Cuddle a koala, hold a snake and hand-feed cassowaries and wallabies at this interactive sanctuary that protects native wildlife on the shores of the billabong.
Billabong Sanctuary is a wilderness reserve with an exciting program of Australian wildlife experiences. Explore the 27-acre (11-hectare) site to see some of Queensland’s magnificent local wildlife up close. Over 50 species of native Australian mammals and reptiles make their homes in the spacious sanctuary. Spot kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, koalas, parrots and cassowaries, or attend a ranger program and have a hands-on experience with one of the sanctuary’s critters.
Visit the Billabong Sanctuary’s reception to find out about the day’s range of activities. The sanctuary has a program of ranger talks, feeding times and hands-on experiences that you can join throughout the day. Check out the reptile pit to see the unforgettable Reptile Experience. Watch as the ranger showcases some of Australia’s most venomous snakes or touch the scaly skin of a lizard, python or baby crocodile for yourself. Don’t miss watching the ranger feed a giant saltwater crocodile. Afterward, you can watch the turtles racing very slowly at the daily turtle derby.
Check out koalas and wombats, hold the cuddly marsupials for a photograph and meet the sanctuary’s resident dingoes. The endangered cassowary is one of Australia’s most dangerous and magnificent birds, but the Billabong Sanctuary’s friendly resident cassowaries will grab a feed of fruit from your hand. Free-ranging kangaroos look for a shady spot for a siesta in the early afternoon. Visit the kangaroos and hand-feed them or get a photograph up close. You can get professional photos taken of your wildlife experiences and purchase them at the sanctuary’s reception.
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the scenic woodland setting. Admission to the Billabong Sanctuary includes access to all the wildlife experiences occurring during the day. Photographs incur an extra charge, but you’re free to snap your own. Discounted admission is available for children, families, seniors, students and backpackers. The refuge is located 11.5 miles (18.6 kilometers) from central Townsville in North Queensland. Parking is available on site. Stay overnight at the caravan park located next door to the sanctuary.
