A wildlife park near the Gold Coast in Queensland, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to native Australian animals such as mammals, reptiles, birdlife and amphibians. There are regular shows and encounters as well as opportunities to feed the animals.
Fantastic place to visit and see the animals. The staff were friendly and very insightful. I love the set up of the park, especially with the train. The train makes it easy for anyone to move around the park and not miss any of the sights & sounds. I would highly recommend a visit if you are in the area, you will not regret it!
Nic M — Google review
This place is incredible! Visiting from the States, of course the animals are nothing like I've ever seen before. That alone is amazing in and of itself. However, the layout and landscape were truly spectacular. Nothing like you would get from a zoo or aquarium at home. I felt my inner child come out and be thrilled at all the animals in a very natural habitat. The staff was terrific and knowledgeable. I loved how spread out and open all the habitats are. The kangaroos were available to feed and pet (not the joeys!) and watch as though I was in their natural environment. The real treat were the koalas. So many babies!!! I couldn't believe how long I could stand and watch the mamas and babies together. The refreshments are reasonably priced and delish. I was delighted and my experience exceeded all expectations.
Liatheradiant — Google review
Amazing value for money! There is so much to see with educational boards throughout the sanctuary. For a dollar coin donation you can feed the lorikeets at 8am, this was by far my favourite experience! Within the day pass you also get access to feedings, shows and talks. I could easily spend all day there! You can roam at your own pace too. I highly recommend booking a day pass if you are ever in the Gold Coast, you won't want to miss out on this amazing experience, trust me!! I will definetly return, it was so much fun.
Ashleigh S — Google review
I love Currumbin -it's even better than all the other animal sanctuaries and zoos in QLD. I think that the simplified list of shows throughout the day needs to be more easily accessible on the website but it is so much fun to visit, even if you only make one or two shows. If you CAN only make one, be sure it's the 10:45am or 2:15pm wild skies free flight show on the opposite side of the sanctuary to the entry -easily the best free flight show around. Accessibility for mobility impaired persons and people with prams is far better than anywhere else too. This is a really special experience.
Rikki G — Google review
A hidden gem, smack bang in the middle of the Southern Gold Coast. A tranquil slice of heaven from the moment you arrive. The park is maintained impeccably and the layout invites you to meander around the whole day. The animals are well cared for and the site boasts a very busy wildlife hospital. There's several shows and activities each day to cater for the entire family. A trip on the custom park train is a must, especially if you have little ones. A definite destination to include when you visit the Gold Coast.
Ryno F — Google review
What a wonderful place! Staffs are friendly, park is very well maintained. All the animals looks really happy and well fed. 😄 Weather was perfect in June too. We had an absolutely great time here. Prepare some light snacks for your kids and take the tram! Highly recommended to visit the in house animal hospital. When we were there, they were treating a koala and visitors can view from the outside transparent glass panels.
Hayley S — Google review
a must-visit attraction on the Goldy. It combines conservation, education, and entertainment in a stunning natural setting, offering an enriching experience for visitors of all ages. It's a place where you can connect with Australia's native wildlife and gain a deeper appreciation for the country's natural heritage.This expansive sanctuary provides an opportunity to get up close and personal with Australia's unique wildlife in a beautiful natural setting.Visitors can witness a diverse range of creatures, from cuddly koalas and kangaroos to colorful lorikeets and massive crocodiles. The park's well-designed enclosures and exhibits allow for a close encounter with these remarkable creatures while ensuring their well-being and protection.The daily wildlife shows and interactive experiences are a big draw. You can watch awe-inspiring bird of prey demonstrations, witness adorable koala cuddle sessions, and even hand-feed kangaroos, creating unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages.The sanctuary's lush and well-maintained grounds also make it an excellent place for a leisurely walk or picnic, with beautiful gardens and a peaceful atmosphere that offers a welcome break from the bustling city.There are informative displays, passionate staff members, and wildlife hospital tours that provide valuable insights into the sanctuary's vital role in protecting and rehabilitating injured animals.
