Just 17km south of Townsville, this eco-certified wildlife park offers up-close-and-personal encounters with Australian wildlife – from dingoes to cassowaries – in their natural habitat. You could easily spend all day at the 11-hectare park, with feedings, shows and talks every half-hour or so. Although a memorable photo opportunity, remember that programs that allow you to have your picture taken holding a koala or a wombat can actually cause significant stress to the animal in question.
Robert Hiette/Shutterstock
Billabong Sanctuary
Townsville
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
9.72 MILES
The award-winning Museum of Tropical Queensland provides a snapshot of this diverse region, from World Heritage–listed rainforest and reefs to the story…
9.68 MILES
A staggering 2.5 million litres of water flow through the coral-reef tank here at what they claim is the world's largest living coral-reef aquarium. It's…
17.93 MILES
Horseshoe Bay, on the north coast, is the best of Maggie’s accessible beaches and attracts its share of young, hippy-ish nature lovers and older day…
15.68 MILES
Arcadia village is a conglomerate of shops, cafes and accommodation. Its main beach, Geoffrey Bay, has a reef at its southern end (reef walking at low…
10.38 MILES
This striking 286m-high pink granite monolith dominates Townsville’s skyline and offers stunning views of the city and and across Cleveland Bay to…
10.37 MILES
If you fancy a lazy picnic, head to these formal, ornamental gardens at the base of Castle Hill, 1km northwest of town.
14.16 MILES
Picnic Bay is one of the most low-key spots on the island, dominated more by a community of friendly locals than anything else. There's a stinger net…
15.35 MILES
Magnetic Harbour in Nelly Bay will be your first taste of life on the island. There's a wide range of busy but relaxing eating and sleeping options and a…
Nearby Townsville attractions
1. Maritime Museum of Townsville
9.58 MILES
One for the boat buffs, with a gallery dedicated to the wreck of the SS Yongala and exhibits on north Queensland’s naval industries. Tours of…
9.68 MILES
A staggering 2.5 million litres of water flow through the coral-reef tank here at what they claim is the world's largest living coral-reef aquarium. It's…
9.69 MILES
Showcases the history, traditions and customs of the local Wulgurukaba and Bindal peoples with workshops, performances and exhibitions. Call for guided…
4. Museum of Tropical Queensland
9.72 MILES
The award-winning Museum of Tropical Queensland provides a snapshot of this diverse region, from World Heritage–listed rainforest and reefs to the story…
5. Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
9.82 MILES
Contemporary art gallery in a stately 1885-built former bank. Exhibitions focus on north Queensland artists.
10.37 MILES
If you fancy a lazy picnic, head to these formal, ornamental gardens at the base of Castle Hill, 1km northwest of town.
10.38 MILES
This striking 286m-high pink granite monolith dominates Townsville’s skyline and offers stunning views of the city and and across Cleveland Bay to…
14.16 MILES
Picnic Bay is one of the most low-key spots on the island, dominated more by a community of friendly locals than anything else. There's a stinger net…