Experience the thrill of spotting one of Australia's most iconic native animals in the wild on your next adventure in New South Wales. With 15 of Australia's 45 kangaroo, wallaroo and wallaby species found across the state, unforgettable wild encounters with these marvellous marsupials are more common than you might expect. Here are some of the best places to spot them.

Hike for kangaroos in northern NSW

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Australian bush on a wilderness hike while giving yourself a great chance of spotting eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies and swamp wallabies on the 13km Border Walk in Bald Rock National Park. You might be joined by a kangaroo or two in the picnic area and campground at the trailhead of this national park near Tenterfield in Country NSW.

Spot two wildlife icons in the Byron Bay hinterland

Rest easy as the wildlife guides at Vision Walks Eco Tours near Byron Bay on the NSW North Coast track down eastern grey kangaroos and other quintessentially Australian creatures for you on a Byron Bay Wildlife Safari. Bed down at Crystalbrook Byron to enjoy more local wildlife spotting opportunities, from kookaburras to koalas.

Wander between kangas on the Coffs Coast

Feel invigorated by the fresh sea breeze as you stretch your legs on the 1.6km Look At Me Now Headland Walk in Moonee Beach Nature Reserve on the Coffs Coast, a 5.5-hour drive north of Sydney. This scenic headland is also popular with eastern grey kangaroos; hit the family-friendly loop trail early in the morning or late in the afternoon to see them. Camp or stay in a cabin at Discovery Parks Emerald Beach, located within walking distance of the trailhead.

Spot the world's largest marsupial in Outback NSW

Feel a sense of awe when you encounter a magnificent red kangaroo in the wild. With males standing up to 2m tall, these impressive marsupials can be found across Outback NSW. Keep an eye out for them in national parks including Mungo National Park, Mutawintji National Park and Sturt National Park, and remember to keep a safe distance from these powerful animals. At the gateway to Mungo National Park, Mungo Lodge offers a range of cabin-style rooms and tours.

Camp with kangaroos on the Barrington Coast

Rugged coastal rock formations aren't the only sights that inspire at Diamond Head in Crowdy Bay National Park on the Barrington Coast, a 3.5-hour drive north of Sydney – eastern grey kangaroos also call this beach and the neighbouring national park campsite home. Look for them bouncing with their graceful gait across the white sand, catching some shade under the seaside vegetation or even taking a dip in the ocean to cool off.

Take an unexpected 'roo tour in Port Stephens

Kangaroos love grazing on the lush fairways of NSW, but you don't need to be golfer to admire them. At Nelson Bay Golf Club in Port Stephens, a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney, have a thrilling encounter with resident 'roos on a family-friendly kangaroo tour. Typically held in summer, these memorable tours raise funds to support kangaroo research and care. Stay at Mantra Nelson Bay, across the road from the club.

Take a Segway safari in the Hunter Valley

Get a buzz watching eastern grey kangaroos bound between the vineyards as you tour the historic Hunter Valley wine region, just two hours north of Sydney. Watch on in awe as a flock of eastern greys takes flight, picking up speed as they launch themselves up hills. For a novel way to observe these incredible creatures, sign up for a Hunter Valley Vineyard Tour on Segways. Tours depart from the Hunter Farm and Adventure Centre at the Hunter Valley Resort.

Wake up with the kangaroos in Wolgan Valley

Be mesmerised by kangaroos grazing just steps from the doorstep of your luxury suite during a stay at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley on the western fringe of the Blue Mountains. Conservation initiatives have encouraged kangaroos, wallaroos and wallabies to return to the historic cattle station in droves; join a 4WD safari to see macropods and more on the property.

See kangaroos aplenty on the South Coast

Memorable wildlife encounters are almost guaranteed in Murramarang National Park, just 10km north of Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast, where eastern grey kangaroos are known to contentedly graze in close range of people. The best places to see local 'roos include the grassy clearings of Depot Beach and Pebbly Beach and the Pretty Beach campground. Camp inside the park or stay at Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort in nearby South Durass.

Spy 'roos in the Snowies

You'll need luck on your side to witness the rare sight of a kangaroo hopping through the snow in the NSW Snowy Mountains, with the warmer months from October to April offering better opportunities. Walk quietly on the 2km Sawpit Walking Track in Kosciuszko National Park for excellent chances of a 'roo sighting. The trailhead is just a short stroll from Kosciuszko Tourist Park, with more accommodation options in nearby Jindabyne.

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