in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Interactive wildlife sanctuary specializing in native Australian animals with rainbow lorikeet feeding experiences. Meet koalas, hold snakes, and watch exciting wildlife shows.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a 27-hectare wildlife park located in Currumbin on the southern Gold Coast in Queensland, approximately 20 kilometres south of Surfers Paradise. The sanctuary was established in 1947 by local beekeeper Alex Griffiths, who attracted flocks of wild rainbow lorikeets to his garden with honey water — a tradition continued for nearly 80 years. Now operated as a not-for-profit organisation under the National Trust of Australia (Queensland), the sanctuary cares for over 1,200 native animals across more than 70 species and functions simultaneously as a visitor attraction, wildlife rehabilitation hospital, and conservation organisation.
The most iconic experience is the mass lorikeet feeding, held daily at 8 AM and 4 PM. During feeding times, hundreds of wild rainbow lorikeets descend on the main feeding station and land directly on visitors' outstretched arms, shoulders, and heads. Visitors receive a cup of nectar and are encouraged to hold their arms horizontal — the birds land within seconds. The experience is noisy, chaotic, and spectacularly photogenic, particularly in early morning light.
Beyond the lorikeets, the sanctuary provides encounters with a wide range of Australian fauna. Koala photo sessions run throughout the day, with visitors able to hold a koala for a photograph. Koalas are common in wildlife parks across Queensland, but Currumbin's programme has a strong conservation emphasis, with keepers providing context about habitat threats. A large open kangaroo and wallaby paddock allows visitors to walk among the animals and hand-feed them with provided grain. Wombats, Tasmanian devils, cassowaries, saltwater crocodiles, and reptiles are displayed in naturalistic enclosures. Wildlife shows including a free-flight bird display and a snake handling demonstration are scheduled across the day.
The Wildlife Hospital, one of Australia's busiest wildlife rehabilitation centres, treats over 12,000 native animals each year. A dedicated hospital tour gives visitors supervised access to treatment areas and recovery wards where injured wildlife receive care before release — a genuinely moving experience that distinguishes Currumbin from commercial wildlife parks.
The sanctuary opens at 8 AM and closes at 5 PM daily. A full visit covering all animals, shows, and the morning lorikeet feeding takes 4–5 hours. Tickets are available online with a small discount over gate prices.
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Best for: families, wildlife lovers, photographers, children
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223
-28.1333, 153.4833 — View on map
Highlights
- Mass rainbow lorikeet feeding at 8 AM and 4 PM daily, with hundreds of wild birds landing directly on visitors' outstretched arms
- Koala hold-and-photograph sessions bookable in advance, with keeper commentary on conservation and habitat threats
- Walk-through kangaroo and wallaby paddock where visitors hand-feed free-roaming animals with provided grain
- Wildlife Hospital treating over 12,000 native animals annually, with a visitor tour giving access to treatment and recovery areas
- Free-flight bird shows and snake handling demonstrations scheduled throughout the day
Tips
- Arrive early for 8 AM lorikeet feeding
- Book koala photo experience in advance
- Aboriginal culture show offers insights into traditions
FAQ
How long does a visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary take?
A full visit covering all animals, wildlife shows, and the morning lorikeet feeding takes 4–5 hours. Arriving at the 8 AM opening allows visitors to catch the first lorikeet feeding and the main wildlife shows before midday heat peaks.
Is the sanctuary worth visiting with young children?
Currumbin is widely regarded as one of the best family attractions on the Gold Coast. The lorikeet feeding, free-roaming kangaroos, and koala encounters are exceptional for children of all ages. The wildlife shows and hospital tour add strong educational content.
Does the koala photo session need to be pre-booked?
Yes — koala photo sessions regularly sell out and should be booked online at least a day before visiting, especially during school holidays and summer. An additional fee applies on top of general admission for the koala hold experience.
Accessibility
The sanctuary's main pathways are sealed and mostly flat, suitable for wheelchairs and prams. The open kangaroo paddock has some uneven ground. Accessible restrooms are available at multiple locations throughout the park. Staff can assist with accessibility needs at show areas and lorikeet feeding sessions.
When to visit
Arriving at 8 AM to catch the first lorikeet feeding is strongly recommended — both for the experience and for cooler temperatures. Wildlife is most active in the morning hours before midday. Queensland's summer heat (November–March) can make afternoon visits uncomfortable; plan all major experiences before noon.