(Th zoo is operating within the current COVID-19 restrictions-please check their website for updates).
Located on the quaint and picturesque beachside town of Port Macquarie, the 10-acre Billabong Zoo calls home. Billabong Zoo opened in 1986 with its main aim to be a breeding centre for koalas and wallabies and a kangaroo hand-feeding area. Today, the award-winning zoo exhibits over 80 species and cares for more than 220 animals.
For several years Billabong Zoo has been voted the region's 'Top Attraction' as well as receiving other awards for service and value. There are zoo talks with keeper presentations (at the moment they are suspended due to COVID-19), memorable up-close encounters, reptile show (on weekends and during school holidays). The zoo also features scenic and relaxing picnic areas, numerous billabongs (hence the name), gardens, children's playground, and koi ponds.
Hence the name, there are several billabongs scattered around the Zoo
The zoo is passionate about conservation, and they are ambassadors for wildlife and their world-renowned koala breeding program.
We lost track of time watching the adorable baby koalas with their mamma's
Animal exhibits include a variety of native and exotic animals including African Lions, Cassowaries, Cheetahs, Saltwater Crocodile, Reptiles, Dingoes, Koalas, Kangaroos and Wallabies, Snow Leopards, Wombats, Fennec Foxes, Spider Monkeys, Red Pandas, Quolls, Emus, and much more. There are also numerous bird aviaries, including the Parrot Aviary, where cheeky Echo loves talking to guests!
Enjoying a chat with Echo and his cheeky friend- (The loss of feathers on Echo's neck was due to the stress caused from the COVID-19 shutdowns- he loves talking to people, so please do stop by and have a chat with Echo)
The Koala Breeding Centre aims to formulate a genetically strong captive koala breeding program, as well as support other zoos and wildlife parks/sanctuaries throughout Australia and worldwide with koala breeding and koala breeding programs.
Cuteness overload!
Their mission is also to educate and stimulate the general public's knowledge about the plight and status of wild koala's population and to support and showcase conservation and boost awareness of wild koala colonies in the Port Macquarie region.
If you want to enhance your experience at the zoo, the fantastic up-close "personal encounters" are a must! These include hand-feeding Snow Leopards, Cheetahs, Meerkats, one-on-one experience with a Koala, draping a Python around you or playing with the Penguins.
Having a blast at the Animal Encounter- Feeding Cheetahs!
The zoo is also offers feeding Kangaroos. This popular attraction features a Macropod Meadow Walkthrough and Feeding Area. Here you can discover the Zoo's kangaroos, wallabies, and wallaroos. Pat and feed them, and of course, do not forget to take photos!
Having fun feeding the adorable kangaroos and wallabies
Kangaroos at the zoo include Eastern Grey Kangaroos, two species of wallabies including the Red-necked Wallaby and Swamp Wallaby, and two species of wallaroos including the Common Wallaroo and Albino Wallaroo. Billabong Zoo is a "funtastic" Port Macquarie attraction. It is also great for families to spend a day learning, discovering, and having fun.
Some of the cute animals that call Billabong Zoo home
There is a cafe selling a wide range of hot food, snacks, ice-cream, coffee, and drinks. The Zoo Shop sells souvenirs and retail therapy. Tickets can be pre-purchased online as well as bookings for animal encounters.
Some of the picturesque scenery at the Zoo
