Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary | The Must-Visit Wildlife Park on the Gold Coast
When traveling to Australia, cuddling a koala or snapping a photo with kangaroos is on almost every traveler's bucket list, making wildlife parks a perennial favorite. When it comes to the Gold Coast, the most renowned and highly recommended spot is without doubt Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary!
Today, I will cover Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary tickets, must-see shows, essential highlights, and koala photo tips, ensuring that families, couples, and friends alike can make the most of their visit!
(I have personally visited Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary three times now, each time bringing different international friends. It is simply that classic of a destination—truly perfect for travelers.)
1. How to Get to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
My top recommendation is renting a car and driving. Queensland is vast and many attractions lie beyond the city centers, so self-driving offers tremendous flexibility. Just set your GPS to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and follow the route.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is also located close to Gold Coast Airport and not far from downtown Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise), so taking public transit is very convenient as well. Simply take the G:link tram to Broadbeach South station, then transfer to Bus 700 and get off right at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (click here for the Gold Coast Transportation Guide).
(There is a free outdoor car park directly across the street from the sanctuary entrance, and the bus stop is right by the front gate if you arrive by public transit.)
2. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket Prices
| General Admission | General Admission + Koala Photo | General Admission + TreeTop Challenge* |
| Adult: $70 Child: $55 Family: $215 |
Adult: $139 Child: $124 |
Adult: $115 Child: $90 Family: $390 |
| ※ Child pricing applies to ages 3–13; Family ticket includes 2 adults and 2 children. ※ The TreeTop Challenge is a dedicated high ropes adventure park located inside the sanctuary grounds featuring zip-lines, suspension bridges, and tree-climbing courses. |
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The three options above are the most popular ticket packages. However, you can also upgrade your tickets to include exclusive experiences like breakfast with koalas, private animal encounters, wildlife hospital tours, and more. If you are seeking an in-depth adventure, check out their upgrade options.
In addition to purchasing directly via the official website or on-site ticket counters, you can also book online via travel platforms like KKday's Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Tickets or Klook's Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Tickets. These platforms often offer special promotional discounts, so feel free to compare rates before booking.
(The ticket booth area is modest, with just four small windows. If you already booked online in advance, simply show your digital voucher here to redeem your admission tickets.)
3. What to See and Do at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Established back in 1947, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Australia's historic wildlife parks. Spanning 27 hectares, it is vast and divided into several themed zones. A complete tour usually takes around 3 to 4 hours (longer if you participate in the TreeTop Challenge). Here is the sanctuary park map:
Each section features different wildlife species and activities. Wondering what highlights are absolute must-dos? Below are the top 5 iconic experiences inside the park that ensure a thoroughly rewarding day out!
1. Hold and Cuddle a Koala
Koala holding is not permitted in every Australian state—currently, it is legal only in Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia (meaning you cannot hold them in Sydney or Melbourne). Naturally, the park's premier draw is taking a commemorative photo holding a koala!
The koalas here are gentle and well-accustomed to handling, supervised closely by experienced wildlife carers throughout the session. Note that koala photos are only offered during two time slots daily: 9:00 am – 11:30 am and 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm. The photo station is right near the front gate, so I recommend joining the session right after entry; that way, your printed photo will be ready to pick up at the exit gift shop when you finish your day!
(If you purchase the admission package with a koala photo, you will receive a green card to present at the photo counter.)
(The photo area is right near the entrance as soon as you step inside. Please note that while companions can stand beside you in the photo, only the person who purchased the koala hold ticket may hold the koala. If everyone wants their own individual photo holding a koala, separate packages must be purchased.)
(Each group takes around 30 seconds to a minute, so even with a queue, the line moves quite quickly.)
(After your photo is taken, head out and enjoy the park. Before heading home, stop by the counter in the exit gift shop to collect your printed photo.)
2. Hand-Feeding and Interacting with Kangaroos
Similar to other Queensland wildlife destinations (such as Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Australia Zoo), Currumbin boasts an open-range kangaroo paddock where visitors can wander freely among kangaroos and wallabies to feed, gently pet, and take quintessential Aussie selfies!
(You will spot dozens of kangaroos in this open paddock; they are completely docile and thoroughly accustomed to visitors.)
(If you want to feed the kangaroos, you can buy cups of special kangaroo food from vending machines nearby for AUD $2 each. Feeding them gently from your palm is an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike.)
(Sometimes Australian kangaroos have that hilarious "tough guy" stare... haha!)
3. Live Educational Shows and Cultural Performances
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary runs interactive wildlife and cultural shows virtually every single hour across different areas of the park. Highlights include the Free-Flight Bird Show, Aboriginal dance performances, pelican feedings, and veterinary demonstrations. Make sure to check the official show schedule ahead of time.
4. Rainbow Lorikeet Feeding
The wild rainbow lorikeet feeding session is Currumbin's signature founding tradition. Held twice daily at 8:00 am and 4:00 pm (matching the sanctuary's opening and closing hours), hundreds of brightly colored wild lorikeets flock from surrounding eucalyptus forests to land directly on visitors' feeding plates, arms, and shoulders. This activity is free of charge, but arriving slightly early ensures you get a good spot.
5. Other Unique Park Highlights & Family Fun
Home to over 1,400 native Australian animals, the park offers encounters with saltwater crocodiles, cassowaries, possums, dingoes, reptiles, nocturnal creatures, and more. There are also miniature train rides and a splash water playground that children will adore!
(Being a sanctuary, it offers a fantastic window into Australia's endemic wildlife and unique ecosystems.)
(The Wild Island Adventure Splash Zone and gemstone panning station give young children plenty of room to play, splash, and discover. Australia truly excels at creating family-friendly travel destinations.)
(A complimentary vintage miniature steam train runs through the different sections of the sanctuary. Although compact, it has over 60 years of heritage and holds fond memories for generations of locals. It is ideal if you want to give your feet a rest between attractions, though departures run about once every hour, so check the station timetable.)
(Deep inside the grounds sits the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, where visitors can watch wildlife veterinarians at work through glass observation galleries. The hospital actively spearheads crucial conservation programs to treat injured wildlife and protect endangered species from extinction—a remarkably meaningful stop.)
(The gift shop at the exit offers sanctuary-exclusive memorabilia and adorable Aussie animal plushes that you won't find in generic souvenir shops—definitely worth browsing for gifts.)
6. TreeTop Challenge High Ropes Course
This aerial adventure is less frequented by casual international tourists, but worth highlighting since it is located right on the sanctuary grounds. Designed for travelers with great physical energy and a penchant for outdoor sports, it features exciting obstacle courses high in the rainforest canopy.
(The TreeTop Challenge occupies a secluded bushland section inside the park. You will need an upgraded package ticket to participate; simply check in at the activity registration desk with your voucher card.)
(Instructors spend around 20 minutes guiding you through safety briefings and demonstrating how to manage your carabiners, harnesses, and zip-lines.)
(All courses are strictly one-way, meaning you move forward once you start. Conquer your fear of heights and tackle each obstacle step by step!)
That wraps up my comprehensive guide to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. This venerable sanctuary continues to charm families and travelers worldwide. With its immersive wildlife encounters, engaging shows, and strong educational impact, it is an essential highlight on any Gold Coast holiday!