Currumbin Wildlife SanctuaryTake a walk on the wild side
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has long been one of the Gold Coast's favourite attractions.
Opening its doors in 1947, Currumbin Sanctuary has become the premier spot for Australian wildlife encounters, offering visitors a rare opportunity to get up close and very personal with all the wonderful native animals calling the sanctuary home.
Located in the southern end of the Gold Coast, (1.5 hours from Brisbane CBD and 30 minutes from Surfers Paradise) this 27-hectare oasis between Currumbin Beach and Gold Coast Highway allows you to take part in interactive animal attractions, displays and presentations.
Enjoy Australian wildlife shows presented by experts, visit the animals in their natural settings and even get a little bit closer and cuddle up with a koala at the koala exhibit. You can even get some adorable koala photos with the family to keep as a memory forever.
Animal Shows
Twice a day visitors have the delightful opportunity to witness and participate in feeding the enchanting wild lorikeets. These coloured birds exhibit a remarkable fearlessness towards humans, readily perching on hands, heads, and shoulders while indulging in their meal. This extraordinary free-fluing bird experience can be observed without paying any admission price, and visitors are encouraged to make a modest gold coin donation for the feeding privilege.
You can pick and choose from the many experiences however if you like you can just wander around the park and relax in this amazing and unique environment and admire the exotic wildlife. And if your feet get too tired from walking, why not jump aboard the miniature train which takes you around the park for free?
Here is a list of the fantastic wildlife and entertainment shows on offer:
- Lorikeet Feeding
- Crocodile Photo opportunities
- Pelican & Eel Feeding
- Dr. Doo-Lots & the Creature Teachers Show
- Simply Magic and Animal Show
- Possum Photo Opportunity
- Free Flight Bird Show
- Eagle Photo Opportunity
- Sheep Shearing Show
- Snake Photo Opportunity
- Crocodile Behaviours Show & Photos
- Aboriginal Performance
- Wombat & Koala Talk
- Kangaroo Feeding
The Green Challenge Adventure Park
The Green Challenge is the perfect experience for bigger kids and adults however it may be a little too much for the youngins to handle.
Note: Participants must be able to comfortably reach 160cm to enter. To continue to the advanced Black Course, participants must be able to reach 180cm
Wildlife Hospital
Upon entry to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you get the opportunity to visit the busiest Wildlife Hospital precinct in Australia and learn about its conservation efforts.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organisation and is deeply committed to conservation and the protection of wildlife, ensuring their preservation for generations to come. Regrettably, numerous native and exotic animals face the threat of extinction. To combat this alarming trend, the Sanctuary actively engages in multiple conservation initiatives aimed at protecting and saving these remarkable species, particularly those native to Australia and classified as endangered. Hopefully, visiting the hospital will help raise awareness of all the wonderful things that the Animal and Bird Hospital is accomplishing for injured animals.
At any time the Hospital is home to a variety of Australian amazing animals that have come into some kind of trouble. These animals are put into animal enclosures and are looked after by some of the best carers and volunteers to release them into the wild after they have recovered.
The Green Guardian is the Sanctuary's conservation program and the funds raised through this organisation help build a new Conservation Research Centre and Wildlife Hospital. You can become a Green Guardian so that you can help further wildlife education, conservation and research of Australian animals.
Food & Drinks
Take the miniature railway to the Sanctuary entrance Cafe, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves delicious, modern Australian cuisine. The Koala Kiosk is for those who are on the move and offers great fast food. Have a burger, fish n chips, healthy salad roll, fruit salad and cool off with an ice cream or cold drink. After exerting yourself on the Green Challenge Adventure Park you'll need a refreshment! The Green Challenge Base sells a range of meat pies, sandwiches, healthy snacks, cold drinks and ice creams.
For a special occasion like a party, wedding or anniversary there is a 120-seat function room named the Sawrey Room.
Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Buy tickets to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary online and save off the admission fee - you can choose from a general admission ticket, family passes where adults can come in at kids' prices, or why not get an annual pass and really save!
On the way out of the park be sure to pick up a souvenir of your favourite animal. Visiting the Sanctuary is a wonderful day out in which everyone can enjoy learning more about the native wildlife of the Gold Coast area.
Parking
Located at 28 Tomewin Street in Currumbin, the Sanctuary offers convenient parking right on-site. Their dedicated car park on Tomewin Street is open from 7:30am to 5:30pm, every day except during special events.
A small fee applies for parking, and all proceeds go directly towards supporting the Sanctuary and its incredible Wildlife Hospital. For those who prefer a free option, street parking is also available nearby. And for our friends at the National Trust of Australia (Queensland), parking is on the house! Simply show your membership card and enjoy your visit guilt-free.
How To Get Here
Here's how to reach Currumbin, whether you're driving south, north, or taking the M1 Motorway:
Driving South
- Follow the Pacific Highway until it merges with the Gold Coast Highway at Coolangatta.
- Stay on the Gold Coast Highway all the way to Currumbin.
- At the traffic lights in Currumbin, turn right onto Tomewin Street.
Driving North
- Head south on the Gold Coast Highway towards Currumbin.
- When you reach Currumbin, turn left at the traffic lights onto Tomewin Street.
Taking the M1 Motorway
- Exit the M1 at exit 95 for Stewart Road.
- Turn left onto the Gold Coast Highway.
- Follow the Gold Coast Highway until you reach Currumbin.
- At the traffic lights in Currumbin, turn right onto Tomewin Street.
Images courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast & Getty Images
