Photo: US Embassy in Fiji / Public domain
Billabong Farm is a working farm and wildlife sanctuary nestled in the lush countryside near Port Macquarie, offering a genuine taste of rural Australian life. This family-run property invites you to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, cuddle a koala, and watch farm demonstrations like sheep shearing and boomerang throwing. It’s an ideal stop for families and anyone seeking an interactive encounter with native animals and farming heritage.
Highlights & What to See
- Koala and wildlife encounters: Get up close with koalas, wombats, and dingoes in spacious enclosures, with opportunities to pat and feed many animals.
- Farmyard fun: Join daily activities including sheep shearing, working dog displays, and bottle-feeding lambs – a hit with kids.
- Bushwalking trails: Explore the property’s scenic bushland, keeping an eye out for wild kangaroos and birdlife along the paths.
- Boomerang throwing and stockwhip cracking: Try your hand at classic outback skills during the interactive shows.
- Platypus spotting: The farm’s billabong is a known habitat for platypuses; visit at dawn or dusk for the best chance to see these elusive creatures.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours at Billabong Farm, which allows ample time to see the main animal shows, wander the trails, and enjoy a meal at the café. If you have a full day, combine it with a morning at the nearby Koala Hospital or a coastal walk in Port Macquarie. The farm is open daily, and shows run on a schedule, so check the daily program upon arrival to plan your visit.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Port Macquarie – Explore the historic town, its beautiful beaches, and the renowned Koala Hospital, just a 15-minute drive away.
- Sea Acres Rainforest Centre – Walk the elevated boardwalk through subtropical rainforest, spotting birds and ancient trees, only 20 minutes south.
- North Brother Mountain – Hike to the summit for panoramic views of the coast and hinterland, about 30 minutes north.
- Camden Haven – Discover the charming waterways, oyster farms, and relaxed villages of this scenic estuary region, a 25-minute drive south.
- Mungo Brush – A beautiful stretch of Myall Lakes National Park, perfect for kayaking, fishing, and bush camping, roughly an hour’s drive north.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.