Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Review

A Gold Coast institution and perhaps the most ecologically-minded wildlife facility in the region, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a 70-acre, not-for-profit National Trust Reserve. Established in 1947 as a lorikeet sanctuary, it now shelters many Australian species, including crocodiles, snakes, wombats, dingoes, Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, and endangered frogs. There are more than a dozen daily animal shows, informative talks, Aboriginal dance and didgeridoo sessions, 'roo feedings, and koala cuddling. Come at 8 am or 4 pm when the lorikeets are fed, or book a nifty Segway Safari guided tour of the park (A$10 for 40 min.) You can also take a treetops ropes course (A$20, weekends and holidays). The nightly guided Wildnight Adventure includes a "Wild Buffet" from 5:30, a tour of the sanctuary's nocturnal inhabitants from 7, and Aboriginal dancing by firelight afterwards (reservations essential). Tickets are much cheaper if bought online in advance, especially in low season. There's a gourmet produce market in the carpark on Saturday mornings. Return transfers to and from the Gold Coast can be booked with Surfside Bus Lines (www.surfsidebuslines.com).