Eastern Gray Kangaroo

Identification

The eastern grey kangaroo is Australia's second largest marsupial, easily recognised by its soft grey coat. Adult males typically weigh 50 to 66 kg (110 to 146 lb) and measure well over 2 metres in length, with a powerful tail exceeding 1 metre long. Females are considerably smaller, weighing 17 to 40 kg (37 to 88 lb). The species displays distinctive colouration: a light grey or brownish-grey back with a lighter silver or cream belly, sometimes nearly white. Their large, wide-open eyes and clean facial structure—lacking the black and white facial markings of red kangaroos—aid identification. Where ranges overlap with western grey kangaroos, the eastern grey is distinguished by its lighter colouration compared to the darker dusty brown of its western relative.

Range & habitat

Found throughout the eastern third of Australia with a population of several million, the eastern grey is the kangaroo most commonly encountered by visitors and residents. It prefers open grassland with scattered bush for shelter, and primarily inhabits the wetter regions of Australia. The species also thrives in coastal areas, woodlands, sub-tropical forests, mountain forests, and inland scrubs, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to diverse habitats. Its preference for more fertile, moister areas distinguishes it from the red kangaroo of the semi-arid interior.

Behaviour & diet

Eastern grey kangaroos are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, most active during early morning and evening hours. During the heat of midday, they rest in woodland cover. They are highly gregarious, forming open-membership groups averaging three individuals that combine to feed in preferred areas and rest together during the day. These social groups maintain a dominance hierarchy, with dominant individuals securing better food sources and shade. The species is not territorial.

Their diet consists mainly of a wide variety of grasses and forbs, more diverse than other kangaroo species. They adjust their vigilance behaviour relative to predation risk, with reproductive females, peripheral group members, and those far from cover showing the highest alertness. The species holds the record for the highest speed ever recorded by any kangaroo: 64 km/h (40 mph), set by a large female.

Best time & places to see it

Dawn and dusk offer the best viewing opportunities, when eastern greys emerge to feed on grasslands in large numbers. During midday heat, search woodland areas where animals rest. The species is readily encountered in remaining bushland pockets near major southern and eastern coastal cities, making it highly accessible to wildlife travellers without requiring travel to Australia's remote interior. Open grassland areas with nearby bush shelter provide ideal viewing habitat.

Photography tips

Early morning and late afternoon light provides optimal conditions for photographing these animals in their active periods. Position yourself near open grasslands adjacent to woodland cover where kangaroos emerge to feed. Their large, expressive eyes and graceful posture create compelling subjects. The soft grey coat photographs well in golden hour light, while their powerful tails and upright posture offer dynamic composition opportunities. Patience near known feeding areas during dawn and dusk will reward photographers with numerous opportunities to capture behavioural shots, including their characteristic hopping gait.