Mutia U — Google review
This was the highlight of our trip. The animals were beautiful. The keepers were so helpful and shared great information. The volunteers were incredible and so helpfulThe birds in flight show is amazing.Remember the kids swimmers, the splash pad is very refreshing on a hot dayThe food was nice. Sadly not a lot of lorikeets at the wild feeding but they are wild so they can’t control that
Stephanie J — Google review
A great time with my daughter and the Lima’s in their enclosure. We met Sam the snake and had loads of photo ops with various exotic and native animals of Australia. Pay the admission fee, you won’t be disappointed- and you with contribute to a wonderful space!
Sarah P — Google review
We had a wonderful day at the sanctuary! We got to hold a koala for a picture at the beginning of our day, which was facilitated by some very nice staff members who had the patience of Saints. We then went on an adventure to the rest of the sanctuary where we saw kangaroos, emus, wallabies, and binturongs. We attended an excellent nature talk by one of the guides who discussed the koalas and all the Joeys at the park, as well as the Tasmanian devils. There was a little train that would take you from the entrance area through the rest of the sanctuary, it was 1.4 miles round trip. But you could easily walk around the entire park in a day without using the train. We really enjoyed the lost valley with the waterfalls and the mist, it was beautiful! All in all we had a fantastic day!
D F — Google review
We had a wonderful day. My 11 yr old grandson did the Tree Top Challenge he loved it. I tried i did the first part but had to give up not bad for a 72 yr old. The staff were great about helping me get back down. The whole place is a wonderful day out there is so much to do.
Heather R — Google review
Started off 2023 with a bang. This place is awesome....better than a certain well known Australian zoo. I say this for a few reasons - the cost is reasonable (and comparable), the range of animals is great, everything is well spaced out but not too far for walking, plenty of shows through the day, wandering wildlife (with volunteer staff) which you can occasionally interact with, it's super clean, not over crowded and the cost for food and drink is also reasonable. The quality of the meals was great too.We spent a full day meandering around and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.Please keep in mind when reading this, this is a wildlife park, not a zoo so, no elephants and tigers type animals, mostly native and rescued international animals.Staff were friendly and knowledgeable too.This place is definately family friendly.Thank you for an awesome day!
Kerry C — Google review
All the staff here are super friendly. As someone who comes here a lot, make sure to visit thethe bird habitat. It is nice and quiet and feels like a different world all together. Also check out the turtle place. The rushing water background noise is calming and good for meditation.. Busiest days are usually Saturday and Sunday.
Delight M — Google review
A nice day out. I spent two hours there in total. The queue to buy tickets moved fast. Nice to see all aussie animals. Staff were lovely and friendly. Toilets clean. Good coffee in the reception area. Felt it was expensive for what it was. It's quite small.
Maeve C — Google review
We enjoyed the bird show, Dino trail and blinky bill, 2 more shows in the afternoon is quite a long wait after the morning shows. I wish they can put more shows. The mini train is convenient. Be sure to bring your water/drinks and snacks as it can be quite expensive ($6/bottle & & $4 for small packet of chips😊), the hot food is fair price.
Lyn P — Google review
This was a great sanctuary..well groomed cared for and wonderful volunteers. I bought annual passes for me and my son. We will be back soon!! Parking is $10 per car unless a member then it's free. Plus the membership includes a 15% discount in the gift shops. The bird show was incredible!! Enjoy your visit!!
Kathy R — Google review
A beautiful zoo. Go in the morning as it is less busy! But definitely not a sanctuary. I believe the animals are well taken care of! But you feel a big focus on the commercial side. I personally found it a bit expensive. Prices: $65 entry fee, $10 parking, 50$ for 1 picture with a koala, $5 for a coke. Nothing wrong with the zoo itself, I was just hoping to visit a sanctuary :)
Lisa S — Google review
First time visitors with my 11 months old. This is him experiencing animals for the first time. Oh he loved every bit of it. His favorite was the emu and the birds aviary but he enjoyed everything else too. My mom n dad from Sri Lanka and they both enjoyed their day as well. Great food, great environment and great service. Keep up the good work.
