Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Tickets

The Ultimate Guide to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Matt Hobbs

Experience Oz Senior Travel Writer

The internet's most detailed guide to the Gold Coast's most popular animal attraction - Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - including how to get there, prices, passes, food, tips, rides and much more.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is something of a Gold Coast icon, having been in operation in some form since back in 1947 and having entertained and educated millions of visitors, not just locally but from all over the world. Symbolised by its iconic Rainbow Lorikeets, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers one of the best value days out for families on the Gold Coast.

In our in-depth Currumbin Sanctuary guide, we'll answer all the questions you may have about spending your day at this popular animal attraction - simply click on a section above to expand the relevant information below covering a range of topics including the animals you'll see, pricing options, facilities, kids activities, show times, the best ways to get there and much, much more.

Map, Times and Access

Looking for how to get to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary? You've come to the right place! Here, we take a look at how to get there by both car and public transport along with bus timetables, as well as maps of the sanctuary and its facilities and animal enclosures.

Park Timetable

For the complete breakdown of daily shows and feedings, download the Currumbin Sanctuary Timetable by clicking here. Please note that this timetable is current as of December 2016 and subject to change.

Currumbin Sanctuary Map

Getting to Currumbin Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is located in a conveniently accessible location right on the corner of the Gold Coast Highway – the Gold Coast's main roadway through the city – and as a result is easy to get to via all methods of public and private transport (other than train).

By Car

Getting to Currumbin Sanctuary by car takes roughly 25 minutes from Surfers Paradise; simply head directly south on the Gold Coast highway, and once you've passed over the Currumbin Creek Bridge you'll soon see signage to Currumbin Sanctuary on the left. Turn left onto Tomewin Street and you'll immediately see Currumbin Sanctuary on the right hand side.

Once here you will have a couple of options for parking; limited free middle-of-the-street public parking is available a short walk around the corner from the attraction and further down along Currumbin Beach, however due to the popularity of both the Sanctuary and the beach getting a public spot can sometimes be a challenge.

Currumbin Sanctuary also offers a dedicated paid car park directly across from the sanctuary's entrance; the fee is a reasonable $8 for a full day of parking and provides direct access should you wish you exit the park and access items from your car during the day.

By Bus

Due to its location on the Gold Coast Highway, Currumbin Sanctuary is highly accessible by bus with its own dedicated bus stop and multiple bus routes which include stopping at the attraction on their schedule. Buses can be taken from stops on the Gold Coast Highway in all major tourist accommodation suburbs including Southport, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Bus numbers 700, 760 and 767 all depart regularly and make stops at Currumbin Sanctuary; these run roughly 7 minutes apart from one another so boarding any of the three routes will get you to Currumbin in the same amount of time.

Express Shuttle Bus Service

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary also offers a direct express bus transfer service that can be booked at your accommodation front desk or directly over the phone by calling 1300 886 511. These depart and return twice daily, with return services from the sanctuary at both 3:30pm and 5:15pm.

Facilities

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has a range of facilities to help make your visit easier and more enjoyable; we outline them here including parking, wheelchair and stroller access and more.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Parking

Upon arriving at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary you will have a couple of options for parking; limited free middle-of-the-street public parking is available a short walk around the corner from the attraction and further down along Currumbin Beach, however due to the popularity of both the Sanctuary and the beach getting a public spot can sometimes be a challenge.

Currumbin Sanctuary also offers a dedicated paid car park directly across from the sanctuary's entrance; the fee is a reasonable $8 for a full day of parking and provides direct access should you wish you exit the park and access items from your car during the day. All proceeds from these parking fees go towards helping support the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Foundation.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Picnic Tables & Seating

Unlike many other zoos or theme parks, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary does permit guests to bring their own food into the park and does a solid job of providing seating and picnic tables to enjoy your own meal in the shade. While they aren't extensive, the sanctuary provides picnic facilities in two major areas:

• The park in the "Wild Island" kids area; this also comes with vending machines for drinks and snacks as well as garbage bins.
• The southern side of the Wildburgers restaurant also has several tables and its closeness to the restaurant means you can buy additional snacks/cold beverages to go with your food.

