If you thought you’d seen it all when it comes to classic Aussie moments, think again! A recent video has taken the internet by storm, showing a rather cheeky kangaroo named Billy making himself right at home inside a suburban house on the NSW South Coast. And let’s just say, the reactions have been as priceless as the footage itself!

The now-viral clip, viewed over 680,000 times, captures the muddy eastern grey kangaroo stubbornly refusing to leave the comfort of a local’s living room. 'Oh my God, out!' the homeowner exclaims, trying to shoo Billy away. But Billy, clearly unfazed by the commotion, stands his ground until he’s finally tempted outside with a piece of bread. 'Cheeky, cheeky boy,' she laughs, as Billy hops off—no doubt plotting his next visit.

The internet, of course, had a field day. Comments poured in, with one person joking, 'That’s Skippy’s house now,' and another quipping, 'Most normal day in Australia.' It’s the kind of story that makes you shake your head and say, 'Only in Oz!'

A wild kangaroo found its way to someone's home in NSW. Image Credit: TikTok/shannonjean57

But while the video is undeniably entertaining, it also raises some important questions about our relationship with native wildlife. Shannon, the Wiradjuri woman who filmed the encounter, explained that Billy isn’t a pet—he’s a wild kangaroo who’s been dropping by for years. 'Literally comes knocking on my friend’s door. Been coming for years. Gotta love him,' she shared on TikTok. The house, it turns out, is right next to bushland where a large mob of kangaroos lives, so Billy and his mates are regulars in the area.

Shannon was quick to clarify that Billy is free to roam wherever he likes, and that luring him back into the bush wouldn’t make much difference—this is his home, too. 'They all come and go, and it’s right next to bushland, he’s among other roos [that] have been in the area for years,' she said.

But not everyone is as delighted by these close encounters. Indigenous elder Aunty Janet Turpie-Johnstone voiced her concerns about the growing overlap between human settlements and wildlife habitats. 'It breaks my heart all the time. We’re building how many more million houses for us and that means less and less country for them,' she told Yahoo News. 'This is going to happen more and more.'

Aunty Janet’s worries aren’t unfounded. As our suburbs expand, it’s becoming increasingly common to see kangaroos, koalas, and other native animals wandering into shops, airports, and, yes, even our homes. While these moments often go viral for their novelty, they’re a sign of a much bigger issue: our wildlife is losing its natural habitat, and with it, its natural wariness of humans.

This loss of fear can be dangerous for both animals and people. Kangaroos that become too comfortable around humans are at greater risk of being hit by cars, attacked by dogs, or encountering people who may not be as friendly as Shannon and her friends. And while it might seem harmless to offer a kangaroo a slice of bread, feeding them an unnatural diet can actually harm their health in the long run.

'We’ve moved into their country. We’re the ones that are the problem, whether we want to admit it or not,' Aunty Janet said. She urges us to remember that, as much as we love our unique wildlife, it’s our responsibility to ensure they can live safely and naturally—ideally, at a respectful distance.

So, what can we do to help? Here are a few tips for living alongside our furry neighbours:

• Don’t feed wild animals: As tempting as it is, human food isn’t good for kangaroos or other wildlife. Let them forage for their natural diet.
• Secure your rubbish and pet food: This helps prevent animals from becoming reliant on human sources of food.
• Drive carefully, especially at dawn and dusk: These are peak times for kangaroo activity, and slowing down can save lives—both theirs and yours.
• Support local conservation efforts: Whether it’s volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness, every little bit helps protect our native species.

Australia’s wildlife is one of our greatest treasures, and stories like Billy’s remind us just how special—and sometimes surprising—our environment can be. But they also highlight the need for balance and respect as our communities grow.

Key Takeaways

• A video of a kangaroo casually entering a NSW South Coast home has gone viral, with many Aussies calling it the 'most Australian thing', though it's actually rare behaviour for wild kangaroos.
• Indigenous wildlife experts have raised concerns about kangaroos like 'Billy' losing their natural fear of humans, warning this habit could be dangerous for both animals and people.
• The homeowner clarified that Billy isn't a pet, but a wild kangaroo who visits frequently from nearby bushland where a mob of roos live.
• Experts warn that urban expansion puts pressure on wildlife, increasing encounters like this, which can put animals at greater risk of harm from cars, dogs, and inappropriate feeding.

Have you ever had a close encounter with a kangaroo or another native animal? Do you think we’re doing enough to protect their habitats? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!

 

[Wandiwa]

I'd be phoning the local pub and see if they're missing their bouncer?