Billabong Zoo Port Macquarie Review: Is It Worth Visiting?

While zoos aren’t always the first attraction that comes to mind when travelling, Billabong Zoo Port Macquarie offers a thoughtful and engaging wildlife experience with a strong focus on conservation and education. Located just minutes from the centre of Port Macquarie, it’s an easy and enjoyable outing for families, couples, or anyone wanting to get up close to native and exotic animals while exploring the Mid North Coast.

Note: some of these photos are not too clear because the animals are behind glass and cage, so please forgive me for this.

It was a rainy day when I did my tour of Billabong Zoo in Port Macquarie, but that did not stop me wandering around in awe of the animals that I had a chance to meet up-close and personal.

Billabong Zoo Koala Breeding Program

Billabong Zoo breeds koalas and provide genetically strong, healthy new bloodlines of koalas to other zoos and sanctuaries in Australia. The zoo has up to 20 koalas at any given time, passing them onto zoos throughout NSW, Victoria and Queensland to enhance their breeding programmes. I had the privilege to give this gorgeous koala a pat. What really struck me here was that the koala's minder was very protective of his marsupial and the koala was clinging on to the safety of its human.

Penguins Billabong Zoo

I adore penguins and last year I was one of the first of the public permitted to get up-close and personal with penguins in the Sydney Aquarium. I was equally delighted with these little penguins at Billabong Zoo Port Macquarie.

Billabong Zoo is a Sanctuary for Wildlife

Billabong Zoo has 10 acres of wildlife and gardens The zoo originally opened in 1986 primarily as a breeding centre for koalas, together with a wallaby and kangaroo hand-feeding area. It is now world-renowned for its koala breeding programme and is also a significant regional zoo with a diverse range of Australian and Exotic animals and birds. It has been voted the region’s Top Attraction on a number of years as well receiving other Awards for service and value. Billabong Zoo exhibits over 80 species and cares for over 220 animals.

At Billabong Zoo, it's not just the fascinating array of animals, reptiles, and birds that capture the interest of visitors; the experience is greatly enriched by a stunning variety of beautiful flora and tranquil ponds that dot the landscape.

A Diverse Ecosystem

As you stroll through the zoo, you will encounter a meticulously curated selection of native and exotic plant species that play an essential role in creating a vibrant ecosystem. The flora ranges from towering eucalyptus trees that provide shade and habitat for various wildlife to colourful flowering plants that attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees.

Ponds and Water Features

In addition to the lush greenery, the zoo features several serene ponds that are home to a variety of aquatic life. These ponds not only serve as a habitat for fish and amphibians but also provide a picturesque setting for visitors to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

Meerkats

Yes! This is a meerkat, a small, social mammal belonging to the mongoose family, primarily found in the arid regions of southern Africa, particularly in the Kalahari Desert. Known for their distinctive upright posture, meerkats often stand on their hind legs to survey their surroundings for potential predators, showcasing their keen sense of vigilance. These fascinating creatures live in large family groups called clans, which can consist of up to 50 individuals, and they exhibit a highly cooperative social structure, working together to care for their young, forage for food, and defend their territory.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post I had to look through glass, mesh and sometimes I could stand on something to give me a more clear view.

There are lot of birds at the park; some in open pens like this and many in cages. I laughed a lot when I walked up to a cage of cockatoos and they started to talk to me.

Crocodiles

When I saw the crocodile I was in awe. Sorry this photo doesn't do justice as I had to stand up on some steps and couldn't get a good angle. Just believe me it was huge! I did wonder how this huge reptile gets to swim in such a small enclosure? That worries me a bit. I respect crocodiles the same way I respect sharks. The water is their territory and it is up to us, as humans, to make good decisions where we swim.

Lions at Billabong Zoo

The lions at Billabong Zoo in Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia, are a major attraction for visitors.

Key Facts

• The zoo provides an immersive experience where visitors can observe the lions in a habitat designed to mimic their natural environment.

• Billabong Zoo participates in the Australian Lion Management Program, collaborating with other zoos to ensure the health and well-being of the lion population.

• Visitors can often witness feeding sessions and enrichment activities, which are designed to stimulate the lions both physically and mentally.

• Billabong Zoo is committed to animal welfare, providing a safe and enriching environment for its lions and other wildlife.

Overall, the lions at Billabong Zoo not only captivate audiences but also serve as ambassadors for their species, raising awareness about wildlife conservation.

#Travel