There are also several open grassed areas that visitors are welcome to use with a picnic rug if they prefer. The only disclaimer is that tables at the sanctuary's restaurants/cafes are not to be used when eating food not purchased at the attraction as these are designated for those who have bought in-park food.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Train

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary's size is something that isn't obvious before entering for first time visitors, however it's set amongst a delightful bush setting that spans a large 27 hectare area and boasts a number of winding walking tracks that lead from one animal exhibit to the next. As a result a day at Currumbin Sanctuary involves a lot of walking that may be tiring if it wasn't for one great feature - its train.

The train track at Currumbin Sanctuary has multiple key "stations" both for boarding and disembarking that helps cut down on walking time and serves as a fun ride for the kids to boot, and it's all entirely free after entering.

The train has been a long-running fixture of Currumbin Sanctuary since the 1960's, with 4 separate engines running - one is powered by coal, and the other 3 diesel - and consists of 8 characters that can carry up to 66 guests on the trip, which takes around 20 minutes to complete including all stops. On our visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Experience Oz captured a short timelapse showing the train in action which you can view below.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife Hospital

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary's dedicated wildlife hospital plays a large role on the Gold Coast as the go-to place for the caring and treatment of injured wildlife. A long-running institution that has done great work for several decades, the Wildlife Hospital admits over 8000 native animal patients each year, with each animal receiving a high level of veterinary care from the skilled and passionate staff.

The aim of animals that are admitted to the hospital is to have them rehabilitated for release back into the wild. Visitors to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary can visit the Hospital Precinct within the sanctuary to see the work and care being put in by the workers in action.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Hospital is also involved in a range of research projects aimed at helping the survival of species in the wild. The Foundation relies on donations and corporate sponsors to fund the crucial work of the veterinary team, in treating, rehabilitating and releasing, sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife. The Hospital Precinct Experience is open to guests between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm. To pay a visit, head to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital precinct to the rear of the secondary dingo enclosure inside the attraction (area #5 on the park map).

Disabled Access

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an attraction that is entirely wheelchair friendly and caters for the special needs of persons with disabilities. Wheelchair hire is free of charge should you wish to utilise a chair from the attraction; however you will be asked to leave a security deposit (car key, drivers licence etc) as part of the hire process. As Currumbin Sanctuary only has a limited number of wheelchairs for hire, it is highly recommended that you book one in advance.

Stroller Hire

As with wheelchair access, the majority of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is stroller accessible. In addition, strollers are available for hire at a cost of $8 per day along with an item for deposit. As Currumbin Sanctuary only has a limited number of strollers for hire, it is highly recommended that you book one in advance.

Prayer Rooms

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has a prayer room for visitors to utilise. The prayer room is located diagonally across from the entry to the "Green Cauldron" exhibit behind the main koala display.

Gift Shop

The gift shop also serves as the main entrance pathway to the inner parts of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Inside you can find all manner of wildlife-related memorabilia available for purchase including stuffed toys, calendars, stationery and various other souvenirs.

The gift shop is open during the regular opening hours of the sanctuary.

Lockers and Storage

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has a secured lock up room where visiting guests are welcome to leave their luggage free of charge while they are in the park. On arrival at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, simply see a staff member in the Nature’s Gift shop at the entrance and they will assist you with your luggage.

Shows and Times

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary isn't merely a walk-and-observe wildlife attraction; there are numerous shows, performances and talks given throughout the day that provide further details, insight and demonstrations into Aussie wildlife and culture as a whole. From feedings, to live cultural dances, and guided examples of animals in action, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained for a full day at Currumbin Sanctuary.

The list of animal shows and other side demonstrations are outlined in detail here.

Aboriginal Dance Show

Show time: 3:30pm daily

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary's shows aren't limited to just animals; one of the most popular events is the daily Aboriginal Dance Show that aims to highlight the rich local Aboriginal culture of the Gold Coast region. Utilising a combination of storytelling, hand-created music and dance, the performance is put on by the Jellurgal dance troop who outline details on the spirituality, society and rituals of the Yugambeh Aboriginal people – one of the oldest cultures on earth.

