A visit to Port Macquarie would not be complete without checking out the Billabong Zoo. This significant regional zoo has a diverse range of Australian and Exotic animals and birds and is a favourite with children and adults alike. It’s now world-renowned for its koala breeding programme and also offers visitors a number of truly memorable up-close encounters with a some of the Zoo’s animals.

The Billabong Zoo is a family owned and operated business, with education, conservation and recreation fundamental to the Zoo’s ethos. The Billabong Zoo owner-operator Mark Stone said at the end of the day it is all about the animals and getting their passionate message across to visitors.

“We’re very focused on there being a reason why the animals need to be or are in captivity and at the end of the day, these guys are ambassador’s for their species and it’s a learning curve for people to come in and learn about our wonderful wildlife and hopefully take away the conservation message on each and every one of the species that we have.”

The 10 acre (over 4 hectares) wildlife park and koala breeding centre located in Port Macquarie, New South Wales was opened in 1986, primarily as a breeding centre for koalas, together with a wallaby and kangaroo hand-feeding area and has grown significantly since. The Zoo’s gardens and vegetation have matured and been nurtured to provide shade, picturesque picnic areas and a really relaxing atmosphere.

Heavily invested in its Schools Programme from pre-school to Year 12, the Billabong Zoo closely liaises with educators to ensure information is up-to-date and in-line with the current curriculum. As the role of Zoo’s worldwide changes, Billabong Zoo is at the forefront as Ambassadors for Wildlife, successfully combining recreation with education and conversation to offer an experience you won’t forget.

Find out more about attractions, bookings and the conservation efforts of Billabong Zoo in Port Macquarie by visiting billabongzoo.com.au