What if you could stand still and let nature come to you?
At Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, that’s exactly what happens, especially when hundreds of lorikeets suddenly swoop down and decide you’re their new perch. One minute it’s calm, the next you’ve got wings brushing past you, birds landing on your arms, shoulders, even your head, all chirping at once.
It’s a little chaotic, a little surreal, and completely unforgettable, the kind of experience that turns a regular day out into a story you’ll be talking about long after your trip.
What is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Founded in 1947 by Alex Griffiths, originally to protect his flower farm from hungry lorikeets. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has grown into one of Queensland’s most beloved attractions. Queensland Heritage listed since 2009, it is managed by the National Trust of Australia as a non-profit, meaning every ticket you buy supports genuine wildlife conservation.
| Address | 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin QLD 4223 |
| Opening hours | 9am – 4pm daily (last entry 3:30pm) |
| Closed | Christmas Day (25 Dec) and ANZAC Day (25 Apr) |
| Car park hours | 7:30am – 5:30pm daily |
| Animals | 1,400+ native species across 27 hectares |
| Lorikeet feeding | 8am and 4pm daily – free-flying wild birds |
Tickets, Prices & Parking
| Category | Details |
| Adult day pass | Around $70 AUD (online); promotions may drop prices to $30 |
| Children entry | Free for ages 0-3; paid tickets from age 4 onwards |
| Booking fee | 1.5%–1.75% on official website |
| Parking | $10 per day on Tomewin Street (free for National Trust members) |
| Where to book | Buy your tickets from Thrillark for possible deals |
Top Animal Encounters – What to Do
Currumbin’s real magic is how close you get to the animals. Here are the experiences you absolutely cannot skip.
Hold a Koala – Koala Encounter
Currumbin is one of the very few places in Australia where visitors can actually hold a koala. There is only one session per day, and it sells out, often days in advance. The Breakfast with Koalas package includes a gourmet meal, the encounter, your entry ticket and a takeaway photo. If you forgot to prebook, arrive at 9am sharp and check for same-day availability at the front desk.
Tip : Book your Koala Encounter before you book anything else. It is the first thing to sell out every day.
Rainbow Lorikeet Feeding
This is the experience that started it all. Every day at 8am and 4pm, hundreds of free-flying wild rainbow lorikeets descend from the canopy and land on anyone standing in the feeding area, arms, shoulders, heads. It’s chaotic, colourful and completely unforgettable. The morning session (8am) is quieter and cooler; worth the early start.
Kangaroos and Wallabies – Free-Roam Area
Walk freely through open bushland grassland among kangaroos, wallabies and emus. You can hand-feed them, staff are always on hand to help. Kangaroos here are calm and completely relaxed around visitors, making this a wonderful experience even for very young children.
Croc Wetlands – Meet Boss Hog
The revamped Croc Wetlands precinct is home to ‘Boss Hog’, a famous 5-metre saltwater crocodile, five American alligators and several freshwater crocs. The croc feeding shows are a real crowd-pleaser, check the daily schedule board at the entrance or on the sanctuary app.
Lost Valley – Ancient World Rainforest Precinct
This 5-acre immersive environment feels like stepping into another world. You’ll find lemurs, red pandas and capybaras roaming through tropical rainforest. Kids love the free Lost Valley Game app, which overlays virtual animals on the real environment using augmented reality.
WildSkies Free Flight Bird Show
Multiple shows run daily, featuring pelicans, eagles and colourful parrots swooping over the audience in free flight. It’s consistently one of the most popular shows in the park. Check the daily schedule at the entrance board or on the app.
Tasmanian devils
The sanctuary is home to over 1,400 animals, including some of Australia’s most iconic species. Alongside koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles, you’ll also find Tasmanian devils, one of the country’s rarest and most fascinating native animals. Seeing them up close is a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts, as they are not commonly found in many parks.
TreeTop Challenge
If you’re looking to add some adventure to your visit, the TreeTop Challenge is worth considering. This high ropes course takes you through the sanctuary’s forest canopy with zip lines, rope bridges, and obstacle courses of varying difficulty levels.
It’s suitable for both older kids and adults, and runs as a separate ticketed experience from general entry. Sessions are timed, so booking in advance is recommended, especially during weekends and school holidays.
Astra Lumina – The Night Experience
Something newer, and something most visitors don’t even know about: Astra Lumina is the Southern Hemisphere’s first permanent Astra Lumina installation, a 1.5km immersive light and sound trail that winds through the sanctuary’s native bushland after dark. The story follows fallen stars finding their way back to the sky.
| When | Wednesday to Saturday, sessions start after dark |
| Who for | All ages – magical for families and couples |
| Tickets | Separate from daytime entry book in advance |
| Best value | Astra Lumina + daytime entry combo ticket |
Tip: Sessions sell out, especially on weekends. Book your Astra Lumina tickets at the same time as your day visit tickets.
Opening Hours, Getting There and Parking
By car
- From Gold Coast Airport: 5 km, 10 min via Gold Coast Highway, right onto Tomewin Street
- From Surfers Paradise: 30 min south via Gold Coast Highway
- From Brisbane: M1 south → Exit 95 (Stewart Road) → Gold Coast Highway → Tomewin Street
By public transport
- Bus route 760 from Gold Coast Airport: 9 minutes, $4-$7
- Taxi or rideshare from the airport: approximately 4 minutes
Shuttle services
Some tour operators and hotels on the Gold Coast offer shuttle transfers to the sanctuary, which is a convenient option if you’re not renting a car. Availability varies, so it’s best to check with your hotel or booking platform in advance.