During the performance you'll learn traditional greetings and farewells (including “Jingi Wallal Wahllu”, the traditional welcome dance), see fire being created by hand, learn the technique and significance behind the iconic didgeridoo and more – there's even the chance for audience participation as the dance troop select members from the crowd to demonstrate male and female dances, respectively. The Aboriginal performance takes place each day in the afternoon in a sandy area of the attraction and is free to attend and take part in.

Blinky Bill Wildlife to the Rescue Show

One specifically for the little ones, the Blinky Bill show features one of Australia's most popular children's animal characters - Blinky Bill the Koala - and his friend Nutsy as they embark on an adventure filled with song and dance.

Featuring two shows and making two daily appearances, Blinky and friends provide plenty of fun and smiles to kids of all ages.

Dr. Doo-Lots Creature Teacher Show

Show time: 10:00am

Combining education and entertainment on all things animalistic, the Dr. Doo-Lots Creature Teacher Show takes place at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in the mornings and features the sanctuary's very own "wildlife whisperer" as he introduces the attraction's Aussie wildlife in a fun and child-friendly manner.

This is a fast-paced and fun filled show that involves a multitude of interesting facts on animals and wildlife in general, with prizes, giveaways and the chances for younger participants to get up close and personal with a number of creatures.

Show watchers will also have the chance to meet the furry friends starring in the show for a photo opportunity after it's finished.

Australiana Sheep Shearing Show

Show time: 11:40am and 2:40pm

Aiming to offer visitors a "taste of the outback", Currumbin Sanctuary's Australiana show shows a slice of what life is like on a traditional Aussie sheep station while providing insight into several native Australian animals. Incorporating a blend of information and humour, the show involves Australian cattle dogs, reptiles, and a live demonstration of traditional sheep shearing.

Show watchers can have a few laughs, learn about the wildlife species, and have the chance to hold a snake and have their photos taken. The Australiana Sheep Shearing Show occurs twice a day and takes place right next to the Free Flight Bird Show, making combining the two the ideal way to take an interesting and entertaining break from walking around.

Lorikeet Feeding

While it's not technically a "show", Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary's lorikeet feeding sessions are perhaps its most iconic experience, having been in operation in some form dating all the way back to 1947 before the sanctuary officially existed. Taking place twice a day - both early in the morning and late in the afternoon - the feedings are hosted in a pre-entry area of the sanctuary that does not require a ticket to enter; guests can simply give a gold coin donation and be given a bowl filled with a tasty nectar-like mixture to encourage the lorikeets to land and grab a bite to eat.

Of course, it also serves as a popular activity for paying visitors to the sanctuary to either start or finish off their days with as well, and is incredibly fun for children in particular.

The other thing to note about Rainbow Lorikeets is that they are LOUD - particularly in large groups as they are easily excited; but this is all part of the fun!

Free Flight Bird Show

Show time: 11:00am and 2:00pm

One of the main highlights of any trip to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is their excellent free-flight bird show that shows off a diverse range of bird species both large and small in action. Held under a shaded canopy area with guests seated on benches on a slight hill, the show features a wildlife presenter with headset who is extremely knowledgeable about all things avian who adds insight and information on the habitats, diets and conservation status of each bird type involved.

During the show you'll see birds demonstrating behaviours that they display in the wild; birds of prey swoop swiftly through the sky and catch mouse heads tossed to them by the presenter, beautifully coloured macaws perch on branches before taking off, a buzzard demonstrates its remarkable technique for cracking open emu eggs, and even a pelican makes a splash-worthy appearance.

The star of Currumbin Sanctuary's bird show is, without a doubt, the massive Wedge-Tailed Eagle. This huge bird of prey starts off by landing on a tree then turns and swoops back and forth over the heads of the impressed audience at an incredibly low altitude - if you're watching the show be sure to remain seated! The free flight bird show takes place in both morning and afternoon sessions and is included in the price of admission, making it a must-do during your visit to Currumbin.

Animal Feedings

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary provides visitors with the chance to both observe and take part in a number of other miscellaneous animal feedings throughout the day in addition to those mentioned above.

