Visiting wildlife sanctuaries can become somewhat addictive, especially when you begin to appreciate the presence of wild nature on Earth. I am too obsessed with all kinds of critters, big and small, and I usually visit many wildlife securities worldwide. Recently, I & my friends planned a trip to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The place is home to more than 800 animals, including emus, lorikeets, kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, etc. It’s not only one of Australia’s most famous tourist attractions but also attracts millions of tourists from around the globe every year. Here, you can experience encounters with wild animals; nature shows the Wild Island Adventure Splash Zone, and an on-site Cafe all in one place.
We started our journey from Brisbane by cab. Reaching the stunning Gold Coast Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary took 1 hour and 5 minutes. We stepped through the entrance; I knew I was in for an adventure as soon as I arrived. The Sanctuary has over 27 acres of lush, immaculately landscaped grounds filled with recreated native habitats. I felt like I had stepped into a different corner of the world, surrounded by natural wonders. It’s hard to know where even to start!
What is the best time to visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
Planning correctly before visiting the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is essential, as timing is everything. The Sanctuary is home to diverse and unique native animals and wildlife creatures. However, to truly experience the magic of this wildlife haven, it’s essential to choose the right time of year.
The best time to visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is in spring, during the cooler and drier months from April to September. Temperatures during these months range from the low 60s to the low 80s Fahrenheit, providing a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere for walking and roaming around the Sanctuary. Here’s a quick breakdown based on the seasons to help you decide based on your preferences:
Summer (December to February):
This is the warmest and most humid time. Temperatures often soar into the 80s°F with high humidity. The upside is that kids are out of school, but the downside is bigger crowds, and many animals may be less active to avoid the midday heat. There’s also a higher chance of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Winter (June to August):
This is one of the best seasons. It’s the cooler, drier months with temperatures in the 60s to 70s°F. The lower humidity makes it very comfortable for walking around. Many animals tend to be more active during the milder winter days. Just bring a light jacket for cooler mornings.
Autumn (March to May) and Spring (September to November):
These “shoulder” seasons are also great times to visit. You’ll experience comfortable temperatures, usually in the 70s°F, with lower rain chances. Crowds are moderate compared to peak summer. Animals are still reasonably active during the daytime hours.
What to Expect in Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
When you tour the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you can expect an immersive and up-close experience with some of Australia’s most iconic animals and diverse habitats. Here’s what to expect during your visit:
The Iconic Kangaroo Encounter
It’s only fitting to kick things off by discussing the rite of passage experience for any visitor – the legendary Kangaroo Paddock. This vast open space is home to dozens of the most chilled-out kangaroos you’ll ever meet. And get this – you can walk among them and even get up close to hand-feed them special kangaroo food pellets!
I couldn’t believe how tame and tolerant these guys were of having humans roaming around their territory. Some would hop right up and start munching from your hand. I had kangaroos brushing against my legs as I wandered through the paddock. It was such a surreal experience to be that close and personal with these iconic Australian marsupials in their natural habitat.
Cuddling Koalas and Exploring Wild Exhibits
As impressive as the kangaroo experience, the koala encounter was my highlight. How could I pass up the chance to cuddle one of these ridiculously adorable fluff balls?! The staff members briefed our small group on properly holding and interacting with the koalas while keeping them calm.
Then it was finally my turn, and let me tell you, nothing prepared me for how incredibly soft and snuggly these little guys are. Holding the koala as it clung to me was one of the cutest things I’ve ever experienced. I’m sure my face was permanently stuck in a goofy grin the whole time. 10/10 would cuddle again!
With that dream Checked off the bucket list, I spent the rest of my day exploring Currumbin’s incredible array of habitats and exhibits. The Lost Kingdom area was probably my favorite – it’s like being transported to a wild jungle valley filled with Tasmanian devils, wombats, free-roaming kangaroos, and even giant bird-eating spiders! Yeah, you read that right. Those things are the stuff of nightmares, but seeing them across thick glass walls was pretty cool.
The Wildlife Shows:
For the thrill-seekers, you can’t miss the epic Birds of Prey show. I’m talking giant eagles, hawks, owls and even a condor doing crazy aerial stunts just inches above your head! These powerful birds of prey were being flown all around the arena by the handlers, showing their impressive hunting skills. I held my breath as they whipped past in a blur of feathers and talons—mind-blowing experience.
