If you’re looking for a break from the beaches and theme parks of the Gold Coast, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a great alternative.
The sanctuary is home to a huge range of Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, echidnas and Tasmanian devils, along with animals from elsewhere in the world.
But Currumbin isn’t simply somewhere to walk around looking at animals. There are wildlife presentations and keeper talks, animal encounters, the famous lorikeet feeding and the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, which treats sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife.
Before my visit, I wondered whether Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary would feel like just another wildlife park. As an Australian, I’d already seen most of these animals many times before.
But we ended up having a really enjoyable few hours — and I even held a koala for the first time.
A lot has changed at Currumbin since my visit, so I’ve updated this guide with current information while keeping my experiences from the day. Here’s what you can expect and what to know before you go.
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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary at a Glance
Where: Currumbin, on the southern Gold Coast, Queensland
Opening hours: 9am–4pm daily, with last entry at 3:30pm. Closed Christmas Day and ANZAC Day
How long to allow: At least 3–4 hours, although you could easily spend most of the day here
Best for: Australian wildlife, families, animal lovers and overseas visitors wanting to see native animals
Don’t miss: Kangaroo Country, koalas, WildSkies Bird Show and the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital
Getting around: Walking or the miniature trains, which are included with admission
Extra experiences: Some animal encounters and photos cost extra
Check prices and book Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary tickets here
What Is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a 27-hectare wildlife park on the southern Gold Coast.
Its story began in 1947 when beekeeper and flower grower Alex Griffiths started feeding wild rainbow lorikeets to stop them damaging his flowers. The feeding attracted visitors and eventually developed into the wildlife sanctuary you see today.
The sanctuary was gifted to the National Trust of Australia (Queensland) in 1976 and is now a not-for-profit organisation with a strong focus on conservation.
For overseas visitors, it’s an easy way to see many of Australia’s best-known animals in one place. For Australians who may have seen plenty of kangaroos and koalas before, the wildlife presentations, encounters and conservation work add another dimension.
There’s also Lost Valley, a five-acre rainforest precinct with animals including red pandas, capybaras, ring-tailed lemurs and exotic birds.
The sanctuary is much bigger than you might expect, with walking paths winding through shady bushland and plenty of space between the different areas.
Exploring Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
The first thing that struck us when we arrived was just how big the sanctuary is.
We arrived not long after the gates opened and initially chose to walk rather than catch the train. It was peaceful, with hardly anyone else around, and for a while it felt like we had the place almost to ourselves.
One of our first stops was an aviary before we came across a children’s play area with an Australian wildlife theme.
Of course, being grown-ups didn’t stop us from having a look around.
I sat down on a large model crocodile and suddenly a motion-sensor speaker started telling me all about the reptiles. I wasn’t expecting it and jumped so much I nearly fell off.
Thankfully, that was the closest I came to being attacked by a crocodile that day!
Wildlife Shows and Presentations
It’s worth checking the day’s schedule when you arrive. There are wildlife presentations and keeper talks throughout the day, and a little planning can save you from constantly doubling back across the sanctuary.
During our visit, we wandered past just as the free-flight bird show was starting.
The birds flew incredibly close over our heads. We could feel the wind as they went past and occasionally even got clipped by a wing.
I think we picked the cheap seats!
The presentation is now called the WildSkies Bird Show and remains one of Currumbin’s regular daily shows.
We also watched a reptile show, where we got considerably closer to lizards and snakes than I generally prefer.
At one point there were venomous snakes involved. I was far too busy making sure they stayed on their side of the barrier to pay much attention to exactly what species they were.
A snake. No further information required!
The program has changed since our visit, so check the current schedule rather than planning your day around exactly what we saw.
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital
One of the most interesting parts of Currumbin for me was the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.
The hospital treats sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife and is one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world.
There wasn’t a procedure underway when we arrived, but the vets had just woken up a koala and a turtle was waiting to have its damaged shell repaired.
I became so engrossed in watching what was happening that I completely forgot to take any photos!
Even if you’ve seen plenty of Australian wildlife before, the hospital is worth including in your visit. It gives you a much better understanding of the conservation work happening behind the scenes.
See Australian Wildlife Up Close
Of course, the main reason to visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the animals.
As we made our way around, we saw koalas snoozing in the trees, echidnas shuffling around, a Tasmanian devil hiding in the undergrowth and plenty of colourful Australian birds.
Then there were the crocodiles.
After my encounter with the fake crocodile earlier in the day, seeing the size of the real thing didn’t exactly make me feel more comfortable around them!
Even though I’d seen most of these animals many times before, I still enjoyed wandering through the sanctuary and watching them.
Feed the Kangaroos
One of my favourite areas was the large open space where kangaroos roam.
We bought a small cup of food to hand-feed them, although the kangaroos weren’t particularly interested. Clearly plenty of visitors had beaten us to it and they weren’t exactly hungry!
They were much happier relaxing in the shade while we wandered among them.
Kangaroo feeding is still available at Currumbin today, with food available to purchase at Kangaroo Country. Feeding is restricted to designated times, so check the current schedule during your visit.
And remember, the kangaroos decide whether they want to interact. If they’re more interested in snoozing under a tree than eating from your hand, that’s part of the experience too.
Getting Around the Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is bigger than it looks, so expect to do a reasonable amount of walking.
We explored mostly on foot, which is a lovely way to see the sanctuary, particularly with so many shady paths.
There are also miniature trains running between four stations around the sanctuary, and rides are included with general admission.
We couldn’t leave without taking at least one ride!
Koala Experiences at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
We’d been looking forward to this all day – I was going to hold a koala for the first time.
