Tourists north of Sydney have been attacked by large kangaroos, and it’s sparked a warning by a local MP on the danger the iconic animal poses to out-of-towners.

Popular tourist spot Morisset in southern Lake Macquarie sees thousands flock to the grassy slopes every weekend.

But tourists dangling carrots in the face of the kangaroos have been left severely injured.

A video released by Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper contains graphic footage of the bloody scars left by the roos’ sharp claws.

One tourist needed 17 stitches in their face.

WATCH | See the footage below

Mr Piper tells Chris Smith most tourists are unaware of the risk.

“Most of the international tourists who head out… they just go out there thinking kangaroos are cute.

“But they’re also powerful creates.”

He explains more and better signage is needed to give tourists a fair warning.

“The signage in itself isn’t bad, but there’s not a lot and I think it needs to be better, and in multiple languages.

“I’m asking the minister to coordinate with the Minister for Environment and Heritage (Gabrielle Upton) to sort of sort something out.”

Listen to the full interview below

Images: Facebook