Billabong Sanctuary Wildlife Park

My mission was to get a picture holding a koala bear while in Australia. Billabong Sanctuary Wildlife Park was able to make that dream and many others come true! Crocodiles, koalas, kangaroos, snakes, wombats and all types of birds from Australia in a natural setting on 11 hectares (25 acres) of natural tropical North Queensland bush. All the naitive birds, reptiles and mammals were amazing!

The entrance fee was reasonable: Adults=$27 with seniors, students and backpackers=$24. Koala or wombat handling is only $12 with a percentage of the proceeds going towards conserving Australia's wildlife. The staff was helpful in taking your picture holding the animals or you could get a professional photo for an extra fee. I also got to hold the rare but docile Australian wombat.

This is not a "zoo" but rather a large open park with animals and birds of all types roaming around (except the dangerous reptiles). I had fun feeding the kangaroos but feeding the crocs was a bit intimidating. Billabong is kid friendly with picnic areas, but don't let them wander too close to the water or reptile pens. Easy to find off the main highway south of Townsville. Definitely recommend to get up close and personal with Australia's outback and interact with the wildlife!