Are you looking for a fun and educational day out on the Gold Coast? Do you want to see and interact with some of the most amazing animals and birds in the world? Do you want to learn about the conservation and culture of this beautiful region? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most popular attractions on the Gold Coast.
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a not-for-profit organisation that has been protecting and showcasing the native wildlife of Australia since 1947. The sanctuary covers 27 hectares of lush rainforest and offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you want to cuddle a koala, feed a kangaroo, watch a bird show, or take on a treetop challenge, you will find something to suit your taste and budget at the sanctuary.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, including its attractions and highlights, how to reach, best time to visit, and tips and recommendations. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to plan your visit and enjoy the ultimate wildlife experience on the Gold Coast.
Attractions and Highlights
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers a range of attractions and highlights that cater to different preferences and abilities. Here are some of the most popular ones that you should not miss:
The TreeTop Challenge:
If you are feeling adventurous, you can test your skills and courage on the TreeTop Challenge, an exhilarating adventure course that takes you through the rainforest canopy. The challenge consists of 80 huge tree-top obstacles, including 11 ziplines, that span over five courses. You can choose the course that suits your level of difficulty, from easy to extreme, and enjoy the stunning views of the sanctuary and the ocean. The challenge is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm and costs $49 for adults and $39 for children. You need to be at least 160 cm tall and weigh less than 120 kg to participate. You also need to wear closed shoes and comfortable clothing, and follow the safety instructions of the staff.
The Lost Valley:
If you are fascinated by exotic animals and plants, you will love the Lost Valley, a stunning precinct that showcases the flora and fauna of the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana. The Lost Valley features over 100 species of animals and plants from around the world, such as lemurs, red pandas, capybaras, cotton-top tamarins, and giant tortoises. You can explore the Lost Valley on a self-guided walk or join a guided tour that runs every hour from 10 am to 3 pm. You can also enjoy a close encounter with some of the animals, such as feeding a lemur or holding a snake, for an additional fee. The Lost Valley is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm and is included in the general admission ticket.
The Wild Island Adventure Splash Zone:
If you are travelling with kids or looking for some fun and interactive water play, you will enjoy the Wild Island Adventure Splash Zone, a new attraction that opened in 2019. The splash zone features a range of water slides, fountains, jets, and sprays that will keep you cool and entertained. The splash zone also has a shaded picnic area, a cafe, and a playground for the little ones. The splash zone is open daily from 10 am to 3 pm and is included in the general admission ticket. You need to bring your own towel and swimwear, and follow the hygiene and etiquette rules of the splash zone.
The Wildlife Hospital:
If you are interested in the conservation and rehabilitation of the wildlife, you will appreciate the Wildlife Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility that treats and cares for over 12,000 injured and orphaned animals every year. The Wildlife Hospital is one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world and is staffed by a team of dedicated veterinarians, nurses, and volunteers. You can visit the Wildlife Hospital and see the animals being treated through a large viewing window. You can also learn about the hospital’s work and the threats facing the wildlife through interactive displays and videos. The Wildlife Hospital is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm and is included in the general admission ticket. You can also make a donation or adopt an animal to support the hospital’s cause.
The Lorikeet Feeding:
If you want to experience one of the most colourful and noisy events at the sanctuary, you should join the Lorikeet Feeding, a daily event that allows you to feed and interact with hundreds of rainbow lorikeets. The lorikeets are wild birds that visit the sanctuary twice a day, in the morning and afternoon, to enjoy a free meal of nectar and honey. You can buy a plate of nectar for $4 and hold it out for the lorikeets to land on. You will be amazed by the sight and sound of these beautiful birds as they flock to you. The Lorikeet Feeding takes place at 8 am and 4 pm every day at the main entrance of the sanctuary and is free for everyone.
The Aboriginal Dance Show:
If you want to learn about the indigenous heritage and traditions of the region, you should watch the Aboriginal Dance Show, a cultural performance that celebrates the history and stories of the Yugambeh people. The Aboriginal Dance Show features authentic music, dance, and costumes that showcase the skills and talents of the local Aboriginal performers. You can also join in the show and learn some dance moves, play the didgeridoo, or throw a boomerang. The Aboriginal Dance Show takes place at 3:30 pm every day at the Yanguwah Lawn and is included in the general admission ticket.
The Free Flight Bird Show:
If you want to see some of the most impressive birds in action, you should watch the Free Flight Bird Show, a spectacular display of birds of prey and parrots that fly freely over the sanctuary. The Free Flight Bird Show features a variety of birds, such as eagles, owls, kites, cockatoos, and macaws, that demonstrate their natural behaviours and abilities. You can also learn about the birds’ habitats, diets, and conservation issues from the knowledgeable and entertaining hosts. The Free Flight Bird Show takes place at 11:15 am and 2:15 pm every day at the Green Patch Amphitheatre and is included in the general admission ticket.
