Science & Nature • Zoology

Wallaby

Wallaby is a common name for several species of marsupials in the kangaroo family Macropodidae, typically smaller than kangaroos.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Wallaby is a common name for several species of marsupials in the kangaroo family Macropodidae, typically smaller than kangaroos. Wallabies are native to Australia and New Guinea, where they live in a range of habitats and feed mainly on plants. The term usually refers to about 30 species, and the name is derived from an Aboriginal Australian language associated with coastal New South Wales.

Classification

Wallabies belong to the family Macropodidae, the same family as kangaroos, wallaroos, pademelons, quokkas, and tree-kangaroos. The name is used informally for macropods smaller than kangaroos and wallaroos.

Distribution and habitat

Wallabies are found across Australia, including Tasmania, and in New Guinea. Different species occupy a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, rocky areas, and shrubland.

Diet and behaviour

Wallabies are herbivores and commonly feed on grasses, leaves, herbs, and other vegetation. Many are active around dawn and dusk, and their powerful hind legs support hopping and fast movement.

Reproduction

Like other marsupials, wallabies give birth to very underdeveloped young that continue developing in the mother’s pouch. The young are called joeys.

Key facts

Wallaby is an informal common name for several smaller macropods rather than one single species.
They are marsupials, so females raise their young in a pouch.
Wallabies are native to Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea.
They are herbivores that mainly eat grasses and other plant material.
The name wallaby is derived from an Aboriginal Australian language of coastal New South Wales.

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Canadian context

Wallabies are not native to Canada, but Canadian readers may encounter them in zoos, wildlife parks, and educational materials about marsupials.

Frequently asked questions

What is a wallaby?

A wallaby is a marsupial in the kangaroo family, usually smaller than a kangaroo and often used as a common name for several related species.

How many species of wallaby are there?

There are about 30 species commonly referred to as wallabies.

Where do wallabies live?

Wallabies are native to Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea, and some populations have been introduced elsewhere.

What do wallabies eat?

Wallabies are herbivores that mainly eat grasses and other plant material such as leaves and herbs.

What is a baby wallaby called?

A baby wallaby is called a joey.

Are wallabies and kangaroos the same animal?

No. They are closely related marsupials in the same family, but wallaby is usually used for smaller species than kangaroos.

References

Animal Corner — https://animalcorner.org/animals/wallaby/
Supports: General description of wallabies as marsupials in the kangaroo family, number of species, and distribution.
Bush Heritage Australia — https://www.bushheritage.org.au/species/wallabies
Supports: Number of species, marsupial status, joey/pouch development, distribution, and diet.
Whipsnade Zoo — https://www.whipsnadezoo.org/whats-here/animals/wallaby
Supports: Classification, habitat, reproduction, and physical characteristics of a representative wallaby species.
Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute — https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/bennetts-wallaby
Supports: Wallabies as medium-sized marsupials found in eastern Australia and Tasmania.
Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/wallaby/390624
Supports: Marsupial classification, herbivorous diet, group behaviour, and general description.
RSPCA Kids Education — https://kids.rspca.org.au/animal-care/wallabies/
Supports: Species count, distribution, activity pattern, group terms, and lifespan ranges.