Daily Schedule – Plan Your Perfect Day
With so much to see, a loose plan makes all the difference. Here’s a suggested full-day itinerary that hits every highlight without rushing.
| Time | Activity |
| 8:00 am | Arrive early for lorikeet feeding |
| 9:00 am | Gates open – collect map and download the app |
| 9:30 am | Koala Encounter or Breakfast with Koalas |
| 10:30 am | Lost Valley + kangaroo free-roam area |
| 10:45 am | WildSkies Free Flight Bird Show (morning session) |
| 11:30 am | Wildlife Hospital Presentation |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 pm | Croc Wetlands + feeding show |
| 2:15 pm | WildSkies Free Flight Bird Show (afternoon session) |
| 3:00 pm | Ngari-bah Aboriginal Culture Show |
| 3:30 pm | Last admission + exit |
The Ngari-bah Aboriginal Culture Show showcases traditional storytelling, dance, and culture. If you’re short on time, you can prioritise animal encounters instead but it’s a meaningful addition if you want a broader cultural experience.
Best Time to Visit
By season
- Spring (Sep–Nov): The sweet spot. Mild 18-25°C, animals most active, smaller crowds than summer holidays.
- Summer (Dec–Feb): Warm and humid at 20-28°C. Arrive early to beat the heat, the splash zone is a lifesaver for families.
- Autumn (Mar–May): Excellent conditions, fewer international tourists and great light for photos.
- Winter (Jun–Aug): Cool and pleasant. Animals are very active and the light is perfect for photography.
By time of day
- Arriving at the opening (9am) – animals are most active in the morning and crowds are thinner.
- Midday is the hottest and busiest, use this time for shaded exhibits, lunch or the miniature railway.
- Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends and Queensland school holidays.
Visiting With Kids – Family Tips
Currumbin is genuinely one of the best family days out on the Gold Coast. Here’s what makes it special for little ones, and what to know before you go.
Kid highlights
- Wild Island Adventure Splash Zone – water play for children up to 12 (a godsend in summer)
- Miniature railway – operating since 1964, always a hit with young children
- Kangaroo free-roam area – hands-on, at no extra cost
- Lost Valley Game app – free augmented reality animal hunt
Practical tips for parents
- Children 0 to 3 enter free
- Bring a baby carrier – the Lemur aviary is pram-free
- Plan a full day – reviewers consistently say 4 hours is not enough
- Sunscreen, hats and closed-toe shoes are essential
- No outside food or drink permitted; cafes and picnic areas are inside
Food, Facilities and What to Bring
Food options inside the sanctuary are simple but convenient, with Wild Burgers Cafe being the main spot for burgers, fries, and kids’ meals, perfect for a quick family lunch. There’s also a picnic area available within the grounds, but outside food and drinks are not allowed. If you’re booking tickets online, you may notice a family burger lunch bundle available as an add-on, which can save time during busy hours.
In terms of facilities, the park is well-equipped for a full-day visit, with rest areas, shaded zones, and easy access to dining and amenities throughout.
For a smooth experience, it’s best to come prepared. Wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes as you’ll be covering a lot of ground. Sunscreen and a hat are essential, especially with the Gold Coast sun being strong most of the year. A portable phone charger is useful since photos, videos, and the sanctuary app can quickly drain your battery. It’s also a good idea to carry a light rain jacket, as the park remains open during light showers. Both cash and card are accepted, with contactless payments widely available across the sanctuary.
Is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Really Worth Your Time?
Few places in Australia let you hold a koala, hand-feed wild lorikeets, walk among kangaroos, and end the day with a magical light trail through native bushland, all in one visit. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary delivers exactly that, and its non-profit model means your visit directly supports wildlife conservation and the on-site hospital.
It’s absolutely worth it for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. The key is to book your tickets in advance, arrive early, and plan your day around the show schedule to make the most of your visit.
You can book your Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary tickets directly through Thrillark for competitive prices and deals. Either way, secure your Koala Encounter early and check the latest Astra Lumina session timings, it’s one of those experiences you’ll be glad you didn’t miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you hold a koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
Yes, it is one of the few places in Queensland where visitors can hold a koala. Book the Koala Encounter online before your visit, as it sells out every day. The Breakfast with Koalas package includes the encounter, a gourmet meal, entry and a photo.
- How long do you need at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
Plan at least 4-5 hours for the highlights. Families with young children regularly spend a full day (9am-4pm). Two hours is not enough, you will miss the bird shows, Wildlife Hospital presentation and lorikeet feeding.
- How much does Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary cost?
Day passes start from approximately $30 per adult when booked online. Children 0–2 are free. The Koala Encounter and Astra Lumina trail carry separate fees. Check the sanctuary website for current pricing.
- Is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary wheelchair accessible?
Yes, boardwalks and ramps provide access throughout. Free wheelchairs are available at the entrance with an ID deposit. Note: the Lemur aviary is not pram accessible.
- Is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary worth it?
Consistently rated 4.9/5 across 24,000+ reviews. Most visitors describe it as the highlight of their Gold Coast trip, especially for families and wildlife lovers.
- What is the best time to visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
Weekday mornings in spring (Sep–Nov) or autumn (Mar–May) offer the most pleasant weather and smallest crowds. Arrive at 9am opening for the calmest, most active experience.
