The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, a National Trust property, is most certainly worth a visit when on the Gold Coast. Older visitors who remember it as the much smaller Currumbin Bird Sanctuary in the 1970s, will be staggered at how it has grown and evolved. Indeed, the Lorikeet feedings on which the original attraction was based, have, for the most part, fallen off as the thousands of noisy wild birds who once flocked for the hand-feeding have dwindled in numbers…due, no doubt, to loss of habitat as the Gold Coast blossomed into high rise real estate. It is just as well that the Sanctuary management has slowly developed the attraction into an exciting and rewarding display of most of Australia’s iconic animals. Only the platypus is missing.
Australian Animals on Display at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
In comfortable pens and enclosures, amid ‘walking trails, through bushland, visitors will find Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby, Common Ring-tailed Possum, Dingo, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Fawn-footed Melomy, Golden Brushtail Possum, Goodfellows Tree Kangaroo, Greater Bilby, Koala, Long-nosed Potoroo, Mahogany Glider, Mountain Brushtail Possum, Northern Bettong, Northern Brown Bandicoot, Red Kangaroo, Short-beaked Echidna, Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat, Squirrel Glider, Spotted-tailed Quoll, Sugar Glider, Swamp Wallaby, Tasmanian Devil, Whiptail Wallaby, Wallaroo and Yellow-bellied Glider.
Australian Reptiles on Display
The list is enormous but the chief attractions are the single enormous saltwater crocodile, who is occasionally encouraged to leap for food, the eels that seethe in the water-weed covered lake at feeding time, and the many deadly snakes and boa constrictors that make Australia home.
Australian Birds on Display
The emus are here, of course, strutting nobly about, but lesser-known and equally fascinating birds such as cassowaries, brolgas, cranes, pelicans, barking owls, and a wide varieties of cockatoos and smaller parrots are in abundance.
Unique Australian Animals
Most visitors will come to see the kangaroos and koalas. Both are presented in such a way that visitors will go home glowing. The koalas are in a sunken enclosure so that, when they sleep in the tops of the leafy ’trees’ they are at face level for photographs. The kangaroo paddock is huge and visitors can stroll through, feed and pat the lovely creatures. The roos have a rocky area set aside, banned for visitors, to which they can retire unmolested when they’ve had enough of tourists for the time. There are always plenty available to pet and feed. Dingos even get a small role in the reptile show; the wombats and squabbling Tasmanian Devils are usually visible at some stage through the day (that is, not hiding in their nests), although it is sometimes necessary to make a couple of visits to guarantee a sighting.
Daily Shows - Best Birds of Prey Free Flight Bird Show
Shows or exhibitions are a feature of the Currumbin Sanctuary and there are some excellent ones. Don’t miss the pelican and eel feeding at 10 a.m. or the Reptile show at 10:30, dubbed the Close Encounters Show, which might not mean much to overseas visitors. Perhaps the most exciting and humorous exhibition is the Free Flight Bird Show at 1:00 p.m. in which a variety of birds strut (or swoop) their stuff. It is astonishing to see hawks and giant wedgetail eagles glide in just over the audience’s heads to snatch mice from their keepers’ hands or tossed in the air. The commentaries are always useful and informative. There is also a Didgeridoo demonstration and Aboriginal dance group, but sadly this is a little stagey and lacklustre. Happily, some of the dancers can be seen tending animals throughout the day, as well.
Tourist Tips to Get the Most Out of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Start early and maximise your day. The sanctuary opens at 8 a.m. and the first lorikeet feeding starts immediately. Shows run to a very tight schedule and, be warned, unless it is peak season, shows are not repeated later in the day. Keep the map and schedule of shows handy and take the toy train to cover the extensive distances of the park. Early birds get the seats… most particularly the shady seats.
The Birds of Prey Free Flight Show has limited sail-cloth covered areas , so it can be extremely hot and dangerously sunny (skin cancer risks) if you arrive late and miss one of the sheltered places. As for any day spent under the Australian sun, wear a high UV factor sunscreen, take a broad hat and perhaps an umbrella. Drink plenty of water.
Young and active people will no doubt appreciate the ‘jungle’ Green Challenge high ropes course with instructors and harness to ensure safety. Younger kids will enjoy the Wild Island Adventure Play area.
Admission Prices and Directions to Currumbin Sanctuary
The Currumbin Wildlife sanctuary should be on every Gold Coast visitors’ to-do list, but especially overseas visitors who would like to see the majority of Australian species in one place. Nevertheless it is NOT a cheap day out for the family. Even purchasing tickets on-line or a 10% discount will see a family of 2 adults and 3 children pay $160. There are discount vouchers available from time to time, and pensioner/senior and student cards (when produced) from anywhere in the world will gain a concession.
The Sanctuary is open every day except Christmas Day and is situated at 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin. The Currumbin Sanctuary website has an interactive map showing several ways to access the park, but those without their own transport will be pleased to known that Surfside bus lines have a drop off & pick up zone, less than a minute walk from the entrance to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. The 700, 760 and 765 bus arrives and departs approximately every 20 minutes. Visitors will find that the Currumbin area is a delightful, more natural part of the Gold Coast with plenty of free activities as well as major attractions and great clubs for dining.
