Kangaroos are present in Tasmania, but they are only one type of animal within the diverse group known as macropods. The term macropod literally translates to “large foot” and refers to all members of the Macropodidae family, including true kangaroos, wallabies, and pademelons. Tasmania is home to several native species often mistaken for one another due to their similar hopping locomotion. This article focuses on the distinct physical characteristics and habits of the three most commonly encountered species, distinguishing the largest member from its smaller relatives.
The True Kangaroo of Tasmania
The largest macropod on the island is the Forester Kangaroo, the Tasmanian subspecies of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus tasmaniensis). This is the largest marsupial found in Tasmania; adult males reach over 60 kilograms and stand up to two meters tall when fully upright. Their coat is a light brownish-grey to solid grey, and they possess a thick tail used for balance and as a prop when resting. They are social animals that live in loosely associated groups known as mobs, a behavior shared with their mainland relatives.
Unlike the smaller macropods, the Forester Kangaroo has a restricted distribution. Their populations are confined to isolated areas in central and northeastern Tasmania, such as Narawntapu National Park and Maria Island National Park. They prefer open grassy forests and woodlands, where they graze on grasses and herbs. Due to their size, they are less abundant than wallabies, making sightings a less common experience.
Identifying the Smaller Macropod Species
The majority of macropods encountered in Tasmania are two smaller species: Bennett’s Wallaby and the Tasmanian Pademelon. Bennett’s Wallaby (Notamacropus rufogriseus) is a medium-sized marsupial, often called the Red-necked Wallaby on the mainland. This wallaby weighs between 14 and 18.6 kilograms, featuring a grizzled medium-grey coat with a distinct reddish wash across the nape of the neck and shoulders. They are also identified by a black nose and paws, along with a white stripe on the upper lip.
The Tasmanian Pademelon (Thylogale billardierii), also known as the Rufous-bellied Pademelon, is the smallest and most stocky macropod on the island. Pademelons have a compact build, short limbs, and a tail noticeably shorter than their body length, which helps them navigate dense undergrowth. Their fur is dark brown or reddish-brown, and they rarely weigh more than nine kilograms. This small macropod is adapted to quickly dart into thick cover, preferring dense, wet scrub and rainforest edges.
These two smaller species can be distinguished by noting their movement and habitat preference. The Bennett’s Wallaby is found in open woodlands and grasslands, moving with a long-limbed hop. In contrast, the Pademelon rarely strays far from dense cover; its short, powerful legs result in a lower, more hurried movement through thick vegetation. The pademelon’s shorter tail is a defining feature that separates it from the longer, proportionally balanced tail of the Bennett’s Wallaby.
Habitats and Viewing Opportunities
Tasmania’s macropods occupy a wide variety of habitats, ranging from coastal heath and open pastures to temperate rainforests and high-altitude grasslands. The most reliable time to observe all three species is during the crepuscular hours—dawn and dusk—as they are largely nocturnal. They emerge to graze in clearings and on the edges of forests where food is abundant. This activity pattern protects them against daytime predators and direct human interaction.
Specific locations offer excellent opportunities for viewing these animals in their natural environments. Narawntapu National Park, located on the north coast, is renowned for open grasslands that attract large numbers of Forester Kangaroos, Bennett’s Wallabies, and Pademelons. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and Freycinet National Park are also reliable spots, especially around visitor centers and accommodation areas at dusk. Visitors should remain patient and quiet, as the animals quickly retreat into the bush if they feel threatened.