Kavindika P — Google review
This place was well worth the visit. We spent 4 hours there looking at all the open wildlife exhibits. We got to pat a kangaroo that is how close you can get to some of the animals. There were birds enclosures, mammals, insects, marsupials etc. the atmosphere was very relaxing and the layout is excellent. There is plenty of shady areas if it gets a bit hot and you can even cool down in front of water sprays. There are multiple waterfalls to make this experience one to remember. 2 trains you can hope on and off. Well worth the visit. Recommended. FYI. Look online for 10% off vouchers.
Thomas M — Google review
This place was great, not as big as some other wildlife parks, but still well kept. Nice tidy grounds and very friendly informative staff. The animals look well looked after also. Grab the free train if you tire from all the walking.
Rob — Google review
This place is awesome, better than a certain well known Australian zoo.The price is reasonable-value for money.Fantastic place to visit and see the animals. The staff were friendly and very insightful. I love the set up of the park, especially with the train. The train makes it easy for anyone to move around the park so you won’t miss any show.
Aditya J — Google review
Visiting this sanctuary is a must! So many fun things to observe and experience for people of all ages. The koalas, kangaroos, reptiles, birds and many more. Beautiful daily shows and my favorite was the Wildskies bird show. The colorful Lorikeets feeding is a refreshing and lively experience. The dinosaurs trail is a fun and interactive way to learn about dinosaurs. There is also the activity of Zip lining which is suitable for older children and adults. Highly recommended. My one and only recommendation for the management is to keep the restaurants open until the sanctuary closes, as it's difficult to catch up with the shows and have a good meal after them.
Haya S — Google review
Amazing experience in a gorgeous animal paradise. The koala breakfast was the crown jewel, and I highly recommend it. We got to pet koalas multiple times, take great photos and learn a lot about them, the food was delicious, and you also get early park access so you can go see other animals before anyone else enters the park. The echidna encounter was a fluke and I would not recommend it. Friend the kangaroos and petting them was a treat that will last us a lifetime. The red panda was the most beautiful creature I’ve seen. And the lemurs were hilarious, tanning around in the most intriguing poses. The one bad/terrible thing that must to be changed is the diesel train. Not only does it pollute the environment for us humans and the animals they’re trying to rescue, but it just smells terrible and made us sick. And one thing that should be improved are the bathrooms.
Esteban — Google review
I haven’t been here in like 15 years, and as much as it’s improved, it’s also just the way it was..and that’s perfect!!Plenty of amenities available in all sections of the sanctuary.The little trains are awesome and get you around nice and quick. They take strollers, so not to worry.All of the exhibits were fantastic. Stroll through an aviary; catch up with the lemurs, red panda, tassie devils, wombats, among many other species.You can have your photo taken with a koala, which is an amazing experience.Unfortunately the kangaroo field is largely closed due to, what looks like, an AMAZING upgrade that should open in the near future. You can still meet many kangaroos, and feed them for just $2.The water play area is a great addition. It is probably suited towards kids 1-4 years old.We look forward to coming in the future.
Nighthook — Google review
This place is great! I totally recommend visiting here on your own or as a family. Me and my family came here quite a few times when we lived in Australia and it is such a lovely welcoming place. The staff are brilliant and so kind and talkative which really adds to the whole experience. My favourite part is the bird feeding where you can feed the wild birds and they are so tame considering they are wild because of all the love they receive here and food of course 😂. The kangaroo encounter is also lovely as they are very calm and comfortable around people and have a nice large environment to live in. This whole zoo is beautiful and so worth visiting :)
Olivia ! — Google review
Despite having visited the Gold Coast on many occasions, I had never visited the Sanctuary and, despite the rather steep entry price, I was really very impressed. In fact, I think it was worth the money spent. The enclosures looked well thought out for the different animals, the notices are well worded and informative, and the different sections provided plenty of interest for all ages. I went with my daughter and her two children aged 5 and 3. If you feel so inclined you can even try the ziplines (height dependant). The area is huge, but there is a train if you get too tired (or hot!), although the kids can cool off in the water park, so bring togs! There's also a playground.
