Here’s where you can spot the iconic Aussie wallabies and kangaroos on your trip to Cairns.
Australia’s unique wildlife is a major draw for visitors, with kangaroos and wallabies often topping the must-see list. While kangaroos can be spotted across the country, it’s the Agile wallabies that you’ll primarily encounter around Cairns and Port Douglas.
Personally, I believe these incredible animals are best appreciated in their natural habitats rather than in captivity. For those who share this sentiment, here are some of the best places to spot wild wallabies in Far North Queensland when visiting Cairns.
See the Agile Wallabies on the Cairns Northern Beaches
One of the most reliable places to see wild wallabies near Cairns is at Centenary Park in Kewarra Beach. This small wildlife reserve is located on one of the Northern beaches of Cairns and is home to hundreds of wallabies roaming freely.
The area is managed by the Agile Project which has built a fenced-off area for the wallabies to live. There is a bus stop immediately opposite the park on Captain Cook Hwy at Poolwood Road. Alternatively, you can park your car at one of the residential streets of Kewarra Beach and walk to the park.
Location: 16°47'37.1"S 145°40'55.9"E
Spot Mareeba Rock Wallabies at the Granite Gorge
If you're visiting Cairns with a car or rental, then I highly recommend visiting the Atherton Tablelands. This region is home to some of the most unique Aussie wildlife in Far North Queensland. While kangaroos are hard to come by, you can spot wallabies.
Mareeba Rock-wallabies can be found at Granite Gorge Nature Park, which is located near Mareeba, about an hour's drive from Cairns. Granite Gorge is a well-known spot for spotting these rock wallabies in their natural habitat and is a great place to camp as well!
Additionally, the park features walking trails that allow you to explore the area. In my experience, the wallabies are very accustomed to people and we spotted dozens of them in the rocky canyons.
Location: Granite Creek Gorge Wallabies
See Tree Kangaroos in the Atherton Tablelands
Beyond the ground-dwelling kangaroos and wallabies, the Atherton Tablelands offer a unique opportunity to spot one of Australia's most elusive and intriguing marsupials: the Lumholtz's tree kangaroo.
Unlike their terrestrial relatives, tree kangaroos have adapted to life in the trees, so you'll want to look up if you want to spot them!
Where to Find Tree Kangaroos
I've spent years exploring the trails and waterfalls of Far North Queensland and unfortunately haven't been lucky enough to spot one yet! However, most locals will tell you that you can spot them in the dense tropical rainforests near Crater Lakes National Park, particularly around Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine.
Alternatively, to increase your chances of seeing a tree kangaroo, consider joining a guided wildlife tour in the Atherton Tablelands. Local guides are knowledgeable about the best spots and times for sightings and can help you identify other native wildlife along the way. Below are some great options.
I hope that this quick travel guide to spotting kangaroos and wallabies has helped you plan your wildlife-spotting adventures in Cairns! For more travel inspiration and ideas, take a pick from my guides below.
For more wildlife, check out my guide to spotting wild Cassowaries nearby!
- 60+ Things to do in Cairns - my ultimate Cairns and FNQ travel resource covering the best activities, hidden gems, and unmissable experiences.
- Cairns Hiking Guide - a huge list of epic rainforest, waterfall, and lookout hikes in Cairns.
- Cairns Waterfalls - a huge list of epic waterfalls that I've visited in Cairns and the surrounding tropics.
- Cairns Islands - discover my favorite Great Barrier Reef islands near Cairns and Port Douglas.
- Cairns Tours - my roundup of the best tours you can book in Cairns and FNQ, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree Rainforest.
- Cairns Packing List - tips on what to pack for a trip to Far North Queensland.
- Top Things to Do in Port Douglas - a comprehensive guide to the sleepy Far North Queensland town of Port Douglas.
- Epic 5-Day Cairns Itinerary - my suggested adventure itinerary if you only have 5 days to spend in Cairns.
- Cape Tribulation Travel Guide - discover where the rainforest meets the reef at one of my favourite places in Australia.
- Best Things to do in the Atherton Tablelands - my guide to one of Far North Queensland's most underrated adventure destinations.
- Accommodation Resources: Discover where to stay in Cairns, the best hotels in Port Douglas and my Cape Tribulation accommodation guide.