The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the top tourist attractions on the Gold Coast, and for good reason. Well, actually, for 6 good reasons. Questioning whether or not to go on your next trip? Have a quick read through this, and you’ll be sure to not pass it up!
1. You can hold things… like living things.
Fancy getting up close and personal with a loving little koala? Yes, you can fulfil your childhood dreams of cuddling these docile creatures at Currumbin, and get a photo in the process. I got to hold this handsome, and cheeky, little boy on my trip – and I call him cheeky due to both the placement of his hand and the fact that he left a bit of poo on me when he was taken away. Oh well, ‘tis nature, right?
If that isn’t enough cute enough for you, be sure to check out the kindergarten area. This is a koala zone where they keep some of their young ones, including tiny little tots. These itty bitty fur balls can be found snoozing away in the eucalyptus trees while every girl passes by and dies from cute overload.
If you’re not into cute, then perhaps you’d be happy holding a crocodile? Of course, it’s only a baby croc, but still a memory no less.
2. You can experience the Green Challenge, free of charge.
I hope you brought your A-game because access to the Green Challenge, aka high ropes course, aka zip-lining obstacle course, is FREE of charge. So, when you’re whining (or whinging in Aussie speak) about how much that entry fee costs ($49), do take note that you can easily spend a few hours on these ropes, getting a workout and having a blast in the process.
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Unfortunately, I don’t have any photos from my experience as my camera is much too large to haul around, and it was raining a little bit. However, I can tell you that for people with no arm strength – such as myself – it can be a bit challenging, but in a fun way. What killed me is thinking I could do the tarzan swing. Why did I ever attempt that one?!
You’ll be happy to know that there are a couple different courses you can go on, or you can even go on all of them if you’re feeling keen!
3. You get to watch gigantic croc feedings.
Currumbin is home to a massive 5.3 meter crocodile, so translated into feet, that is a cool 17.3. In other words, it is a gargantuan beast hanging out in the wildlife sanctuary. If you’re willing to see him in action, then there’s the crocodile show in the afternoon to please you. I definitely missed the show on my brief stay at Currumbin, but after seeing the beast himself, I can imagine it being amazing.
4. You get to experience Aboriginal dancing.
The shows at the wildlife sanctuary make it a unique place to visit. One of the sights involves authentic aboriginal dancing, and even some didgeridoo playing. Just be sure to follow the show times provides in your entry guide so you don’t miss a thing. There’s a cultural experience to be had at Currumbin in addition to the thrills of the animals and nature.
5. You can feed kangaroos.
Yes, please! Would I ever pass up a good opportunity to get up close and personal with a kangaroo? No way; they are just too cute to handle. At Currumbin, you can get yourself a cup of feed and have a go at feeding both gray and red kangaroos on the premise. Just watch out for their little boxing arms! It’s rare that they will ever show this stunt in front of humans, but just in case, it’s good to know that you shouldn’t do anything silly when around them… like try and hop in their pouches.
6. You get to support a wildlife hospital.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organization that runs a wildlife hospital out of pocket. That means that any money you spend here is actually going to help the animals that live there, as well as the animals that get brought in to the hospital. Injured koalas and kangaroos are just a couple of the animals that use these services.
I like to think that you most people would quite good with themselves after a day at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. You get to cuddle cute animals, get a nice workout on the Green Challenge, and you get to give a little love. So, don’t pass it up, people! Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary should definitely be on your to-do list in the Gold Coast.