The Big Fang Theory:
If you are curious about reptiles, you should watch the Big Fang Theory, a reptile show that features snakes, crocodiles, and lizards. The Big Fang Theory showcases the amazing adaptations and facts of these cold-blooded creatures, such as how they hunt, feed, and survive. You can also get up close and personal with some of the reptiles, such as touching a python or posing with a crocodile, for an extra fee. The Big Fang Theory takes place at 1 pm every day at the Croc Arena and is included in the general admission ticket.
The Pelican and Eel Show:
If you want to witness a unique feeding show, you should watch the Pelican and Eel Show, a show that showcases the amazing adaptations of pelicans and eels. The Pelican and Eel Show features a group of pelicans and a giant eel that live in the sanctuary’s lake. You can watch them as they compete for food and interact with each other and the staff. You can also learn about the pelicans’ and eels’ lifestyles, behaviours, and threats from the informative and humorous hosts. The Pelican and Eel Show takes place at 9:30 am every day at the Pelican Beach and is included in the general admission ticket.
The Animal Encounters:
If you want to have a memorable and intimate experience with some of the animals at the sanctuary, you should book an Animal Encounter, a unique opportunity to meet, touch, and take photos with some of the most iconic and adorable animals in Australia. The Animal Encounters include the Koala Experience, the Kangaroo Experience, the Dingo Experience, the Echidna Experience, the Possum Experience, and the Wombat Experience. Each encounter lasts for about 15 minutes and costs between $25 and $49 per person. You need to book your encounter in advance online or at the sanctuary’s reception. You also need to follow the staff’s instructions and respect the animals’ welfare and comfort.
These are just some of the attractions and highlights that the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers. There are many more to discover and enjoy at the sanctuary, such as the Blinky Bill’s Studio Adventure, the Segway Safari, the WildSkies Flight Simulator, and the Gruffalo Trail. You can find more information and details about the attractions and highlights on the sanctuary’s website or app.
How to Reach
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin, Queensland, 4223. It is about 20 km south of Surfers Paradise and 5 km north of Coolangatta Airport. You can reach the sanctuary by various modes of transport, such as:
Car:
If you are driving to the sanctuary, you can use the Pacific Motorway (M1) and take exit 95 or 96. There is free parking available at the sanctuary’s car park, which is open from 7 am to 5:30 pm. You can also use the Google Maps or the sanctuary’s app to get the directions to the sanctuary.
Bus:
If you are taking the bus to the sanctuary, you can use the TransLink bus service that operates on the Gold Coast. The bus routes that stop near the sanctuary are 700, 760, and 765. The bus stop is located on the Gold Coast Highway, opposite the sanctuary’s main entrance. You can check the bus timetables and fares on the TransLink website or app.
Train:
If you are taking the train to the sanctuary, you can use the Queensland Rail service that runs on the Gold Coast line. The nearest train station to the sanctuary is Varsity Lakes, which is about 15 km away. From there, you can take a bus (route 765) or a taxi to the sanctuary. You can check the train timetables and fares on the Queensland Rail website or app.
Bike:
If you are riding a bike to the sanctuary, you can use the Gold Coast Oceanway, a network of bike paths that runs along the coast. The bike path passes by the sanctuary’s main entrance, where you can find bike racks to park your bike. You can also rent a bike from the sanctuary’s reception for $15 per hour or $25 per day. You can find more information and maps of the bike paths on the Gold Coast City Council website or app.
Taxi:
If you are taking a taxi to the sanctuary, you can find taxi ranks at various locations on the Gold Coast, such as the airport, the train station, and the shopping centres. You can also book a taxi online or by phone from the Gold Coast Cabs or the Black and White Cabs. The taxi fare to the sanctuary depends on the distance and time of travel, but it usually ranges from $20 to $40. You can find more information and estimates of the taxi fares on the Gold Coast Cabs or the Black and White Cabs website or app.
Shuttle:
If you are looking for a convenient and affordable way to get to the sanctuary, you can use the shuttle service that the sanctuary provides. The shuttle service picks up and drops off visitors from various locations on the Gold Coast, such as Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Coolangatta. The shuttle service runs daily from 8 am to 5 pm and costs $10 per person for a return trip. You need to book your shuttle service at least 24 hours in advance online or by phone from the sanctuary’s website or reception.
Best Time to Visit
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is open all year round, except on Christmas Day and ANZAC Day. The opening hours are from 8 am to 5 pm, with the last entry at 4 pm. You can visit the sanctuary at any time of the year, but there are some factors that you may want to consider, such as:
Peak and Off-Peak Periods: The sanctuary is usually busiest during the school holidays, public holidays, and weekends, when there are more visitors and longer queues. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed visit, you may want to visit the sanctuary during the weekdays, especially in the morning or afternoon, when there are fewer visitors and shorter queues. You may also find some discounts and deals on the tickets and the encounters during the off-peak periods.
