Description: With hundreds of animals and birds, the Sanctuary is home to one of the largest collections of Australian native wildlife in the world. Established nearly 60 years ago, the Sanctuary has attracted millions of visitors throughout its history and continues to provide opportunities to get close to Australia’s amazing wildlife.
The Sanctuary was established in 1947 by beekeeper and flower grower Alex Griffiths, who began feeding the region’s wild lorikeets to prevent them from ravaging his prized blooms. The feeding of the colourful lorikeets soon developed from a local curiosity to a popular tourist attraction. In 1976, Alex gifted the Sanctuary to the National Trust of Queensland.. The Trust continues to operate the Sanctuary on a not-for-profit basis, with all revenue reinvested back into the park, in conservation-based research, caring for sick and injured wildlife and public education.
Originally known as Currumbin Bird Sanctuary, the park’s name was changed to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in 1995 to better reflect the diverse range of animals on display. While the lorikeets remain a hallmark attraction, there is much, much more to keep visitors busy for a whole day. We didn’t arrive until 1pm so we really had to hurry around the park to see as much as we could. We visited the Free Flight Bird Show at 2pm, the Crocodile Encounter at 2.45pm, kangaroo feeding at 3.15pm, aboriginal dancers at 3.30pm and the Lorikeet feeding at 4pm. Frankly, we enjoyed all of them. We had our granddaughter with us and a niece from Thailand and they were enthralled with everything. We either walked between venues or used the train that travels throughout the park. Before the bird show and after the lorikeet feeding we enjoyed some of the other park attractions. We saw koalas, emus, Tasmanian devils, snakes, lizards and a whole lot more.
We had no time to investigate The Green Challenge, which is the newest nature-based adventure experience for the Gold Coast. Sixty-five challenges, over four separate courses, weave their way through the eucalypt and rainforest canopy, taking visitors higher and further into the spectacular natural setting.
To enjoy the Green Challenge attraction, visitors can purchase a 2 Parc Adventure Pass - a two-day, two attraction pass for entry to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary plus the Green Challenge with a bonus day. Each of the Green Challenge courses has been designed for both adults and children. Children must reach 160cm from heels to the middle of both outstretched hands to enter the Green Challenge and 180 cm for the advanced, Extreme Green Challenge.
We were not aware until we arrived that after dark, Currumbin comes alive with activity as well. On arrival, the experience begins with an Australian buffet including a choice of hot dishes, salads and desserts. Then you take a walk on the wild side and get close to Australia’s native and experience spellbinding, Aboriginal music, dance and culture, seven nights a week. The haunting sound of the didgeridoo echoing through the Sanctuary’s natural bushland is a truly memorable experience. You meet the koalas and see one of the biggest Saltwater Crocodiles in Australia, hand feed the mob of friendly kangaroos and see the Tasmanian Devil at its most active. The Wildnight Adventure BBQ buffet is served from 6:00 pm prior to the start of the Wildnight Adventure at 6:45 pm.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm every day except Christmas Day when the park is closed. On Anzac Day it opens from 1:30pm to 5:00pm. Admission is A$39.60 for adults and A$23.40 for children.
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