At the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo From the moment the gates opened, the air buzzed with the sound of hooves, cheering crowds, and the anticipation of more than 25 rodeo events. Tiny riders on ponies, fearless juniors, seasoned stock professionals, and the ever-popular charity bull ride had the crowd on their feet. With daring competitors and non-stop entertainment, this year’s rodeo once again proved why it is one of the most exciting events on the northern calendar. Cowboys and cowgirls
Read the full storyErgon Energy Network is urging gardeners to carefully consider what they plant near powerlines and other electrical assets, with fast-growing species like bamboo causing thousands of power outages and posing serious safety risks. Ergon Energy Network Area Manager Rick Madden said planting the wrong trees or plants too close to powerlines can lead to dangerous situations, including fallen powerlines, emergency power outages and electric shocks. “Bamboo is one of the worst offenders because it g
Read the full storyForrest Beach has always been a place where community and coastline meet, and now it has a new chapter in its real estate story. After more than 40 years of dedicated service, Mary Venables has retired, passing the torch of Venables Real Estate to Richard and Lisa, who have proudly launched Forrest Beach Real Estate. The change marks the end of an era, but also a fresh beginning for the township and its real estate landscape. Mary’s journey in the industry is nothing short of remarkable. Arrivi
Read the full storyWalter W. Mason’s Book Launch in Ingham Ingham welcomed local author Walter W. Mason for the launch of his two highly anticipated books, Little Girl Beautiful and The Blue Bus, and the event was nothing short of a triumph. The community gathered in high spirits, catching up with Mason, sharing stories, and celebrating a lifetime of connection to the region. By the end of the launch, every copy of The Blue Bus had sold out, and Mason was down to his last box of Little Girl Beautiful. Those who mi
Read the full storyIf you’re chasing a family adventure to remember these school holidays that’s equal parts fun, educational, and uniquely Aussie, look no further than Billabong Sanctuary! Just a short 17km trip south of Townsville along the Bruce Highway, this award-winning park offers an experience unlike anywhere else in North Queensland.
Known proudly as Australia’s most interactive wildlife park, Billabong Sanctuary invites visitors to get up close and personal with some of the nation’s most iconic animals. Forget simply admiring from the sidelines because at Billabong, you are part of the action! Whether it’s hand-feeding a kangaroo, holding a koala, or snapping a selfie with a wombat, every moment becomes a memory to treasure forever.
During these school holidays, Billabong Sanctuary will be stepping things up with extra daily experiences carefully designed to keep kids entertained and engaged. With activities spread across the day, families can explore at their own pace, knowing there’s always something new and exciting around the corner. As part of the park’s school holiday program, guests will have the amazing opportunity to feed turtles, hear educational wildlife talks and witness an iconic roving ranger and venomous snake show guided by the sanctuary’s experienced keepers.
If it’s a thrill you’re seeking, then the sanctuary’s unforgettable encounters certainly deserve a place on your school holiday to-do list. Visitors aged four years and older can come face-to-face with one of the world’s oldest living predators every day through Billabong’s awesome freshwater crocodile feeding experiences for just $12 per person, but the fun doesn't stop there. Billabong Sanctuary houses the largest crocodile in captivity in the entire state, and for $99, guests can take part in a once-in-a-lifetime feeding experience that’s guaranteed to get hearts racing.
However, there’s far more to the iconic sanctuary than adrenaline. The park’s natural bushland setting, centered around a beautiful billabong provides a relaxed and picturesque backdrop for families to enjoy. Picnic spots, free gas barbeques, a swimming pool, and shaded walkways make it easy to spend the entire day wandering between exhibits, pausing for a refreshing ice cream or simply soaking in the soothing sounds of the bush. Billabong Sanctuary’s passionate team of keepers are always nearby, ready to share fascinating stories and fun facts about the animals in their care to make every encounter educational as well as entertaining.
With doors open every day these school holidays, Billabong Sanctuary is ready to welcome families, friends, and wildlife lovers of all ages. Whether you’re planning a full-day adventure, searching for a unique gift experience, or simply wanting to show the kids what makes our native wildlife so special and iconic, the locally treasured sanctuary has something for everyone!
Present this ad for a free bag of animal feed per family. Valid during the school holidays.