We’ve never been so thrilled to look like we’d just tumbled through the wild- covered in meerkat saliva, mud, and koala fur- than after our visit to Billabong Sanctuary Wildlife Park in Townsville, Australia. This unforgettable adventure, teeming with fur, scales, and feathers, left us breathless, enlightened, and brimming with joy.

Livia and I found ourselves face-to-face (and face-to-paw) with a troupe of hyperactive meerkats, who leaped, climbed, and scrambled all over us in a frenzy of grub-fueled excitement. These tiny mammals, with their twitching noses and impossibly fast reflexes, covered us in a fine sheen of meerkat drool, and we loved every second of it. Feeding them was a tactile experience unlike any other- tiny claws gripping, tails flicking, and a constant stream of chittering commentary as they gobbled up their treats.
But meerkats were just the beginning. We hand-fed kangaroos, feeling the gentle tickle of their mouths as they nibbled food from our hands, their soft fur a stark contrast to the wiry, muscular strength beneath. And then there was the koala, all eucalyptus-scented fluff and sweet sleepy charm. The five-year-old version of me loved this moment- petting one of my favorite animals next to my six-year-old daughter and admiring this beautiful native Australian marsupial.

Then came the moment of truth- facing a fear I’ve long held. Crocodiles. It would NOT be the last time (more on that in a later post and video). There’s something about the prehistoric stillness of a croc, the cold calculation in its eyes, that has always made my heart race. But at Billabong, conservation and education go hand in hand. Holding a juvenile crocodile, its smooth, powerful body coiled with untapped energy, was both terrifying and oddly mesmerizing. It was a humbling moment- staring into the eyes of a creature whose ancestors have seen the world change for millions of years.
And if crocodiles weren’t enough, we held snakes, feeling the slow, deliberate movement of muscle and scale against our skin. Australia is home to more reptiles than anywhere else on Earth- over 1,000 species slither, crawl, and sunbathe across this vast land. Billabong Sanctuary doesn’t just showcase these animals; they advocate for them, sharing their stories as “animal ambassadors” to inspire conservation efforts worldwide.
One of the most fascinating encounters of the day was with the cassowary, the third-largest bird on the planet. With its prehistoric appearance and striking blue and black plumage, it looks like something out of Jurassic Park. But beyond its appearance, the cassowary plays a critical role in the survival of the Australian rainforest. It consumes a staggering 240 different rainforest plants, dispersing their seeds through its droppings and effectively replanting the forest as it roams. A single cassowary can rejuvenate an ailing rainforest, making it one of the most vital conservation species in the region.
Billabong Sanctuary isn’t just about cuddling koalas and feeding kangaroos- it’s a place where conservation comes to life. Through hands-on experiences and deep respect for the natural world, they foster a connection between people and wildlife that lasts long after the visit ends. Australia takes conservation seriously, and places like Billabong are on the front lines of educating visitors about the delicate balance of its ecosystems.
Our day at Billabong Sanctuary was one of the highlights of our “Life OVER Seas” adventure so far, a perfect blend of wonder, education, and a healthy dose of adrenaline. It’s not every day you walk away covered in meerkat saliva, braver than you were before, and with a newfound appreciation for the creatures that call this wild, beautiful land home.