Lynette T — Google review
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an amazing place where you can encounter a variety of Australian flora and fauna. Here, you can meet kangaroos, koalas, and greet various birds, including beautiful lorikeets. It's the perfect place for a family outing, where everyone will find something interesting. Additionally, the park hosts various shows and presentations, allowing guests to get closer to the local wildlife.
Diana — Google review
Great few hours spent here with my granddaughter. She loved the school holiday scavenger hunt. Well maintained and animals appeared well. Staff were excellent, friendly and helpful. Entrance price was a bit steep, though we had a great day.
Stuart W — Google review
Great place!We bought tickets online. You can download app that has everything you need, tickets, shows, map etc... Everything is clean, spacious. Animals are in great condition and well taken care of. Every day stuff has some free shows and have some that you can pay extra while buying tickets. After show can get a photo but if you want a copy need to pay. Great gift shop!
Jelena K — Google review
We had a family get together here. It was lovely!! Lots of fun for all ages. The train ride was cool. The bird show was really good. Queues weren't too bad. Food at the cafeteria was nice. Lots of life all around.
Neal R — Google review
Great spot for kids (and adults) to play all day. Pack swimmers for kids in warm months to play in the splash area. Blinky bill show is always a winner. Lots of walking, bring stroller for the young ones or catch the train around the park. The dinosaur extinction trail is really cool and the new gold rush area with rabbits and lamas
Summerly D — Google review
We visited this place twice during our trip to Queensland last month. It’s a must-visit destination on the Gold Coast for families. This experience is very different from other zoos we’ve been to before. The layout allows you to get up close and personal with many animal species, which we found unique and thoroughly enjoyable.I also highly recommend checking out the optional encounters and experiences. If your kids are tall enough, they’ll probably love the Treetop Challenge as well. It's best to book these in advance. Lastly, searching for discounted tickets online before your visit can save your family some lunch money.
Frank N — Google review
We did some research on the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary while planning a trip to the Gold Coast and it was well worth the visit.We booked in to do the grazing with the koalas (afternoon tea) which got us up close to them and we were able to each have a holding a koala.Every one of the zoo keepers where full and f knowledge and very happy to answer any questions you had about the animals.This is one of those “must do while on the Gold Coast” things and we really enjoyed everything about the day.We went in a Friday and there was a market with food vans with plenty of different types of food so that was where we had dinner before heading home.
Cory R — Google review
Deceptively large zoo with enough to keep you busy for most of the day. The koalas are the star of the park but there are so many more interesting animals to see. The wild bird show was very entertaining and informative. For an up close and personal view of Australian wildlife you will love this place.
Wolf M — Google review
11/10 day trip for the family! Train rides around the sanctuary included in ticket, plus PLENTY of shoes and talks as well. HIGHLY recommend getting to the Bird show!!We also ate at the cafe where the “Blinky Bill” show was held and was fairly reasonable as far as lunches out at these places go, plus serves are generous and staff SUPER accommodating for allergies!
Jordan M — Google review
Expensive tickets. Over $60 each for an adult and almost as expensive for a child. The zoo map is absolutely terrible. I spoke to two staff members throughout the day, and they both agreed that it is terrible. Once you have been there for a few hours, sure you start to know where you are going, but when you first arrive and find yourself trying to get to the other side of the park to see the bird show, very frustrating how poor the map is. Needs massive improvement. The train would have been helpful to get around but was not operating. Variety of animals is fairly basic. My son wanted to see the lemurs so much, and unfortunately, that attraction was also not open. The frog lab is a waste of time for visitors. Windows to some storage racks in reality. Staff were great overall. Very friendly. Food (and pricing thereof) were standard/acceptable. I would return again, but not anytime soon. Too expensive. Please improve your map/signage for the good of your visitors!
LR — Google review
Was really impressed with the modern nature of the facilities and upkeep of the premises. It's a lush hideaway with cool walking tracks thanks to the stunning vegetation. A lot of effort has gone into designing the enclosures. Staff were all really friendly and helpful. Far better than some of the other zoos around SEQ.The highlight was certainly the cultural dance show!
