Photo: mdalmuld / CC BY 2.0
Billabong Zoo is a family-run wildlife park on the mid-north coast of NSW, just south of Port Macquarie. It offers an intimate, hands-on encounter with Australian native animals and exotic species, set in lush, natural bushland. The zoo’s relaxed atmosphere and passionate keepers make it a highlight for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Highlights & What to See
- Koala Encounters: Get up close with these beloved marsupials; the zoo is known for its successful koala breeding program and offers a chance to pat one (book ahead).
- Australian Walkabout: Stroll through free-range enclosures where kangaroos and wallabies hop alongside you – perfect for a selfie.
- Reptile House: See saltwater crocodiles, pythons, and lizards, including the impressive Komodo dragon, one of the few in Australia.
- Nocturnal House: Spot bilbies, quolls, and other shy creatures in a twilight setting.
- Daily Talks & Shows: Keeper presentations on everything from dingoes to wombats offer fascinating insights into animal behaviour.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for 2–3 hours to explore the zoo at a leisurely pace, attend a couple of talks, and enjoy a coffee at the on-site kiosk. The zoo is compact, so you can easily fit it into a half-day outing from Port Macquarie.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Port Macquarie: The coastal town itself offers beaches, the Koala Hospital, and the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre.
- Camden Haven: A scenic region of waterways and national parks, ideal for kayaking and bushwalking.
- Wauchope: A historic timber town with the acclaimed Big Bulls Brewery and the nearby Bago Vineyards.
- Crowdy Bay National Park: Dramatic coastal scenery, rock pools, and the iconic Diamond Head walking track.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Port Macquarie — Inas / CC0
- Koala Hospital — Diliff / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Sea Acres Rainforest Centre — Bild von bere von awstburg auf Pixabay https://pixabay.com/de/photos/die-dschungel-von-chiapas-1865639/ / CC0