Billabong Sanctuary

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.

A must do when visiting Townsville. A great layout, the ranger talks are perfectly timed, so you can move from one to the next. Talks are very informative and where else can you feel a cassowary, hold a koala, snake and crocodile and even have meerkats climb over you. Highly recommend this place.

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.

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.

We had a lovely morning. Our grandson liked it and it was safe. Food was good. Toys reasonably priced. We had a great time

Had a fun day at Billabong, a belated birthday present to meet with four very cute little meerkats. It was a five-star experience, a must do when visiting Billabong Sanctuary.

Feeding time through out the day, Zoo staff explain the habits and ecology of various animals. Hand wash stations and toilets inside different spot, pretty handy to use. Great family weekend activity.

Wonderful sanctuary with tons of animal experiences including crocodile feeding, wallabie encounters, and a bird encounter that are definitely worth viewing!!