I expected it to feel quite solid and heavy, but instead it was surprisingly soft. Those claws gripping onto me meant business though!
It was a memorable experience, particularly because I’d somehow made it that far through life in Australia without ever holding one.
And you can still hold a koala at Currumbin today.
The Koala Photo experience gives eligible visitors the option of a professional photo holding a koala. There are restrictions: you need to be at least 140 cm tall and able to safely support the koala, with the final decision made by the koala team on the day.
If holding isn’t suitable, other photo options are available.
The Koala Photo experience costs extra and general sanctuary admission is not included, so if this is high on your Gold Coast wish list, I’d book it in advance.
Is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Worth Visiting?
For us, yes.
As Australians, we’d already seen all the native animals at Currumbin many times before, so I wasn’t sure how much we’d get out of the visit. But there was enough variety to keep us interested.
For international visitors, I think the appeal is even stronger. You can see many of Australia’s best-known animals in one place and get closer to some of them than you might expect.
It’s also a good Gold Coast option if, like us, you’re not particularly interested in spending every day at the big theme parks.
I’d allow at least three to four hours, and longer if you want to see several presentations, explore at a relaxed pace or book an additional animal experience.
Getting to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is at 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin, on the southern Gold Coast.
By Car
Driving is one of the easiest options if you have a car. There’s a dedicated car park opposite the main entrance, with all-day parking currently costing $10.
By Public Transport
Currumbin is easy to reach by public transport, with Translink buses stopping directly outside the sanctuary.
Queensland’s 50-cent public transport fares make this a particularly cheap option. Your best route will depend on where you’re staying, so use the Translink journey planner or Google Maps to find the most convenient combination of tram and bus services.
You can use a go card or tap on and off with a contactless Visa or Mastercard on Gold Coast Translink services.
A taxi or rideshare such as Uber is another easy option, particularly if several people are travelling together and can split the fare.
Tips for Visiting Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
A little planning will help you get more out of your visit.
Check the day’s wildlife presentations and keeper talks when you arrive and decide which ones you don’t want to miss. With 27 hectares to explore, you don’t want to be rushing from one end of the sanctuary to the other at the last minute.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection. There is plenty of shade, but you’ll still spend a good amount of time outdoors.
If you want to book an animal encounter or koala photo, I’d check availability before you visit rather than relying on spaces being available on the day.
And don’t forget the lorikeet feeding. It’s held daily at 8am and 4pm and you don’t need a sanctuary admission ticket to watch or participate. It’s where the whole Currumbin story began back in 1947.
Ready to Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
If Currumbin is on your Gold Coast itinerary, I recommend booking your entry tickets before you go. You’ll have one less thing to organise when you arrive and can head straight in and start exploring.
Check Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary ticket prices and availability here
If you’re visiting during school holidays or another busy period, booking ahead is particularly worthwhile.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary FAQ
How long do you need at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
Allow at least three to four hours. You could easily spend most of the day if you want to see several wildlife presentations, explore Lost Valley, visit the Wildlife Hospital and take part in an animal experience.
Can you hold a koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
Yes. Currumbin’s Koala Photo experience currently offers eligible visitors the opportunity to hold a koala for a professional photo. You must be at least 140 cm tall and able to safely support the koala, and the koala team makes the final decision on the day. The experience costs extra and general admission is also required.
Can you feed kangaroos at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
Yes. You can buy kangaroo food at Kangaroo Country and feed the red kangaroos during designated feeding times.
Is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary good for adults?
Absolutely. While there’s plenty for families and children, Currumbin isn’t just a kids’ attraction. We visited as adults and particularly enjoyed the wildlife presentations, animal encounters and Wildlife Hospital.
Do you need to book Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in advance?
You don’t necessarily need to book general admission in advance, but it’s convenient to have your ticket organised before you arrive. I’d particularly recommend booking animal encounters ahead of time if there’s one you don’t want to miss.
Final Thoughts on Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary turned out to be a great alternative to the Gold Coast’s theme parks for us.
Even though I’d seen most of the Australian animals before, there was enough variety to keep the visit interesting. I particularly enjoyed the Wildlife Hospital, getting close to the kangaroos and, of course, holding a koala for the first time.
For international visitors, it’s an easy way to see many of Australia’s best-known animals in one place. For Australians, the presentations, conservation work and animal experiences add plenty of interest.
If you’re looking for something different to beaches and rollercoasters during your Gold Coast trip, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is well worth considering.
Check Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary tickets and availability here
Looking for more things to do on the Gold Coast? Read about the Springbook Waterfalls here
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We spent a week right next door and didn’t go!
In the end, relatives chewed up almost all our time, and the bit that was left didn’t seem worth the entry.
I did consider going alone, just to get some photographs of the lorikeets feeding.
Maybe next time!
Definitely consider it 🙂
Oh my gosh that sleeping koala is adorable!! A lot of the animals pictured I’ve never actually seen before! But then I suppose being on opposite sides of the worlds means that one of the things we don’t share is the same species of wildlife!
Don’t worry, mostly we don’t see them in the wild either, but in our zoos and wildlife parks. I was born in the country, so kangaroos and emus were commonplace, and galahs (the pink birds), but that’s about it. Currumbin is special in that it only has Australian animals, and they are not overshadowed here by the big name animals 🙂
Love this place, been here about ten times. Then again I use to live on the Gold Coast.
I think if I lived on the Gold Coast I would visit regularly too.
Nice post. I’ll put on my list for when I get to Australia.
Thank you! It’s so easy to get to since many people have the Gold Coast on their travel list anyway.
Put it on my To-Do-list for our next trip.
Yes! You have to go here. Maybe I’ll come with you and check it out again too 🙂