Southern Highlands: Wild Wombat & Kangaroo Day Trip Sydney

Summary

Wildlife encounters pies waterfalls and starry skies near sydney

You’ll spot wild kangaroos and wombats up close near Sydney’s Southern Highlands, walk rainforest paths to waterfalls, sample fresh-baked pies for lunch, and relax over dinner at a historic Aussie pub before stargazing far from city lights. It’s all small-group warmth and genuine wildlife moments—the kind you’ll remember every time you hear kookaburras laugh.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really expect to get that close to a wild wombat. The first one we saw near the Southern Highlands just sort of waddled out of the scrub while our guide, Matt, was mid-sentence about lyrebirds. He stopped talking and just grinned—guess he’s seen this before, but for me it felt like time paused for a second. There’s something about seeing these animals in their own world, not behind glass or fences. The air smelled sharp with eucalyptus, and I could hear kookaburras somewhere off to the left—honestly, they sound like they’re laughing at you.

The day trip from Sydney started early but not painfully so; I grabbed a window seat on the bus (2025 model, which Matt kept joking about) and watched the city fade into rolling green hills. We stopped at this lookout perched way up—1,400 feet or something—and the view just kept going: cliffs, ocean haze, even a hint of whales if you squint hard enough (someone claimed they saw one). Lunch was at Robertson Pie Shop. I went for the classic beef pie—flaky crust, peppery filling—and tried to say “thank you” in my worst Aussie accent. Got a laugh from the lady behind the counter.

After that it was waterfall time: Carrington Falls first, then Fitzroy Falls in Morton NP. The walks weren’t long—just enough to stretch your legs and smell wet earth underfoot. At Fitzroy Falls we spotted king parrots darting through orange sandstone gullies. Matt pointed out an echidna burrow but no luck seeing its owner. Honestly though, just standing there with spray drifting over my arms felt good after sitting on the bus awhile.

Sunset is when things got really interesting—kangaroos everywhere, some so close you could see their eyelashes flicker when they blinked. Wombats too, just munching grass without caring who watched. A couple of us lay down in the grass for photos (I still have red dust on my jeans). Dinner was classic pub stuff—chicken parmy for me—with locals watching rugby on TV and someone’s dog wandering between tables hoping for chips. On the way back we pulled over to stare up at more stars than I’ve ever seen; Milky Way clear as anything. Wish I’d brought a better camera but maybe it’s better that way—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — South Coast views and wildlife tour

• Visit 1400ft cliff lookout
• Drive through Macquarie Pass National Park
• Lunch at Robertson Pie Shop
• Walk to Carrington Falls
• Visit Fitzroy Falls lookout
• See wild wombats and kangaroos
• Dinner at historic Aussie pub
• Stargazing under Southern Hemisphere sky

Top questions

How long is the wild wombat & kangaroo day trip from Sydney?

The tour lasts a full day with morning departure from Sydney and return after dinner and stargazing in the evening.

Is lunch included on this Southern Highlands wildlife tour?

Yes, lunch at Robertson Pie Shop is included during winter daylight savings months; summer departures leave after midday.

Will I definitely see wild kangaroos and wombats?

Sightings are guaranteed according to the tour info; guides know where to find them around sunset.

Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options for meals?

Yes, both lunch and dinner offer gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian choices.

What national parks do we visit on this day trip?

You’ll travel through Macquarie Pass National Park and visit Fitzroy Falls in Morton NP.

Is pickup included or do I meet somewhere central?

The tour includes pickup; details are provided after booking.

How much walking is involved during this wildlife tour?

The walks are short and easy—mostly gentle strolls to lookouts or waterfalls.

Can I bring a wheelchair or walking frame on this tour?

No room on the bus for wheelchairs or walking frames; not recommended for those needing them.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Sydney in a modern bus with onboard Wi-Fi and snacks like fruit or nut bars along the way. You’ll enjoy lunch at Robertson Pie Shop (in winter), all entry fees covered, peaceful walks through eucalyptus forest to two waterfalls, sunset wildlife viewing with guaranteed wild kangaroo & wombat sightings guided by locals who know their stuff, hearty dinner with soft drinks at a historic country pub (with options for all diets), plus stargazing under southern skies before heading back in comfort.