Visiting Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast

Most people go to the Gold Coast to enjoy the amazing beaches and visit the theme parks (and so should you), but this popular holiday spot has a lot more to offer if you dig a bit deeper. If you want to see and learn about Australian wildlife, the place to go on the Gold Coast is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. We spent the day there recently and had such a great time that we ended up buying a yearly pass!

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to see and learn about native Australian wildlife, and it really is a sanctuary more than just a zoo. Not only do you get to view the unique wildlife, but you also get to actually be among some of these animals and learn about them and their conservation. The sanctuary is home to hundreds of native Australian birds, mammals and reptiles, and offers a wide range of shows and learning experiences. These days the sanctuary is also home to more than just Australian wildlife – you’ll find a few exotic species from other parts of the world here too (yes they have lemurs!)

The Animals

The sanctuary is home to a whole range of native animals, from the cute and cuddly Koalas to the scary looking Crocodiles. We wandered around the beautiful grounds of the park and followed the signs to the animals that we were interested in seeing.

A sleeping Koala

An Echidna

A Cassowary

These lizards wander freely around the park

A Pelican takes off into the water

A Red Kangaroo

A Tasmanian Devil

A Wedge Tail Eagle

My favourite – the Wombat

A huge Crocodile

The park has expanded over the years and now includes a fantastic area called “The Lost Valley“, set up as boardwalk through a lush rainforest where you’ll find international animals like red pandas, ring-tailed lemurs and cute little tamarins, along with other natives like the elusive tree kangaroo.

The Experiences

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary isn’t just a zoo, there are a whole lot of activities and shows that make it a great day out for everyone. Their new Tree Top Challenge is a high ropes course through the tall trees of the park. The sanctuary is 27 hectares of beautiful native eucalypt and rain forest with walking paths connecting the different parts of the park. For the kids, there are a whole range of activities, including animal feedings, great play grounds and best of all, a train that runs through the entire park. So if you don’t want to walk, just hop on the train at your nearest station.

Each day there are also a lot of different shows where you can view and learn more about the amazing wildlife. The free-flight bird show is a must-see!

Sitting on top of a huge crocodile! (Ok it’s not real)

Watching the Wild Bird Show

Kids petting a Kangaroo

Riding the train through “Kangaroo Crossing”

The train is a whole lot of fun!

Tree Top Challenge

We really enjoyed our day out at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. If you’re visiting the Gold Coast, add this one to your itinerary!

How to Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Here’s some more info to help you plan your visit.

Getting There & Parking

• By car: Park at the sanctuary entrance (Tomewin St) for $10 per vehicle; National Trust QLD members can park for free.

• By public transport:

  • Bus routes 700, 760, 761 stop right outside the sanctuary.

  • Route 700 links via Broadbeach South G:link light rail; buses run every ~15–20 minutes

Opening Hours

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Closed on Anzac Day (April 25) and Christmas Day.

Tickets & Entry Fees

• Standard admission (2025):

  • Adult: ~$49.95

  • Child (3–13 years): ~$39.95

  • Concession: ~$39.95

  • Family (2 adults + 2 children): ~$149.95

  • Infants (under 3): Free

• Book tickets online in advance or at the ticket office on the day.