Frequently Asked Questions
Visitor Questions
Wildlife Questions
Wildlife Conservation Questions
Is there wheelchair access throughout the Sanctuary?
There is an extensive range of boardwalks and ramps throughout the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Assistance of a carer will be required on some of the steeper walks. Some areas would be considered too steep for wheelchair access and are signed accordingly. We currently do not have wheelchair carriages on our miniature rail system however if guests can be safely and comfortable transferred into a seat on the train their wheelchair can be travel with them in the storage carriage.
Do you have car parking facilities?
Parking is available directly opposite the entrance to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for $5 per day - does not apply to Green Guardian members.
Free parking is available on the streets surrounding the park.
Can you hire strollers and wheelchairs?
Yes. Wheelchairs are free with a security deposit (licence, keys or $50).
Strollers are $8 per day with a security deposit (licence, keys, or $50) .
It is best to call our Visitors Services Department in advance to book a stroller or wheelchair as there are limited numbers and we do not guarantee availability.
Would children under 4 enjoy the Sanctuary?
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary aims to provide attractions and activities which can be enjoyed by all guests, whether young or old. The emphasis is on activities which are interactive, fun and educational.
Although the park covers a large area, the miniature railway is a great way for young children to see all the main attractions.
Can my children visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on their own?
We strongly recommend that all children under the age of 14 years be accompanied by an adult who shall be solely responsible for their care and conduct whilst on these premises. Children under 14 years of age who wish to participate in the Green challenge MUST be signed in by an adult.
Is there a bus service to the Sanctuary?
Yes. Surfside Buslines have a drop off & pick up zone, less than a minute walk from the entrance to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Surfside buslines 700, 760 and 765 all come to the Sanctuary. They arrive and depart approximately every 20 minutes. For more information on transport services call 131 230 or visit Surfside Buslines website for bus timetables.
Do you sell film and Memory Cards?
Yes. Our photo shop currently sells a selection of film, SD cards, batteries and disposable cameras. We also offer a digital film processing facility, using the latest KONICA digital processing machine.
Do you still operate on rainy days and can I still see the animals and the shows?
Yes. We operate regardless of the weather conditions. All shows & presentations operate as advertised. However, there are no refunds available as a result of wet weather. We have inexpensive ponchos for sale to protect you in the event of unexpected rain.
Why are there sometimes only a few lorikeets at the Sanctuary?
The lorikeets that feed at the sanctuary are wild birds, therefore we have no control over their numbers.
The birds prefer to feed from natural sources rather than come to CWS during warmer weather, when there are many native trees in full bloom. Our aim is to provide a supplement to their diet, we do not replace it all.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary only offers a supplementary feed to the Rainbow and Scaley-breasted Lorikeets as per our “Wildlife Interaction” Permit. Lorikeet numbers are dependent on a number of factors including temperature, rainfall and presence of predatory birds in the area. Rainfall is probably the most important factor as we tend to get more birds after periods of heavy rain as it washes the nectar from the flowers that the birds would normally feed upon.
What do you feed the lorikeets?
The mixture that we feed the lorikeets is a commercially produced product called Wombaroo – Lorikeet and Honey-eater food.
It comes in a powder, which we mix with water and add a little bit of honey for taste. The powder contains vitamins and minerals. Wombaroo has milk products in it and does not have any traces of nuts.
When do you feed the koalas?
We have koalas on display on the hillside, this is where the talk is held. We also have koalas on display directly across from the lorikeet arena for koala photos.
The koalas are fed once per day in the afternoon, between 1pm and 3 pm.
Why do we have to pay for koala photos?
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an Australian Regional Association of Zoos Parks and Aquaria (ARAZPA) member therefore we only allow Koala handling within the strict guidelines set by the Queensland branch. Koalas are only allowed to be handled for a maximum of 30 minutes per day for a maximum of 180 minutes per week.
Koalas are the most expensive animal to care for due to their specialized diet. We maintain a number of plantations with over 60 000 trees to provide fresh eucalypt browse for them daily.
Due to the expense we have incorporated a user-pays system to keep gate prices down whilst still offering this activity.
Do the koalas mind being handled?
All of our koalas are conditioned from a young age to feel comfortable around humans. Once we can prove to the koalas that we are no threat to them, they relax and even enjoy the company of humans. Our koalas are under constant care to ensure that they are not stressed.
When do you feed the crocodiles?