These include:

• Pelicans & Eels: Pelicans and eels are fed in tandem in the waters of Currumbin Creek which surrounds the inner side of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Short-finned eels are found naturally in the creek, and swarm for their morning feed in large numbers. Resident local pelicans are also found in large numbers in this part of the Gold Coast, and several of them will typically join to take part in the feeding fun as they are hand-fed fish.
  Time: 9:30am
• Cassowaries: The massive and colourful ground-bound cassowaries are the first of the animals to receive their public feeding in the afternoon. They are largely scavengers that forage the rainforest floor with a varied diet of both plants and dead animals; they certainly aren't fussy! The cassowaries are in a shaded forest-style area and receive their daily dose of fruit from their keepers early each afternoon with visitors able to look down from the viewing platforms above.
  Time: 1:30pm

Food and Drink

If you're planning to visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary you'll likely be there a decent number of hours, and with that time spent inevitably comes hunger and thirst. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has several options for food and drink for visitors in the form of cafes, kiosks, vending machines and more, while self-catering for a picnic or packed lunch is also possible. We detail these offerings here.

Option 1 - Bringing your own Food

Unlike many other popular attractions, Currumbin Sanctuary DOES allow guests to bring their own consumables and enjoy a packed lunch at their leisure. If cost is a major concern this is a huge benefit, and while the sanctuary does not have any official designated picnic areas or barbecue facilities to use, there are several picnic tables dotted throughout the park, with a few located at the Wild Island kids area and near the Wildburgers restaurant. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own blankets/rugs and utilise one of the many spacious grassed areas.

The only major exception is alcohol, which is prohibited (understandable); other than that the freedom to bring ones own food or snacks is a big selling point over some stricter attractions.

Option 2 - the Sanctuary Cafe

The first and most obvious spot to grab a bite to eat you'll come across once entering the park is the Sanctuary Cafe, which sits just inside the park before the entrance. This location means that it's possible to dine at the cafe without actually entering the Sanctuary, and the cafe also provides free Wi-Fi access for those who have purchased an item. The cafe is open for both breakfast (from 8am to 10am) and lunch (10:30am to 3:00pm) 7 days a week and serves a mixed bag of both fresh modern foods as well as fast food-style options. The Sanctuary Cafe also provides a number of Gluten-Free options for those who prefer, including sandwiches, cakes and slices.

This is the largest place to eat in Currumbin Sanctuary and offers plenty of seating that is shaded under umbrellas which makes for a good rest-and-recharge spot on sunny days. You'll also often find yourself "dining with the wildlife" as there are always large lizards sitting around near the dining area - a sure sign that you're about to be immersed in nature!

Option 3 - Wild Burgers

Located at roughly the "halfway point" between the entrance of the park and its far side, Wild Burgers has its own stop on the Currumbin Sanctuary train station track and is the go-to spot if you're looking for a solid and filling burger, fish and chips, or other fast food option. There are also veggie burgers to cater to vegetarians and other lighter options such as fruit salads, sandwiches and snack food. In addition to soft drink, the cafe also serves a decent coffee for those who need their caffeine hit.

There is a sufficient amount of seating/tables here although it can get crowded and noisy if you're timing your meal right on lunch time or in the heart of school holidays; thus it's advisable to bring some snacks to keep yourself going in the day and have your main meal here around the 1:30 - 2:00pm mark.

Option 4 - Kangaroo Enclosure

If you're after a quick dose of refreshment and a snack, there is another, smaller kiosk located near the main kangaroo enclosure which is one of Currumbin Sanctuary's main highlights. While it's not a full-blown restaurant like the others, there are cold and hot drinks, packets of chips and small foods such as sausage rolls on offer.

As the enclosure is a fair walk from some parts of the park, it's a good spot to either take a break after feeding the kangaroos, or rehydrating before grabbing some 'roo feed as the kangaroo enclosure is largely unsheltered.

Optional Extras

In addition to all the animal-viewing fun of a general admission ticket, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary also offers a number of optional extras that allow you to expand your visit further including extra tours, animal feeds and holdings, special photography sessions and more.

