Are you fascinated by Australian wildlife? Then you need to visit one of the country’s best-loved attractions – Australia’s iconic Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated in the sunny Gold Coast of Queensland, the award-winning sanctuary is the perfect day out for the family or a romantic getaway. Whether it’s a casual stroll through the rainforest, hand-feeding kangaroos and birds, or catching a show at one of the park’s venues, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is sure to provide you with unforgettable experiences. In this blog post, we’ll be playing tour guide and giving you all the information you need to plan the perfect day at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. From interesting facts, to attractions and travel tips, we’ve got you covered. So grab your hat, your camera, and your sense of adventure, and let’s go visit the wildlife of Currumbin!
Table of Contents
1. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary was opened as a tourist attraction in 1947.
2.The Sanctuary is home to over 1,500 native Australian animals, including koalas, wallabies, rainbow lorikeets, snakes, lizards, kangaroos, dingoes, crocodiles, emus and cassowaries.
3.The actual site of the Sanctuary was originally occupied by Aboriginal people up to around 40,000 years ago.
4.Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary was almost destroyed when vandals set fire to it in 1978.
5.The Sanctuary is also home to the original ground set for the ‘Australian Davo’s Challenge’, the world’s first obstacle course race, which has been held at the Sanctuary each year since 2012.
6.Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary also includes volunteer programs, internship opportunities, events and educational programs.
7.The Sanctuary is G Adventures Certified in Sustainable Tourism and complies with the International Ecotourism Society (IES) standards.
8.The Sanctuary works closely with the local community and has partnered with numerous organizations such as the Gold Coast City Council and the Friends of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an iconic Gold Coast tourist attraction and it has been welcoming visitors since 1947. It is located at the end of Currumbin Creek Road and overlooks the picturesque Currumbin Creek.
The sanctuary is dedicated to all native Australian animals and preserving their habitats and offers visitors some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. As well as a variety of native animals, there are also birds, reptiles, marsupials, amphibians, koalas and kangaroos.
The sanctuary is home to a number of iconic activities such as the Wild Mob, a unique environmental education program, and the Pure Information Centre, which provides visitor education and awareness. There is also the Skywalk, Australia’s largest elevated canopy walk, which is a must-see experience for any visitor.
The sanctuary also has a large range of educational programs on offer such as the Miss Banksia All Weather education program, which is designed to give students an education on Australia’s flora and fauna. Whatever the weather may be outside, the program is engaging and interactive.
In addition, the sanctuary has an exciting array of events each year; from music concerts in the harbour to the annual Kids Wildlife Day. The Kids Wildlife Day lets children experience the unique atmosphere of the wildlife sanctuary first hand as they get the chance to interact with various native species of animals, including koalas and other marsupials.
Since its humble beginnings back in 1947, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has grown to become a world-renowned landmark and must-see tourist attraction. To this day, it still stands strong in its mission to preserve and protect Australia’s native animals and their habitats.
Nature lovers seeking an outdoor-adventure will find no better place than the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast in Queensland. Nestled near the heart of the nature-rich wetlands, the sanctuary is a paradise of its own—literally so for its wildlife—featuring a stunning array of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Here’s your guide to make the most of your Currumbin experience.
Getting There:
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 28 Tomewin Street on the Gold Coast in Queensland. You can reach the sanctuary by car or public transport. Bus routes 705 and 719 stop directly at the sanctuary, while route 709 stops within a 5-minute walk. If driving from the Brisbane Airport, you’ll need to take the M1 South and merge onto the Pacific Motorway, then take the Smith Street motorway and follow Tomewin Street, which will lead you directly to the sanctuary.
Where to Stay:
If you’re visiting from out of town, there’s no better place to stay near the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary than Zanzibar Resort, a boutique hotel located just 500 metres away. The resort has a variety of accommodation options, from cosy A-frame bungalows to luxury apartments. For visitors wanting to explore the wider Gold Coast region, the resort also offers easy access to all the major attractions.
What to Do:
Once you’re at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, the activities abound. A visit here would not be complete without a stop-over at the treehouse, where you can get up close and personal with over 70 species of birds—including the iconic rainbow lorikeet. For an personalised experience, join the twice-daily guided feeding tours to the sanctuary’s iconic wildlife; here, you can meet the koalas and kangaroos, feed the wallabies and emus, and learn about the conservation biologists’ work. Grab a kayak and take an adventure on the Swamp Safari, a guided tour through the unique wetlands. Don’t forget to make a stop at the Animal Wildlife Hospital before you leave, where you can see rescue and rehabilitation efforts for the country’s endangered species.
Food and Shopping:
After a long day of sightseeing, you’ll be ready to grab a bite. The sanctuary’s Tropical Cafe offers an array of delicious meals made with local produce, and don’t forget to sample the signature dessert, Crocodile Pie. If you’re looking to pick up a souvenir, the on-site gift shop stocks a wide variety of unique products, including hats, tees, toys, and more—all sustainably sourced.
With its abundant offerings, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers something for everyone, from the inquisitive nature-lovers to the outdoor adventurers. With a bit of planning and this handy guide to help you, you’re sure to make the most of your visit to the island paradise of Currumbin.
Q. What are the opening times for Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is open between 8:30 am to 5:00 pm every day.
Q. What animals can I expect to see at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to hundreds of Australian native animals including koalas, kangaroos, lorikeets, platypus, echidnas, reptiles & more.
Q. Can I get up close to the animals?
A. Yes! Visitors have the opportunity to hand-feed and pat some of the animals such as the kangaroos and wallabies, or hand-feed the rainbow lorikeets.
Q. Does the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offer any special events or activities?
A. Yes! The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers a range of activities, animal experiences as well as special shows and presentations throughout the day.
Q. Are there dining options onsite?
A. Yes! There are a variety of dining options available onsite including takeaway or full service dining. There are also vending machines if you just need a quick snack.
4 Mar, 2024
5 Mar, 2024