Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

What it's like here

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a 27-hectare forest and rainforest reserve on the southern Gold Coast, opened in 1947 and now run by the National Trust. What began with a beekeeper feeding wild lorikeets has grown into one of Queensland's major wildlife attractions, though it remains genuine bushland rather than a traditional zoo. The sanctuary straddles the Gold Coast Highway, connected by a tunnel, and much of the space is kept in near-natural conditions—koalas and kangaroos roam relatively freely, and the landscape itself is part of the experience.

The lorikeet feeding is still the heart of a visit. Wild rainbow lorikeets land on your head, arms and shoulders at 8am and 4pm daily, entirely unfazed by visitors. It's the signature experience and remains as remarkable as it sounds. Beyond that, the sanctuary hosts the Free Flight Bird Show with pelicans, parrots and eagles, a miniature railway winding through the grounds, and Aboriginal cultural performances. There's also TreeTop Challenge, a high-ropes course with over 100 obstacles for those after something more active.

The wildlife hospital is unusually compelling. One of Australia's busiest, it treats over 10,000 animals a year, and a public viewing gallery lets you watch vets working on actual patients—far more affecting than any enclosure or display. The animals on-site span koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, cassowaries, Tasmanian devils, lemurs and red pandas. Koala photo sessions run at set times for an extra fee and can fill up quickly.

Astra Lumina, an illuminated bushland walk after dark, runs Wednesday to Saturday with start times that shift seasonally. It's a different way to experience the grounds. Photography is allowed throughout, and the sanctuary is wheelchair accessible with parking, toilets, a café and baby-changing facilities on-site.

Most visitors stay four to five hours. The sanctuary opens at 9:00am and closes at 4:00pm (last admission 3:30pm), and is closed on ANZAC Day and Christmas Day. Booking online is cheaper than buying at the gate. It's 30 minutes from Surfers Paradise and 10 minutes from Gold Coast Airport. The car park costs $10 all day, though it's free for National Trust members. The site can close in severe weather, and some experiences—like koala photo sessions—run in limited windows that may end early depending on animal welfare.

Highlights

• Wild lorikeet feeding at 8am and 4pm, with birds landing directly on you
• Currumbin Wildlife Hospital with a public viewing gallery to watch vets treating animals
• Koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, cassowaries, Tasmanian devils, lemurs and red pandas in near-natural conditions
• Free Flight Bird Show featuring pelicans, parrots and eagles
• Astra Lumina, an after-dark illuminated bushland walk (Wednesday to Saturday)
• TreeTop Challenge high-ropes course with over 100 obstacles
• Miniature railway and Aboriginal cultural performances

Good to know

Open 9:00am–4:00pm daily (last admission 3:30pm); closed ANZAC Day and Christmas Day. Koala photo sessions and animal encounters cost extra and run in set windows. Book online for cheaper day passes. Car parking is $10 all day (free for National Trust members) in the lot opposite the main entrance on Tomewin Street. Astra Lumina runs Wednesday to Saturday with start times that shift with the season. Most visitors stay four to five hours. The sanctuary is 30 minutes from Surfers Paradise and 10 minutes from Gold Coast Airport.

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Last verified: September 7, 2026