Billabong Sanctuary

My friend and I had an amazing day at Billabong. We did not only held a Koala, but also a baby crocodile, snake and a bird. The staff was very helpful and had an answer to everyones questions. It was a lovely day. Would recommend it to anyone☺️

Beautiful sanctuary that we thoroughly enjoyed with our UK friends. Great to see all the animals and the conservation efforts made. Really worth a visit!!

MUST VISIT. Get up close with everything. More personal than your average zoo and the staff are awesome

Great experience! We had a wonderful day. Wonderful staff. Seemed a bit pricy at first but we got to interact closely with the animals and got to hold both a parrot, crocodile and snake which was worth a lot! Also very informative and good lectures. Would recommend.

Excellent, I took my 4 year old son there for the day and he loved it. Great access to the animals, caretakers have great knowledge. Only criticism is that the facilities could use some maintenance, and pricing for what it is was a bit expensive. Otherwise it was a worthwhile trip.

I regret putting off a visit to Billabong Sanctuary now that I have finally visited! I've been to dozens of different wildlife parks, zoos, and sanctuarys but this had to be one of the best ones in regards to the animals behaviour. alert, healthy appearances, not overtly desperate for stimuation nor food from guests, but still curious and didn't express too much anxiety. the presentations/talks were well paced out and easy to navigate to in a timely manner, staff were all friendly and personable. The relatively smaller scale of the entire sanctuary in comparison to other parks makes it an easy day out aswell as easier on little ones who may get overexerted else where. facilities are scattered about, a decent sheltered sitting area is beside the entrance/kiosk composed of multiple tables, as well as a small pool on site. a bonus for myself was the amount of native wildlife that took advantage of the area, plenty of waterfowl as well as songbirds abound.

Billabong Sanctuary is a must-visit for anyone traveling through Townsville. This beautifully maintained wildlife park offers a unique opportunity to connect up close with some of Australia’s most iconic animals in a natural, relaxed setting. From hand-feeding kangaroos and cuddling koalas to watching crocodile feedings and exploring shaded walking trails, every moment feels both exciting and educational. The park is thoughtfully laid out, making it easy to navigate and perfect for families, solo travelers, or couples. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about conservation, offering engaging talks and interactive shows that deepen your appreciation for native wildlife. One of the highlights is how intimate the experience feels. Unlike larger zoos, Billabong Sanctuary allows for real connection—whether you’re watching turtles bask in the sun, holding a python, or seeing cassowaries up close. There’s a strong emphasis on animal care and education, which shines through in every interaction. With beautiful picnic spots, friendly staff, and an atmosphere that feels both wild and welcoming, Billabong Sanctuary is more than just a wildlife park—it’s a truly memorable experience that stays with you long after you leave. Highly recommended for nature lovers and curious adventurers alike.

Fantastic day in this gorgeous sanctuary where we saw wild animals up close in safe encounters. My son, who lives locally, brought me here for the day! He and his family are MEMBERS. Favourites: whistling ducks, happy to be hand fed all day; the magnificent perentie straight from the desert! The lumbering hairy nosed wombats, also able to be seen in blissful repose through a glass window into their dimly lit “bedrooms”; koalas asleep or waking up for a nibble of gum leaves; the gentle pelican standing serenely in our midst on the shore of the lake; the pademelon with a joey in her pouch, with the children being able to touch this baby! And, finally, the impressive, regally reposing Western Red Kangaroo! There were many other species too, from the various crocodiles to the fascinating venomous snakes of Australia - being able to be safely watched close up through glass walls. We saw no feeding times but were happy to walk right around the shaded pathways and enjoy the glorious landscapes set in the still or running waters. Back in the shop we bought a bite to eat, while the children were thrilled with their soft toys: a colourful macaw (promptly named Squawker) and a velveteen turtle and crocodile, gifted by Aunty Hannah! Highly recommended!