Kangaroo Sanctuary

About 20km south of Alice Springs on the Ross Highway, the Kangaroo Sanctuary is a 188-acre wildlife haven founded by Chris 'Brolga' Barns, star of the documentary series 'Kangaroo Dundee'. This is not a zoo but a working rescue and release centre for orphaned and injured kangaroos and wallabies, set against the dramatic backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges. The sanctuary offers intimate guided sunset tours where you can hand-feed joeys and watch adult roos hop freely across the bush. It’s a deeply moving experience that connects you with Australia’s most iconic marsupials in an ethical, educational setting.

Highlights & What to See

• Sunset guided tour – the only way to visit, limited to small groups for a personal experience with kangaroos and wallabies.
• Hand-feeding joeys – bottle-feed baby kangaroos and feel their soft fur, a highlight for animal lovers.
• Learn about kangaroo behaviour and conservation from passionate keepers, including stories of rescues and releases.
• Photograph kangaroos in natural habitat against the golden light of the outback sunset.
• Visit the sanctuary’s gift shop for unique souvenirs and the chance to 'adopt' a kangaroo.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for a half-day visit, with the tour itself lasting about 2.5 hours (usually starting late afternoon). Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Combine with a morning or early afternoon exploring Alice Springs’ other attractions, such as the Alice Springs Desert Park or the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum. The tour ends after sunset, so have transport arranged—the sanctuary is not on public transit.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs – the gateway town with cultural sites, galleries, and the famous Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
• Simpsons Gap – a scenic gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges, great for short walks and waterhole views.
• Standley Chasm – a narrow chasm with stunning midday light, about 50km west of Alice Springs.
• Ormiston Gorge – a beautiful swimming hole and walking trails in the West MacDonnell National Park.
• Kings Canyon – part of Watarrka National Park, a spectacular canyon with rim walks, about 3 hours drive from Alice Springs.

Please check official sources for current details.