Queensland · Attraction
Billabong Sanctuary
Hold a wombat, meet a croc
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Set on 11 hectares of natural bushland 17 kilometres south of Townsville, Billabong Sanctuary is a wildlife park and conservation facility that brings visitors up close to Australia's most iconic native animals. From hand-feeding kangaroos to watching saltwater crocodiles launch from the water at feeding time, the sanctuary offers hands-on encounters that are hard to find anywhere else in North Queensland.
The park is home to kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, echidnas, dingoes, cassowaries, emus, freshwater and saltwater crocodiles, goannas, pythons, and a range of bird species. Two walk-through kangaroo enclosures let visitors pat and hand-feed the animals at close range. Scheduled ranger talks and wildlife shows run throughout the day, including the thrilling croc-feeding demonstrations.
Interactive experiences include holding a koala, hugging a wombat, holding a small crocodile, and wrapping a python around your shoulders. A daily turtle derby adds a light-hearted element to the schedule. A cafe on site serves meals and coffee, and a resort-style pool is available if you need to cool off between encounters.
The sanctuary is located on the Bruce Highway at Nome, making it easy to visit on the way to or from Townsville. It is open every day from 9am to 4pm except Christmas Day.
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