Getting to Know the Tammar Wallaby on Kangaroo Island

Written by: Cameron Ward

Published: 10/26/2016

Reading time: 3 mins

Kangaroo Island is home to some of Australia’s most mesmerising natural beauty. This goes hand-in-hand with an eclectic and stunning range of native wildlife.

On the pristine beaches and in dense brush land. The Island has managed to retain almost 50% of its original habitat thanks to a range of National and Conservation Parks, reserves, and projects.

Today, it’s the place to go if you want to see some of Australia’s best-loved critters in their own habitat, including the Tammar Wallaby. This cute critter is rife on the Island, taking cover in the heathland and scrubs.

About the Tammar Wallaby

These small Wallaby species boast thick fur that’s a dark grey-brown colour. The males usually have rufous on the sides of their bodies and limbs. They also hold their forearms apart – particularly when they’re on the move. These species tend to be very vocal, calling out with hoarse coughs to defend their territory and clucking when mating.

Like with most kangaroo species, the Tammar Wallabies communicate alarm through foot stamping.

The Habitat of the Tammar Wallaby

Tammar Wallabies thrive in dense coastal heath and scrub land. This makes Kangaroo Island the perfect home for them. As nocturnal creatures, they spend their days on their own before coming out at night to find food and socialise.

They often openly graze in clearings that are close to cover, so they can easily flee if faced with danger.

The Best Place to see Tammar Wallabies

Tammar Wallabies can be found all over Kangaroo Island, but your best chance of seeing them is at the Flinders Chase National Park. This huge nature reserve can be found on the south-westerly tip of the Island. It can easily be reached from the Australian mainland via a short sea or air journey. Though there are plenty of other creatures to admire in the park, the Tammar Wallabies continue to be a firm favourite. You’ll often be able to catch a glimpse of them around the Park Headquarters and Visitor Centre, where they mingle with the visitors.

The Tammar Wallaby is a fine example of Australia’s native creatures, and Kangaroo Island is the perfect place to see them in their natural habitat and learn more about their fascinating lives and behaviour. Taking a stroll around the Island, it’s likely you’ll come into contact with these cute critters, so keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for their croaks, coughs, and clucks.

Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.