R N — Google review
I visited on a weekday outside of the school holidays. It was $65.60 charged to my card to get in, plus $10 for the car park. The park is fairly spaced out, but the free train makes it easy to get around. The free flight bird show is good. I didn't bother with any other shows. I saw at least one animal in most enclosures. I missed a few enclosures as I had already done a walk that morning and was getting tired.I bought some Kaarage fried chicken pieces and a coke for $15. The chicken was dry. Probably would have been okay if it was served with some kind of sauce.I saw a large play area for kids.There is a high rope course for additional money. It looked really cool. Unfortunately, I'm too fat to try it. It was very high in some places, and looked quite long.
Kristy A — Google review
I came here a few days ago, unfortunately the train was under maintenance, but that was the main thing I found about this attraction and habitats - they are very good at maintenance! The staff here obviously take great pride in keeping the animals comfortable and ensuring the best for their patrons.Speaking of animals, they were all healthy and happy, and I actually enjoyed this park the most out of all the parks I've been to - the natural habitats and positioning made it possible to see the animals even if they were sleeping, something not found even somewhere like Taronga Zoo.The gift stores were cute, and the staff were nice! Had a great time and it was definitely worth the visit.
Em — Google review
First time with the kids, all enjoyed the animal's and shows. Our young bubs just enjoyed the train ride around the place. My kids loved the Alpha red kangaroo.
Isaac B — Google review
Lovely little sanctuary. My little boy almost 2 loved the train ride. Animals we saw were not that many but the highlight would def be the kangaroo petting area and koala pictures. The volunteers at the sanctuary were amazing and you can see they were truly passionate about their roles and cared for the animals. amazing people!
Di D — Google review
This place is a must visit! Took our kids here on holiday from NZ. Animal sanctuary was great, can pat the wallabies and get up close to most animals. The best part though was the tree top challenge - climbing and zip lining in the trees above the sanctuary. Whole family loved it! Restaurant at the sanctuary is lovely too and has great service.
Kelly T — Google review
Wow what a superb wildlife park!! Can't recommend it enough. Beautifully designed, educational, healthy animals and passionate staff. Get there early for the parakeet feeding (8am onwards).I visited with my family and partners parents who visited from the Netherlands and it was great for them that as soon as you walk in there are so many koalas to see, you can pat kangaroos and emus, walk with the wallabies etc.I'll do a separate review for the tree-top challenge but all I'll say here is it is SO worth the $40 ticket upgrade.Plenty of add-on experiences too but book these in advance.Only downsides were there is currently only one place to order food, and the train around the park stops early.Enjoy visiting!!
Bebe L — Google review
Interesting wildlife sanctuary.Went there with my partner. We loved koalas and the bird show and monkey cages. They had a lot of room and freedom in some way.At the same time there were some minuses.There was aboriginal show which felt little unsettling. The first thought of going to the zoo or wildlife sanctuary, i think of seeing animals not people. It seemed that the performers didn't want to be there at all and it felt kind of forced for them.There was very little food options, basically one fast food place which was very dirty and overcrowded.Overall, i think it was an okay visit, but it needs some improvements.
Kerli K — Google review
Absolutely stunning experience at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary! From the moment we walked in, we were immersed in the beauty and diversity of Australian wildlife. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, making the visit even more enjoyable. Highlights included feeding the kangaroos, holding a koala, and watching the spectacular bird show and high ropes . The sanctuary is well-maintained, with ample opportunities for hands-on experiences and educational programs. Perfect for families and nature lovers alike. Can't recommend it highly enough!
Nairo B — Google review
Had a wonderful visit to the sanctuary with our eldest daughter who is 7. She specifically wanted to see the Capybaras. We also caught the wild skies show and visited the kangaroos and the new outback section. It is a wonderful place! Lots of shade and interesting exhibits. The lost valley where the calybaras are is just amazing! Rainforest feels. Highly recommend for families. If you live locally the annual membership is a great deal.
Sharon B — Google review
I loved this place as a child and was incredibly delighted to visit again now. I much prefer this place to Australia Zoo because it is more conservation focused and also puts more emphasis on our First Nations peoples.Also the Bird Show is really cool. Almost shed a tear thinking about the importance of protecting our wildlife.
