The sanctuary began in 1947 when local beekeeper Alex Griffiths started feeding wild lorikeets to prevent them from damaging his crops.
The on-site wildlife hospital is one of the busiest in the world, often treating over 14,000 animals per year.
The sanctuary houses the largest collection of Australian native wildlife in the region.
The park's miniature railway was originally built to transport bees and supplies for the founder's apiary business.
It holds Queensland Heritage Register status due to its significance in the development of nature-based tourism in Australia.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a heritage-listed zoological garden located on the Gold Coast, renowned for its large population of wild rainbow lorikeets. The facility serves as a major hub for wildlife rehabilitation, operating the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital on-site to treat thousands of injured native animals annually. Visitors can interact with a variety of Australian fauna, including koalas, kangaroos, and saltwater crocodiles. The park features a miniature railway that transports guests across the 27-hectare grounds. Educational programs include interactive bird shows and Indigenous cultural performances. It functions as a non-profit organization focused on conservation and research. The sanctuary is currently fully operational and continues its standard wildlife care and tourism programs as of June 2026.
The elevated boardwalk platforms during the morning lorikeet feeding sessions.
Arrive early in the morning to participate in the iconic wild lorikeet feeding sessions.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the sanctuary covers extensive hilly terrain.
Check the daily presentation schedule upon entry to align your visit with keeper talks.
Attempting to pet free-roaming kangaroos during their rest periods; visiting only for an hour, which is insufficient for the full experience.
Open daily, including public holidays, though specific animal exhibits may close temporarily for maintenance.
Closed-toe shoes are recommended; do not touch or feed animals unless permitted by a keeper; maintain quiet near nesting areas.