I also loved wandering through the Rainforest Aviary, which is essentially a vast netted aviary filled with hundreds of vibrantly colored birds flitting all around you. At one point I had a rainbow lorikeet land right on my arm! The staff hands out cups of nectar for the birds to feast on, allowing you to lure them super close—such a magical experience to be surrounded by all that feathered beauty.
Hands-on Animal Encounters and Awesome Extras
As if more than getting to roam among hundreds of animals in this real-life wild kingdom was needed, Currumbin also offers tons of up-close animal encounters and interactive experiences. You can sign up to go into the reptile enclosure and have snakes and lizards pulled out to get up close with them. There’s a sheep shearing shed where you can learn how it’s done and feed the woolly cuties. Or be a zoo keeper for a day and help with food prep and other activities.
Wildlife Hospital Tour:
They even do behind-the-scenes tours of the Wildlife Hospital, where you can see their fantastic work in rescuing and rehabilitating sick, injured, and orphaned native Australian animals. Be prepared – when we peeked into the clinic, they treated the most adorable baby kangaroo you’ve ever seen! My heart just about melted into a puddle on the floor.
Whatever your age, something is fascinating and educational to experience at Currumbin. As much as I loved the up-close animal interactions, I also really appreciated all the info and signage about conservation efforts and protecting endangered species.
What are dinning options available at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
You can find plenty of spots to fuel up during your adventure-filled day at the wildlife sanctuary. Here are some of the top options:
1. Sanctuary cafe:
You will find this beautiful café just after entering the Sanctuary. If you’re looking for the perfect ambiance amid lush green surroundings and a bird park, please do visit. You can find lots of delicious options for breakfast and lunch. We had Bellisimo pizza and coffee, which was yummy.
2. Wild Burgers:
Wild Burgers is conveniently situated in the heart of the Sanctuary next to Wild Island. They offer a quick and fresh menu selection, including burgers, fish & chips, fried chicken, sandwiches, and salad wraps. To beat the heat, you can try fresh fruit salad, ice cream, and cold drinks. You can enjoy various interactive animal shows along with the tastiest food options.
3. Aussie Scoop Ice Cream Parlour:
If you want some crazy good ice cream while watching a running kangaroo show, try this ice cream parlor. You can find it at Sanctuary Café near the Main Entrance. Whether you want a plain scoop or go all out with a sundae loaded with all the fixings, they’ve got you covered.
Top Tips for Visiting Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Based on my wonderful experience, here are a few tips for making the most of your visit to this fantastic place:
Buy your tickets in advance online
not only is it cheaper, but it allows you to plan your visit and reserve any memorable encounters in advance. The easiest and most convenient way to get your Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary tickets is by buying them online through their official website. On the website, you can purchase dated and timed entry tickets and add any additional experiences like animal encounters or behind-the-scenes tours.
Get there when they open to beat the crowds and heat
The earlier you go, the better your chance of seeing animals when they’re most active and getting stellar pics. Visiting early will save you from the extreme heat and crowds. The opening times are from 9 AM to 4 PM so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Wear comfortable shoes and lighter clothing
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is about 27 acres, where you’ll need to walk quite a bit. So, be prepared for that and ensure your walk is comfortable by wearing comfortable shoes and clothing. Also, the Australian sun is no joke, even on a more relaxed day!
- Pack snacks and plenty of water to stay hydrated while exploring the park all day.
- If you want to do encounter experiences, reserve them beforehand, as spaces are limited.
- Take advantage of the must-see shows like the Birds of Prey display – they only happen at certain times.
- Budget for parking, food, souvenirs, etc. This place is worth splurging on!
- Charge those camera batteries and bring extra memory cards. You’ll want to capture every unforgettable moment!
No Matter How You Spin It, Currumbin Is a Nature Wonderland. At the end of the day, after walking for hours marveling at wombats, cuddling a koala, and watching a wedge-tailed eagle soar mere feet above my head, I could hardly believe all the incredible experiences I had packed into a single day at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s one of those destinations every animal lover needs to experience.
From the second you enter through the gates and see a kangaroo hopping by, you’re swept up into an unforgettable journey through Aussie wildlife and nature at its finest. Currumbin is a wonderland of adventures, encounters, and learning experiences – all immersing you directly into the incredible world of iconic animals and birds.