Are There Kangaroos In Airlie Beach?
There are kangaroos around the Airlie Beach area, but you have to know where to go to find them! These fuzzy marsupials are among Australia's most iconic native animals, so you may be hoping to spot one during your trip to Airlie Beach. The town centre itself is quite commercialised so you'll need to head out into the surrounding national parks, remote towns, forests, and beaches if you want to see a kangaroo in the wild.
Here is your guide to finding kangaroos in Airlie Beach!
Are There Kangaroos In Airlie Beach?
You won't see any kangaroos hopping through downtown Airlie Beach, but you can find them in other nearby locations! Whether you want to mingle with kangaroos and other wildlife at a sanctuary or park, or you're hoping to spot them in the wild, here are some things to know about finding Australia's most famous marsupial. We'll include the best places to see kangaroos in Airlie Beach and provide tips for spotting them during your travels in Australia.
Where Do Kangaroos Live In Queensland?
Kangaroos live all throughout Queensland, from the humid tropics to the arid Outback. They tend to avoid big cities and thrive in national parks, forests, remote beaches, and small towns with lots of bushland. Heading into Outback Queensland you'll find the larger Red Kangaroos, whereas the Eastern Grey Kangaroos inhabit the coastal areas such as Airlie Beach. Up in the Far North near Cairns and the Daintree Rainforest, you can even find the rare Tree Kangaroo!
Where To See Kangaroos Near Airlie Beach
If you're hoping to see kangaroos during your stay in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays, your best options are visiting Cape Hillsborough or Bredl's Wild Farm. You can also potentially spot them while driving or hiking through remote areas on the mainland, but sightings are not guaranteed. Here is a rundown of these two destinations near Airlie Beach, which should be on the bucket list of every animal lover!
Cape Hillsborough
Cape Hillsborough is the famous place where you can see kangaroos on the beach near the Whitsundays. Located about 1.5 hours south of Airlie Beach, Cape Hillsborough is a lush and secluded coastal national park with gorgeous beaches and lovely forest walks. It also has a healthy kangaroo population, which can often be spotted on the beach at sunrise!
You can book a guided tour from Airlie Beach to Cape Hillsborough if you want to see the kangaroos at sunrise. A local guide will drive you there and back, and provide breakfast when you arrive in the national park. Another option is hiring a car and heading down there on your own. You'll have to get up nice and early if you want to catch the sunrise!
Photo: Driftwood Tours Sunrise with Kangaroos
Bredl's Wild Farm
A guaranteed way to see kangaroos near Airlie Beach is by visiting Bredl's Wild Farm. This family-run business is a top attraction in the Whitsundays for animal lovers and families. With expert staff that care for the animals well and a large property for wildlife to roam, this is a wholesome place to see kangaroos in Airlie Beach!
In addition to patting and feeding kangaroos, you can interact with other unique animals as well. Cuddle a koala or a wombat, feed a cassowary or an emu, and even try holding a baby crocodile or a snake! You'll get a hands-on learning experience with a range of Aussie creatures, making this a super fun day trip from Airlie.
Other ways to spot kangaroos
Aside from Cape Hillsborough and Bredl's Wild Farm, you do have a chance of spotting kangaroos in the wild all over Queensland. But chances are quite slim as kangaroos are wild animals and they prefer the quiet forests to the touristy areas. However, if you're road-tripping along Australia's East Coast, hiking in the wilderness, or driving your car around Airlie Beach on day trips, there is always a chance of seeing kangaroos as you head through remote areas.
Kangaroos are most active at dawn and dusk, so you may see them hopping through woodlands or perched by the side of the road at these times. It's super important to obey speed limits and drive carefully in case a kangaroo hops through the road! But if you're really wanting to see kangaroos in the wild, just head out of the touristy areas at dawn or dusk and you'll have a better chance of spotting them.
