Set minutes from the Gold Coast beaches, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places in Queensland to see native Australian animals. Founded in 1947, the sanctuary encompasses 27 hectares (66 acres) of rain forest; its resident fauna includes kangaroos, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, and rainbow lorikeets.
The Basics
General admission to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary includes entrance to the Lost Valley rainforest and a variety of daily shows, including an Aboriginal dance show, a free flight-bird display, and lorikeet-feeding demonstrations. For the best value, opt for a Gold Coast Attraction Pass, which covers activities such as the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, jet boating, and whale watching, or invest in a Gold Coast Roo Pass, which offers hotel pickup and round-trip transfers to the wildlife sanctuary, plus the Gold Coast theme parks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lines can be long in peak season, so it’s best to book your tickets in advance.
- On-site facilities include paid parking, storage lockers, a gift shop, and cafés and restaurants.
- Most of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s attractions are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the Gold Coast Airport and 10 minutes north of Coolangatta by car. The site is serviced by public Surfside Buses 700, 760, and 765, which run from Palm Beach, Burleigh Heads, and Surfers Paradise.
When to Get There
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is open daily year round, and it’s worth planning your visit to coincide with the daily shows, feedings, and talks. The busiest times to visit are during peak summer season (December and January) and school holidays; if you want to avoid the crowds, opt for a mid-week visit outside of these times.
Family Fun at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers a range of activities and interactive experiences, including guided Segway tours through the rainforest and a thrilling ropes course. Animal lovers will also enjoy encounters with the park’s fauna (for an additional fee and under supervision of experienced handlers). In addition, you can learn how birds are trained for the free-flight shows.
