Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Experience Australia's unique wildlife in a beautiful, natural sanctuary. Interact with koalas, kangaroos, and more!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are most active
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Best Time
Animals are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Australia's unique wildlife in a beautiful, natural sanctuary. Interact with koalas, kangaroos, and more!
"A peaceful paradise for animal lovers, deeply connected to nature."
🎯 Book Koala Experience Early
Popular koala encounters sell out fast! Book your 'Breakfast with Koalas' or 'Koala Encounter' online in advance.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes are essential for exploring the large sanctuary.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Koala Encounters
Koala enclosure
Hold a koala, feed them eucalyptus, and get a memorable photo. A truly unique Australian experience.
Rainbow Lorikeet Feeding
Lorikeet arena
Join the vibrant feeding frenzy as hundreds of lorikeets flock to you for a treat.
Kangaroo Feeding
Kangaroo enclosure
Get up close and personal with kangaroos, and even feed them by hand.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Koala Encounters in Advance
Wear Comfortable Shoes & Check Show Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary or David Fleay Wildlife Park?
🎯 Book Koala Experience Early
Popular koala encounters sell out fast! Book your 'Breakfast with Koalas' or 'Koala Encounter' online in advance.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes are essential for exploring the large sanctuary.
Lone Pine vs Currumbin?
Zoo
⏰ Check Show Schedules
Don't miss the lorikeet feeding or animal shows! Grab a schedule upon arrival.
🦘 Feed the Kangaroos
Purchase kangaroo food at the park for a close-up interaction. They're very friendly!
Currumbin Wildlife - visiting Sept/Oct.. Least crowded weekend / weekeday / school hol ?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Koala Experience Early
Popular koala encounters sell out fast! Book your 'Breakfast with Koalas' or 'Koala Encounter' online in advance.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes are essential for exploring the large sanctuary.
⏰ Check Show Schedules
Don't miss the lorikeet feeding or animal shows! Grab a schedule upon arrival.
🦘 Feed the Kangaroos
Purchase kangaroo food at the park for a close-up interaction. They're very friendly!
🏥 Visit the Wildlife Hospital
See the important work being done at the onsite wildlife hospital (viewing may be limited).
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for its immersive natural setting and friendly, well-cared-for animals. The interactive experiences like feeding kangaroos and lorikeets are highlights, especially for families. However, some guests have noted that certain animal encounters, particularly with koalas, could be more ethically managed and offer better value for money.
"I joined the Breakfast with Koalas experience at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and it was such a wonderful activity! I purchased a package that included the zoo admission, the breakfast, and a photo with a koala. This event only happens once a day, starting at 8 AM, and Currumbin is one of the few places in Australia where you can actually hold a koala.
During breakfast, the keepers introduced us to three different koalas, bringing them around so we could ask questions and gently touch their backs. It was such a unique experience—eating breakfast while getting to know these adorable animals. Staff also called us up one by one for the koala photo session, which was well-organized.
Besides the koala experience, the sanctuary also offers other animal interactions, such as feeding the rainbow lorikeets at specific times, visiting the kangaroo area where you can feed and interact with them, and enjoying different animal shows. Overall, I highly recommend this place if you’re visiting the Gold Coast!"
Wen Chi Chiang
"Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is truly a paradise for animal lovers. Everything about this place feels peaceful, beautiful, and deeply connected to nature. The sanctuary does a wonderful job of creating a natural and relaxing environment, allowing visitors to feel completely immersed in the beauty of the wildlife and surroundings.
From the friendly animals to the lush greenery, every moment spent here was calming and memorable. It’s more than just a zoo – it’s a place where you can feel a genuine bond with nature. Highly recommended for anyone who loves animals or simply wants a break from the hustle and bustle."
HANS
"Beautiful wildlife park. Staff were so friendly & informative. Cool small trains are fun. Animals looked well looked after & content. Highlight for our grand children was being up close to large kangaroos & being able to pat them. Make sure you know when & wear shows are on & feeding times. Sadly, we missed the bird show because we were too far away from the arena to get over there in time for the show. Wear comfortably shoes as it is a very big park."
jill jaques
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the Gold Coast, Queensland. You can reach it by car, with ample parking available. Public transport options include buses that stop nearby. Many visitors also use ride-sharing services.
The sanctuary is located at 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin, Queensland 4223, Australia.
Yes, it's relatively easy to get to from Surfers Paradise. You can drive, take a bus, or use a taxi/rideshare. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Yes, several bus routes service the area around Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Check local Gold Coast public transport schedules for the most convenient options from your starting point.
