Billabong Sanctuary

Cuddle a koala, hold a snake and hand-feed cassowaries and wallabies at this interactive sanctuary that protects native wildlife on the shores of the billabong.

Billabong Sanctuary is a wilderness reserve with an exciting program of Australian wildlife experiences. Explore the 27-acre (11-hectare) site to see some of Queensland’s magnificent local wildlife up close. Over 50 species of native Australian mammals and reptiles make their homes in the spacious sanctuary. Spot kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, koalas, parrots and cassowaries, or attend a ranger program and have a hands-on experience with one of the sanctuary’s critters.

Visit the Billabong Sanctuary’s reception to find out about the day’s range of activities. The sanctuary has a program of ranger talks, feeding times and hands-on experiences that you can join throughout the day. Check out the reptile pit to see the unforgettable Reptile Experience. Watch as the ranger showcases some of Australia’s most venomous snakes or touch the scaly skin of a lizard, python or baby crocodile for yourself. Don’t miss watching the ranger feed a giant saltwater crocodile. Afterward, you can watch the turtles racing very slowly at the daily turtle derby.

Check out koalas and wombats, hold the cuddly marsupials for a photograph and meet the sanctuary’s resident dingoes. The endangered cassowary is one of Australia’s most dangerous and magnificent birds, but the Billabong Sanctuary’s friendly resident cassowaries will grab a feed of fruit from your hand. Free-ranging kangaroos look for a shady spot for a siesta in the early afternoon. Visit the kangaroos and hand-feed them or get a photograph up close. You can get professional photos taken of your wildlife experiences and purchase them at the sanctuary’s reception.

Pack a picnic to enjoy in the scenic woodland setting. Admission to the Billabong Sanctuary includes access to all the wildlife experiences occurring during the day. Photographs incur an extra charge, but you’re free to snap your own. Discounted admission is available for children, families, seniors, students and backpackers. The refuge is located 11.5 miles (18.6 kilometers) from central Townsville in North Queensland. Parking is available on site. Stay overnight at the caravan park located next door to the sanctuary.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Billabong Sanctuary

Maritime Museum of Townsville

Set sail for Townsville’s seafaring history and discover stories from the deep when you visit this intriguing museum overlooking Ross Creek and the marina.

ReefHQ Aquarium

Experience a living example of the Great Barrier Reef on land, let the kids find “Nemo” and get a deeper understanding of one of the world’s most amazing ecosystems.

Museum of Tropical Queensland

Set out on a discovery tour of the cultural and natural heritage of North Queensland in this interactive waterfront museum with ever-changing exhibits.

Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal

This easy-to-navigate and very scenic transport hub is the gateway to the beaches, bush walks and wildlife of one of Queensland’s most idyllic islands.

Townsville

When it comes to Townsville, skip the taxi fare. This Northern Queensland hub is best experienced on foot.

Hotels near Billabong Sanctuary

The Ville Resort - Casino

Sir Leslie Thiess Drive

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal, ReefHQ Aquarium, and Museum of Tropical Queensland. Maritime Museum of Townsville and Queens Gardens are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Oaks Townsville Metropole Hotel

81 Palmer Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this luxury aparthotel is within a 15-minute walk of Maritime Museum of Townsville and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville

334 Flinders Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Maritime Museum of Townsville, and Museum of Tropical Queensland. Catholic Diocese of Townsville and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 10 minutes. Townsville Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites

2 Dibbs Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this luxury apartment building is within a 5-minute walk of Maritime Museum of Townsville and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 15 minutes. Townsville Station is 28 minutes by foot.

Rydges Southbank Townsville

23 Palmer Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of ReefHQ Aquarium and Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Castle Hill and Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal are also within 1 mi (2 km). Townsville Station is 29 minutes by foot.

The Palmer Collective

12 14 Palmer Street

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Maritime Museum of Townsville and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 15 minutes. Townsville Station is 29 minutes by foot.

Mercure Townsville

166 Woolcock Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Townsville hotel is located near the airport, within 2 mi (3 km) of Townsville Museum and Historical Society, Anderson Park Botanical Gardens, and Castle Hill. Royal Australian Air Force Townsville Museum and National Trust Heritage Centre are also within 2 mi (3 km).

City Oasis Inn

143 Wills Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Castle Hill, Museum of Tropical Queensland, and Maritime Museum of Townsville. ReefHQ Aquarium and Queens Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Townsville Station is 26 minutes by foot.

Peppers Blue on Blue

123 Sooning Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated on the waterfront, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Magnetic Island National Park, Nelly Bay Beach, and Nelly Bay Habitat Reserve. Alma Bay and Alma Bay Beach are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Madison Plaza Townsville

409 Flinders St.Corner Of Stanley And Flinders St., Corner Of Stanley And Flinders St.

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Catholic Diocese of Townsville and Castle Hill. Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre and Queens Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Townsville Station is 22 minutes by foot.

Direct Hotels – Holborn at Central

4 Kingsway Place

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Castle Hill, Museum of Tropical Queensland, and Cultural Centre Townsville. Townsville Station is 13 minutes by foot.

Park Regis Anchorage

51 Palmer Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island

146 Sooning Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Nelly Bay, this luxury aparthotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Magnetic Island National Park, Nelly Bay Beach, and Nelly Bay Habitat Reserve. Alma Bay and Alma Bay Beach are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Mariners North Holiday Apartments

7 Mariners Drive

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Townsville, this beach apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of The Strand Beach, Strand Waterpark, and Museum of Tropical Queensland. Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 10 minutes.

Grand Hotel and Apartments Townsville

8-10 Palmer Street

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Maritime Museum of Townsville and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 15 minutes. Townsville Station is 28 minutes by foot.

Itara Apartments

1-15 Sporting Drive

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Thuringowa Central, this luxury aparthotel is steps from Tony Ireland Stadium and Riverway Lagoon. Willows Shopping Centre is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) away.

Summit Motel

6 Victoria Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Catholic Diocese of Townsville and Castle Hill. Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and The Strand Beach are also within 15 minutes. Townsville Station is 29 minutes by foot.

The Robert Towns

261 Stanley Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Townsville hotel is located by the sea, within 1 mi (2 km) of Castle Hill, Museum of Tropical Queensland, and The Strand Beach. ReefHQ Aquarium and Queens Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Townsville Station is 26 minutes by foot.

Base Magnetic Island Hostel

1 Nelly Bay Road

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

This Nelly Bay hostel is on the beach, 5.7 mi (9.2 km) from Radical Bay, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Horseshoe Bay Beach and Museum of Tropical Queensland. Queens Gardens and Castle Hill are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Aligned Corporate Residences Townsville

30-34 Palmer Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this aparthotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Castle Hill, and Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal. Strand Park and Willows Shopping Centre are also within 9 mi (15 km). Townsville Station is 30 minutes by foot.

Seagulls Resort on the Seafront

74 THE ESPLANADE TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810, 74

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Belgian Gardens, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Pallarenda, Jezzine Barracks, and Army Museum North Queensland. The Strand Beach and Strand Rockpool are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Arcadia Beach Guest House

27 Marine Parade

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Offering direct access to the beach, this Arcadia guesthouse is in a national park, 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Magnetic Island National Park, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Horseshoe Bay Beach and Radical Bay. Catholic Diocese of Townsville and Museum of Tropical Queensland are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Island Leisure Resort

6 Kelly Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Nelly Bay, this beach aparthotel is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Magnetic Island National Park and 2 mi (3.2 km) from Magnetic Island Golf Course. Radical Bay and Horseshoe Bay Beach are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Waters Edge The Strand

63 64 The Strand

Offering direct access to the beach, this North Ward hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Strand Waterpark and Castle Hill. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Jezzine Barracks are also within 1 mi (2 km).