CurrumbinHoliday Destination
Thanks to its steep hillsides and the stunning Currumbin Valley hinterland, Currumbin displays more natural vegetation than most of the Gold Coast. Despite the proximity to the CBD, Currumbin manages to remain a backwater hideaway that oozes laidback coastal charm.
Perhaps one of Currumbin's most iconic landmarks and tourist attractions is the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, a sprawling wildlife reserve that's home to a diverse range of Australian native animals and renowned for their lorikeet feedings. This attraction shows visitors the beauty of Australian and exotic wildlife without the need to leave the Gold Coast. Another Currumbin icon is Currumbin Alley, formed on the bar of Currumbin Creek, a surfing spot particularly favoured by longboarders. Further up the creek, the Currumbin Rock Pools are a popular swimming hole for the locals, while Cougal Cascade, a stunning waterfall and easy track in the Currumbin Valley, will delight hikers of all abilities and ages. Fishing is a common recreation on the creek with surrounding picnic areas and barbecue facilities making for great weekends.
Things to do in Currumbin
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an original Gold Coast attraction that has been operating for more than 60 years. Come and see hundreds of native Australian wildlife in their natural bushland and rainforest setting. Every day is a new adventure with several daily presentations and interactive shows giving you the chance to cuddle a koala, get up close and personal with a croc, pet a kangaroo and several other birds, reptiles and marsupials.
Location: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin
Honeyworld Gold Coast
Honeyworld Gold Coast (formerly known as Superbee Honeyworld) is a fully working honey factory exporting to over 25 countries worldwide. Experience the live bee shows and hang around for a free tasting before stocking up on some of the most delicious natural honey you'll ever taste, plus a range of other honey-related products including cosmetics, honeycomb, beeswax, royal jelly and more. Open daily from 10am to 4pm with free entry.
Location: 35 Tomewin St, Currumbin
Things to do in Currumbin
Beachside Activities
Currumbin Beach is enclosed by Elephant Rock and Currumbin Rock, creating a naturally discrete beach. The surf is gentle swimming and patrolled all year round, with rock pools at either end for kids to play in. The beach is a great spot for sunbathers and families regardless of the season.
Currumbin Alley is a popular spot for surfers as the point break produces an easy right-hander off Currumbin Rock. The area is frequented by longboarders, paddle borders and learners as the waves are easily accessed from the beach with the break only a short paddle away.
Elephant Rock is a popular area for locals. The large, rock promenade juts out into the water with a lookout on top granting beautiful ocean views. Cradled by the rock is the Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club; a nice relaxing place to sit down with a beer or a meal with panoramic ocean views.
Currumbin Lake and the creek are popular swimming spots for locals and are often used by kayakers, canoeists and paddle boarders. Close to the swimming areas are picnic grounds and barbeque facilities while the paths leading further up the creek are used by dog walkers, joggers and fishermen.
Surf World Gold Coast is a speciality museum housing Australia's largest collection of surfboards dating back from 1915, surfing memorabilia, photos, artwork, clothing and many other artifacts.
Natural Attractions
Tomewin Mountain sits on the NSW border just on the edge of the Currumbin Valley. Only 5km inland, the spectacular high country offers amazing views of the Currumbin Valley. You have the option of taking a scenic drive up, cycling or heading out on foot to hike the bush tracks.
Currumbin Valley is a spectacular place to go for hikes, the vegetation is lush and green and Currumbin Creek runs through tempting you with swimming holes. Perhaps more enjoyable in summer though.
Cougal Cascade is a hidden treasure in Currumbin Valley, a beautiful waterfall and rainforest walk that is part of Springbrook National Park. Just five minutes away is the popular Currumbin Rock Pools, a scenic spot that offers swimming and picnic facilities.
While venturing in this lush oasis, visit the luxury Eden Health Retreat for a wellness escape in serene surroundings. Disconnect from the rest of the world and enjoy some pampering in the 5-star spa, unwind with a yoga or pilates session in the Pavilion, relax with a cooling mud therapy session or heal from within with their carefully formulated menu.
Dining & Nightlife
There are a number of establishments in Currumbin with a long list of good reviews. Enjoy a simple coffee at one of the cafes overlooking the beaches or head to one of the restaurants for some fabulous seafood fresh from the sea, including Stones Throw Cafe, Barefoot Barista, Refinery Coffee and the Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club.
Allure is one of the more romantic choices with beautiful French cuisine and some truly elegant desserts.
The Elephant Rock Café has been a local hit for more than 20 years and offers relaxed coffee with a view by day, as well as perfect evenings of wining and dining.
Earth ‘n' Sea Pizza is a lovely Italian beachfront restaurant offering al fresco dining and takeaway made with fresh, local seafood.
Balter Brewing Company in Currumbin Waters is an excellent choice for a relaxed beer with live music and good food in a great setting. You can also do a brewery tour and learn how the beer is produced with an informative and fun tour with your beer guru.
Events
Featuring an intriguing display of local and international artworks, the Swell Sculpture Festival is a fantastic free exhibition that turns Currumbin Beach into an outdoor art gallery in September every year. Open all hours, you can walk amongst the sculptures under the warming spring sun or see them lit up under the southern sky.
Over ten days there are twilight walks, talks from the artists, a Public Art Forum and the Swell Smalls Gallery for smaller pieces. So head down to Currumbin Beach to be inspired, amused, uplifted and touched by the artistic displays.
The Currumbin RSL often has comedy, music and trivia nights as well, so be sure to check them out if you're stuck on what to do!
Images courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast, Getty Images & Elephant Rock Cafe