Yes, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers free parking for visitors. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day, especially during peak times, to secure a good spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but general admission typically ranges from $40-$50 for adults and $30-$40 for children. Special experiences like 'Breakfast with Koalas' are additional. Look for 'Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary discount' or 'deals' online for potential savings.
Yes, you can often find 'Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary discount tickets' or 'deals' by booking online in advance, checking travel websites, or looking for seasonal promotions. 'Cheap Currumbin Wildlife tickets' are sometimes available.
General admission tickets usually grant access to the sanctuary, allowing you to see the animals, enjoy the natural surrounds, and watch some of the daily shows and presentations. Special animal encounters are typically extra.
While not always mandatory, booking your 'Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary tickets' in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular experiences like the Koala Encounter, to guarantee your entry and avoid disappointment.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is generally open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. However, it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours and any potential changes.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of Australian native animals, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, emus, crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, and numerous bird species like rainbow lorikeets.
Yes, the sanctuary hosts several daily shows and presentations, including the popular Rainbow Lorikeet feeding, bird shows, and keeper talks about various animals. Check the daily schedule upon arrival.
Yes, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers 'Koala Encounters' where you can hold a koala and get a photo. This is a paid experience and often requires advance booking.
Absolutely! Kids love the interactive experiences like feeding kangaroos and lorikeets, seeing the animals up close, and the general atmosphere. The sanctuary is designed to be engaging for all ages.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a dedicated wildlife hospital that treats sick and injured native Australian animals. While you can see the hospital, direct access might be limited.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several food and drink outlets within the sanctuary, offering a range of options from casual snacks to meals. The 'Breakfast with Koalas' experience also includes food.
Food prices are generally comparable to other tourist attractions. Some reviews suggest they are fairly priced. Bringing your own snacks and water is also an option.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own water bottles and perhaps some light snacks. However, for full meals, utilizing the onsite facilities is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo ops include close-ups with koalas, feeding kangaroos, the vibrant lorikeet feeding, and the diverse range of Australian wildlife in their naturalistic enclosures.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos with your own camera throughout the sanctuary. For professional photography or commercial use, check their specific policies.
Yes, for special animal encounters like the Koala Encounter, professional photo packages are often available for purchase, allowing you to get high-quality shots with the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking the 'Breakfast with Koalas' for a truly special morning. The sanctuary's layout is generally easy to navigate with strollers, and there are plenty of open spaces for children to move around. Remember to check the daily schedule for animal shows and presentations that are perfect for keeping little ones entertained.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on the general admission activities like kangaroo feeding and lorikeet feeding, which are included in the ticket price and offer great value. Prioritize the free shows and presentations over more expensive, shorter animal encounters if budget is a primary concern.
❤️ Couples & Nature Lovers
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience. The 'Breakfast with Koalas' can be a romantic and unique start to the day, offering a memorable shared experience. The sanctuary's tranquil atmosphere provides a perfect backdrop for a romantic outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Koala Experience: Ethics and Enjoyment
While Currumbin's encounters are generally well-organized and provide a unique opportunity, it's important for visitors to be aware of the ongoing discussions about animal welfare in such close interactions. The sanctuary emphasizes that these encounters are managed by experienced keepers and aim to educate the public about koalas. If you are particularly sensitive to animal welfare concerns, researching current practices or considering sanctuaries with stricter no-touch policies might be beneficial.
Despite these considerations, many visitors find the koala encounters to be a highlight of their trip, describing them as 'wonderful' and 'unique.' The key is to manage expectations and understand that these are special, often brief, interactions designed for education and a memorable experience. Booking these experiences in advance is crucial as they are limited and highly sought after.
Beyond the Animals: The Sanctuary's Natural Setting
The layout encourages exploration, with winding paths and open spaces that allow visitors to wander and discover at their own pace. This design philosophy is appreciated by those seeking a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle. The sanctuary's commitment to creating a 'beautiful preservation area' that encourages reflection is a key aspect of its appeal, offering a tranquil backdrop to the wildlife encounters.
While some exhibits might be considered 'filler' by certain visitors, the overall ambiance and the integration of the animals within these naturalistic settings contribute to a unique and enjoyable experience. It's this blend of wildlife interaction and serene environment that sets Currumbin apart for many.
The Role of the Wildlife Hospital
While direct access to the hospital might be limited to protect the animals and ensure the smooth running of operations, its presence underscores the sanctuary's commitment to animal welfare and conservation beyond just exhibition. It serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by wildlife and the importance of dedicated care.
This aspect adds a layer of educational value to the visit, highlighting the broader mission of the sanctuary to protect and preserve Australia's unique fauna. It's a testament to their dedication to the animals' well-being, both within the sanctuary and in the wild.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit