Having lived in Australia for over four years; one might assume I'd gotten over the giddy joys of spotting a kangaroo in the wild. One might be wrong. I'm not sure what it is about the bouncy creatures that fascinates me, but I honestly never tire of spotting these gorgeous animals in the wild. What's more, I've passed this love of kangaroo spotting onto my toddler son who now happily chants, 'boing boing kangaroo' whenever we spot one of nature's finest jumping mammals. So, if like me you enjoy spotting Kangaroos when you're out and about, what great spots have you come across? Here are a few of my favourite kangaroo viewing spots.
Yanchep National Park
Based in Perth's far north,
Yanchep National Park is a beautiful area; just perfect for wildlife spotting area. Not only is it home to families of spritely kangaroos but you can also spot some cuddly koalas. Take a walk near the lake and we've always been able to spot the kangaroos in the ferns and bushes. They're most active at dusk and dawn but you'll catch them seeking shade here in the heat of the day. Take a picnic and make a day of it at this park with so much to offer the family.
Bullsbrook/Chittering Valley
Whenever I take a drive through the
Chittering Valley area at dusk, I can't help but spot a volume of kangaroos in the near vicinity. You'll notice them in the fields and valleys, in addition to getting perilously close to the side of the road; so driving with caution here at twilight is a must. If you need some pointers for where to head to, try Jaldary Trail, off Smith Road in Bullsbrook. You can park your car up and look out at a vista filled with jumping kangaroos. Dusk is the best time to capture kangaroos at this spot.
Head on down to the local kangaroo hangout
This golfing resort, like many other golfing estates seems to attract kangaroos by the boat load. Take a walk around the estate and there are hundreds to be seen. I've spotted them here at all sorts of time of day, and they are an active bunch to say the least. If the Vines isn't too near to you, then check out your local golf course. There's something about the plush green grass that has kangaroos simply flocking to it.
Wanneroo Golf Course and
Joondalup Golf Course are two such examples that have some regular dusk time kangaroo visitors.
A spot of golf and kangaroo spotting
This well kept cemetery for many is a sanctuary of peace and contemplation. However, its beauty and lush grounds have also attracted visitors in the shape of joggers, families, picnic goers and of course the native kangaroo. If you are taking children with you, and you're not visiting the actual cemetery, then stick to the beautiful gardens away from the grave stones to avoid causing disruption to those seeking private solitude. This is a beautiful spot to take the family to see a plenitude of kangaroos and is easily accessible just off Whitfords Avenue.
Image courtesy of Pinnaroo Valley Memorial park
Are there any other spots that you've come across; here at Weekend Notes, we'd love to hear from you.
If you've not managed to spot a kangaroo in the wild yet, or if you want to get a little bit closer to the kangaroo action, you can always visit one of the wildlife parks that cater for those wanting to feed or greet a tame kangaroo in person.
Come and meet a friendly kangaroo in Caversham Park
A popular choice for this is where you can wander through the kangaroo enclosure and feed the Kangaroos at your leisure.
Caversham is also a great spot to meet other Australian native animals including the wonderfully fluffy and cute koala and the sleepy wombat. This is a great morning or afternoon out if you've got small children with you or visitors to Australia.
