species (Western Grey, Red Kangaroo, Euro) and wallabies are the smaller ones (Tammar, Quokka, Rock Wallaby, Western Brush Wallaby). There’s no strict scientific boundary between the two terms.
Are kangaroos dangerous?
Wild kangaroos are generally not aggressive and will move away from people. Large male Western Greys can be powerful animals and should be respected, particularly if they appear tame and are used to being fed — hand-feeding can lead to animals that lose their fear of humans and may become dangerous. Never approach a kangaroo cornered against a fence or water body.
What is the best time to see kangaroos?
Dawn and dusk are best for most species — they move out of the shade to feed as temperatures drop. Many wallaby species are primarily nocturnal and require a spotlight or torch to find after dark. The Numbat is an exception among marsupials — it is diurnal — but that is covered on the Dasyurids page.
What is the rarest macropod in south-western WA?
The Woylie (Brush-tailed Bettong, Bettongia penicillata) is technically a potoroid rather than a macropod but is closely related. It is Critically Endangered and was once one of the most abundant mammals in Australia. It can be seen at Dryandra Woodland and a few other reserves. Among the true macropods, the Black-flanked Rock Wallaby and the Quokka (on the mainland) are the most threatened species in the region.
Like this photo? Macropod prints are available
Kangaroo, wallaby and Quokka prints are available to order — paper, canvas, metal, acrylic or framed, shipped anywhere in the world. Prints from US $2.
Further Reading
- Quokka — Where to See Them in WA — dedicated hub page with locations, tips and FAQ
- Tammar Wallabies of Garden Island — an evening on the naval base with restricted access
- Mainland Quokka at Two Peoples Bay — finding the elusive mainland population near Albany
- Dryandra Spotlighting — Mammal Heaven — Western Greys, Woylies and more
- Where to See Wildlife in Western Australia — full location index
You can also follow along on Facebook and Instagram for more regular updates between posts.
Page last updated August 2026.