Our crocodiles only eat every few days in Summer (December to February). Crocodiles can go up to six months in winter without food. If we fed them every day, they would quickly become obese which would threaten their health. If you are particularly interested in watching the Crocodiles feed you can call the sanctuary on the morning of your proposed visit to confirm if keepers are feeding them. We cannot give any more notice as it is weather dependant.
Are the emus dangerous?
The emus are not aggressive to guests.
However, never attempt to come in close physical contact with an emu, as they may injure people if they feel that they are forced to defend themselves or flee. Their initial response however is to run rather than fight.
What time is the kangaroo feeding and can I buy kangaroo food?
You can feed the kangaroos whenever you like. Kangaroo food can be purchased from the Green Challenge Adventure Parc Base station or from the machine located at the kangaroo paddock.
The Sanctuary feeds the kangaroos 3.15pm daily, where a short keeper talk will take place.
What are the big colourful lizards throughout the park?
The big colourful lizards are called Eastern Water Dragons. They are wild animals, occurring naturally throughout the park. The males have a bright red colour on their chests.
They lay on the pavers to sun bake during the summer months, which is when they are most active. However, do not touch them, as they may bite and their mouths carry bacteria, which will infect wounds.
Where are the reptiles?
Snakes are featured in our Totally Wild /Snakes Alive show, which runs twice daily at 10.30am and 1pm.
Snakes, lizards and turtles can also be seen at any time in our Australias Green Cauldron exhibit. There are also lizards in some of our aviaries and turtles in almost all of our ponds.
Do the animals in Australia's Green Cauldron ever see the daylight?
All animals in the nocturnal house are on reverse cycle lighting. The nocturnal lights are activated between 8.30am and 9.30pm. At 9.30pm the day lights come on, fully lighting all enclosures.
Why don’t the birds in the Free Flight Bird Show fly away?
Our birds are conditioned each day to set routines. We use their favourite foods as an incentive for them to enjoy their captive lifestyle.
All of our birds are either captive bred or were brought into the Sanctuary at an early age. They do not know how to survive in the wild. They feel comfortable and secure at the Sanctuary.
Do you have frogs on display?
Yes, we currently have frogs on display. They can be seen at the Australias Green cauldron exhibit and in the Amphibian Ark.
Do you have a platypus?
We do not currently have a platypus on the property.
Where should I take an injured animal?
All injured or orphaned animals should be taken to the Community Wildlife Hospital at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, located at Gate H on Millers Drive. The Hospital operates 7 days a week 8am - 5pm.
Animals can not be taken to the front entrance (Turnstiles). Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary operates under a B Class Zoo Licence, which means that we hold native and exotic species. We are also a Quarantine-approved facility, which means that we must adhere to best-practise quarantine procedures.
Wild animals cannot interact with our collection or keepers. Also the injured animal will receive prompt attention if given directly to a vet nurse at the Community Wildlife Hospital.
How can I become a wildlife carer?
Becoming a wildlife carer means committing significant time and effort to nursing animals back to full health. This can sometimes take months of dedication and patience.
Becoming a wildlife carer is a long term commitment, and is to be taken seriously. It requires a considerable investment of both time and money, but it can also be the most worthwhile and satisfying thing you ever do.
For more information on becoming a wildlife carer contact (07) 5534 0844.
While it does not qualify you to be a certified wildlife carer, the Aussie Wildlife Rescue course is developed to train you to provide emergency care for sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife.
What can I do at home to conserve wildife?
One of the simplest steps for anyone is to ensure their own backyard is a haven for wildlife. If you own a dog or cat, ensure they are prevented from preying on wildlife coming into your backyard.
To attract native wildlife, plant a number of native trees and shrubs, as their fruit and seeds can be important food sources. Older trees can also provide homes for native birds and animals.
Which animals are in most need of an adoptive parent?
- Koalas - our koalas are the most expensive animal to care for
- Coxens Fig Parrots - the sanctuary spends lots of money caring for research animals and conducting field trips looking for Coxens Fig Parrots
- Tasmanian Devils - Tasmanian Devils are now under threat in the wild. The Sanctuary has invested in experienced staff and new facilities, in an attempt to make a success of our new breeding program
- Echidnas - the Sanctuary invests a lot of money and provides continual support to echidna research in partnership with the University of Queensland. A new research facility is being built at the Sanctuary, where infrared cameras will be used, in hope to monitor the Echidna’s around the clock.
- Wombats - the Sanctuary has built new facilities and is intensely managing this species, in order to ensure that the new facilities are suitable for breeding
How can I adopt a wildlife child? »
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