An unexpected macropod sighting at South Narrabeen Beach drew attention after an animal believed to be a wallaby was seen moving across the sand and into the water.
Early Morning Sighting At South Narrabeen
The animal was first seen at South Narrabeen Beach on 16 January, shortly after 6:15 a.m., by members of the Collaroy Cannons surf boat team following a training session.
Staff at South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club later confirmed the sighting and said the animal was observed again at around 11:30 a.m., indicating it remained in the area for several hours.
Identification And Habitat Context
The species has not been formally confirmed, but the animal was described as resembling a black-faced swamp wallaby. Some social media posts initially referred to the animal as a kangaroo, however multiple observers later identified it as a wallaby.
Swamp wallabies typically inhabit dense bushland, heath, and forest undergrowth, often near waterways. Nearby areas such as the Warriewood Wetlands are known habitats for the species, making appearances on open beaches uncommon.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Wildlife Response And Search Efforts
Wildlife rescue organisation WIRES received multiple reports throughout the day. A volunteer attended the area and searched likely locations from Collaroy to Narrabeen, but the adult animal was not located.
WIRES encouraged caution, including keeping dogs leashed, to reduce stress on the animal if it remained in the area.
Later that day, a live joey was found on the beach and taken to a local veterinary clinic. It did not survive.
Last Reported Sighting
A reader later reported seeing the adult animal during the evening at North Narrabeen, above the rockpool toward the headland. Its current location and condition have not been confirmed.
Community reaction to the incident included concern for the animal’s welfare and calls for people to give native wildlife space during unexpected encounters.
Published 17-Jan-2026