Mish K — Google review
This is one of the places in Queensland tourist still can hug koala. It’s a well run sanctuary in Gold Coast, convenient to get there, 10 min drive from airport, 1 hr short flight from Sydney. Good variety of animals. The line to hug koala can be very long, you can easily wait for an hr, ticket can be bought in advance or at the site, each ticket is one photo, they don’t care how many people is in the picture, digital download is easy to use. Feeding kangaroo is a fun activity for kids, I wish we had more time there…you need 2-3 hrs to see everything. Overall I do highly recommend it if you travel with kids.
Lina Y — Google review
Great day out with the kids (and adults). Not a tonne of animals to see but enough for a good few hours of fun and entertainment.Good cafes within the park for refreshments as well. The train ride is fun and obviously the koalas are super cute!
Zafir K — Google review
Nice park, beautiful surroundings and a good variety of animals. Absolutely loved the lemurs! Passionate staff.Steep entry fee compared to other parks that are just as beautiful and have just as many features. Perhaps, I feel this way partly because the train wasn't available, but even a functioning train shouldn't cause the ticket to be nearing double the cost of other high quality parks.
Elyse M — Google review
Best day of my life! Got to feed and pet as kangaroos as much as I wanted 🥰 Nice and tidy facilities all around. Wonderfully kept park, happy animals!
Ninni R — Google review
Incredible. I hadn't visited in around 8 years. While some things hadn't changed some things most definitely had.This is a must-visit for anyone visiting the Gold Coast region. The entry process was quick when you pre-purchase your tickets in advance online via the park itself or via the NRMA app if you are a member.My favourite part was most definitely the rainforest. The sanctuary really lets you choose the adventures you want to go on. Even if you go and see the same thing twice it's different every time.The animals are given the best care and you can tell. I witnessed this first-hand when a rock wallaby was injured and attended to immediately.Unfortunately, I didn't get to see any of the shows. My group was so busy exploring that we completely ran out of time.We intentionally visited on a Saturday to see the steam train. This train celebrated 60 years of loyal service at the sanctuary recently and it was a pleasure to see and ride on.The food was alright. I can't it was the best, unfortunately. I got the pulled pork burger and while the quality was good the portion size I felt was rather small for the burger and chips. The unlimited drink refill is of good value and I recommend this for a family.Apart from the train and, rainforest the other highlight was the world for lorikeet feeding. It is a must to do this. If you haven't been around parrots or birds it can be frightening at first but you'll be right.The grounds are well looked after and you can tell this place is managed and operated to the highest level for both residents and guests.
Ray — Google review
Thoroughly enjoyed this place…We arrived 15 minutes late for the bird feeding but that didn’t stop the hundreds of wild birds still getting fed and handled by us ❤️ a professional photographer is at the park capturing moments - many free! And the photos are so cheap to buy!!❤️ volunteers are walking around with snakes, koalas etc for you to pat❤️ bird show was the best one yet!❤️ trains took you back and forthStaff and volunteers were so friendly- food reasonably priced.
Liz M — Google review
Our family recently visited Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to celebrate our granddaughter's second birthday, and it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere. The sanctuary's stunning natural surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for a day of exploration and adventure.The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly seeing the joy on our granddaughters' faces as they encountered the incredible variety of animals. From cuddly koalas to playful kangaroos, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The girls were mesmerized by the interactive shows and thrilled to learn about conservation efforts to protect these precious species.The staff at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary were exceptional, going above and beyond to ensure that our visit was memorable. Their passion for wildlife conservation was evident in every interaction, and we left feeling inspired to do our part in protecting our planet's natural treasures.Overall, our day at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary exceeded our expectations, and we can't wait to return. It's truly a gem on the Gold Coast, offering a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and natural beauty. We highly recommend it to families looking for a fun and educational day out."
Amar A — Google review
Wonderful place to visit with kids. The mini train was a big hit. Saw the frog talk, visited the animal hospital, saw the wild skies bird show, the indigenous cultural show and the lorikeet feeding. Also visited the extinction trail that was done well.Not too busy but busy enough for a Sunday.Food was good and the playgrounds were a hit a well.
Jo E — Google review