Seasonal Variations: The sanctuary has different attractions and activities that are available or unavailable depending on the season. For example, some of the animal encounters, such as the koala and the kangaroo experiences, are only available in the spring and summer, while some of the shows, such as the free flight bird show and the aboriginal dance show, are only available in the autumn and winter. You may want to check the availability and schedule of the attractions and activities on the sanctuary’s website or app before you visit the sanctuary.
Weather Patterns: The sanctuary has a subtropical climate, which means that it has warm and humid summers and mild and dry winters. The average temperature ranges from 21°C to 28°C in the summer and from 11°C to 21°C in the winter. The average rainfall ranges from 140 mm to 180 mm in the summer and from 60 mm to 100 mm in the winter. The average humidity ranges from 70% to 80% in the summer and from 50% to 60% in the winter. The average sunshine ranges from 7 hours to 9 hours per day throughout the year. You may want to check the weather forecast and conditions on the Bureau of Meteorology website or app before you visit the sanctuary.
Tips and Recommendations
To make the most of your visit to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, here are some tips and recommendations that you may find useful:
Opening Hours, Admission Prices, and Ticket Options:
The opening hours of the sanctuary are from 8 am to 5 pm, with the last entry at 4 pm. The admission prices of the sanctuary are $49.95 for adults, $39.95 for children (4-14 years), $39.95 for seniors (60+ years), and free for infants (0-3 years). The ticket options of the sanctuary include the general admission ticket, which gives you access to all the attractions and highlights, except the animal encounters and the treetop challenge, and the annual pass, which gives you unlimited access to the sanctuary and other benefits for a year. You can buy your tickets online or at the sanctuary’s reception. You can also find some discounts and deals on the tickets and the encounters on the sanctuary’s website or app.
Facilities, Amenities, and Services:
The sanctuary has various facilities, amenities, and services that you can use during your visit, such as toilets, lockers, cafes, shops, first aid, wifi, etc. You can find them on the sanctuary’s map or app, or ask the staff for directions. You can also rent a wheelchair, a stroller, or a bike from the sanctuary’s reception for a small fee. You can also use the sanctuary’s app to get the latest information, updates, and offers from the sanctuary.
Accessibility, Inclusivity, and Diversity:
The sanctuary is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or background. The sanctuary has wheelchair access, hearing loops, multilingual guides, and other features that cater to different needs and preferences. You can find more information and details about the accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity of the sanctuary on the sanctuary’s website or app, or contact the staff for assistance.
Rules, Regulations, and Policies:
The sanctuary has some rules, regulations, and policies that you need to follow and respect during your visit, such as:
Animal Welfare: You need to treat the animals with care and respect, and follow the staff’s instructions and guidelines. You need to keep a safe distance from the animals, and not touch, feed, or disturb them, unless you are participating in an animal encounter. You need to keep your noise level low, and not use flash photography, drones, or balloons around the animals.
Photography: You are welcome to take photos and videos of the sanctuary and its attractions and activities, for personal use only. You need to obtain permission from the staff and the other visitors before taking photos or videos of them. You need to respect the privacy and rights of the staff and the other visitors, and not use or share any photos or videos that may be offensive or inappropriate.
Smoking: You are not allowed to smoke anywhere within the sanctuary, except in the designated smoking areas. You need to dispose of your cigarette butts properly, and not litter or cause fire hazards.
Packing List, Clothing, and Footwear: To prepare for your visit to the sanctuary, you may want to bring some items and wear some clothing and footwear that will make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable, such as:
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and water bottle, to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated
- Swimwear, towel, and change of clothes, to enjoy the splash zone and other water activities
- Camera, phone, and charger, to capture and share your memories and experiences
- Cash, card, and ID, to pay for your tickets, encounters, food, and souvenirs
- Comfortable clothing and shoes, to walk and explore the sanctuary and its attractions and activities
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit attraction on the Gold Coast, as it offers a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience for visitors of all ages and interests. You can see and interact with some of the most amazing animals and birds in the world, learn about the conservation and culture of the region, and enjoy a variety of attractions and activities that cater to different preferences and abilities. You can also support the sanctuary’s work and cause by making a donation or adopting an animal.
If you are ready to visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you can book your tickets and encounters online or by phone from the sanctuary’s website or reception. You can also download the sanctuary’s app to get the latest information, updates, and offers from the sanctuary. You can also follow the sanctuary’s social media accounts to see more photos and videos of the sanctuary and its animals.
We hope this article has helped you with your planning and preparation for your visit to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you and help you with your travel needs.
Thank you for your interest and attention, and we hope you have a wonderful time at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