Koala Photos

As one of only two states in Australia where visitors to wildlife attractions are allowed to hold koalas, Queensland's facilities give guests the chance to get their hands on one of our furry national icons, and Currumbin Sanctuary is no exception.

The koala photo studio is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm during standard opening hours, meaning you'll be able to get a snap taken at any time of the day and queue up when the lines are at their smallest.

Segway Safaris

Currumbin Sanctuary's expansive grounds are fun enough to explore on foot, but those looking to take a more detailed look at its surrounding environment and the history of the park can take things a step further by choosing the "Segway Safari" tour option. Segways are a distinctive, upright two-wheeled vehicle that utilise magnets to self-balance and are adept at climbing hills and navigating various forms of terrain.

The Segway tours take visitors on a 40 minute guided tour of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to learn about and interact with various forms of wildlife while guided by an allocated wildlife officer who will be happy to answer any questions you may have on the sanctuary, its animals and its surrounds. The tour starts off with a 10 minute safety briefing and training session to get the hang of piloting your unique vehicle, then sets off on a gentle glide thorough the sanctuary with a stop to feed kangaroos, learn about Tasmanian Devils and more.

It's also a great way to quickly orientate yourself with the park and get an idea of which animals are where (take the tour in the morning before enjoying the rest of the attraction), allowing you to mentally plan out your day ahead. The Segway tour experience also comes in a package that includes a standard full day entry to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in the price, and is thus a great introduction for first time visitors to the attraction.

Animal Encounters and Optional Photos

Those wanting to get more "hands-on" during their visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary will have numerous opportunities to do so during a visit; the attraction offers a variety of animal experiences with different creatures from all over the animal kingdom from the furry, to the feathery, scaly and more.

In addition to the koala photos mentioned above, the following additional animal encounters and picture sessions are available with both animals and park staff and performers:

• Aboriginal Dance Team Photo Opportunity: After you've taken in all the song, dance and storytelling of local Gold Coast indigenous culture, have your photo taken with the show's performers in full traditional garb and paint.
• Bird of Prey Photo Opportunity: After the Free Flight Bird Show, you'll have the chance to have your photo taken with a Wedge-Tailed Eagle - the largest predatory bird in Australia.
• Crocodile Photo Opportunity: Following the feeding of "head" saltwater crocodile Boss Hog, you'll have the opportunity to hold a baby saltwater crocodile and have your photo taken.
• Snake Photo Opportunity: This takes place after the Australiana Sheep Shearing Show and will allow you to get your hands on an impressive (yet harmless!) diamond python.
• Join a Keeper: Got a particular passion for wildlife? The Join a Keeper experience allows visitors to book an up-close chance to observe, feed and interact with a range of wildlife at the park inside their enclosures. These extras must be booked in advance, cost $20 per person and take place daily at 3:30pm.
• Echidna Encounter: The spiky and slow moving echidna is one of Australian wildlife's most recognisable icons, and with this experience you'll be able to hold one (from the bottom of course!) and enjoy their unique and entertaining personalities. They may even feed from your hand, or give you a special "kiss" with their long, anteater-style tongue. Pricing is $25 per person and the experience takes place at 2:00pm Friday through Monday.
• Possum Encounter: If you love all things cute and cuddly, the Possum Encounter is an ideal fit; with this experience you'll get to meet and hold a beautiful brush-tail possum and see their gentle and kind-natured attitudes firsthand. Their soft fur and big eyes make for an incredibly cute experience! Pricing is $25 per person and availability is 3 times per week at 2:00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
• Saltwater Crocodile Feeding: Headlining saltwater crocodile Boss Hog is a big boy, and a big boy comes with a big appetite. At his daily feeding session at 1:00pm, a guest may sign up for the chance to give him his meal themselves! With his food on the end of a long pole, the massive 4.8 metre long croc will leap to grab his lunch - a spectacular and intimidating sight. The price to take part in a feeding experience is $69 per person and bookings must be made in advance.

Additional, seasonal animal encounters and other wildlife experiences may also occur from time to time; to confirm the current available experiences call Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary directly.