If cuddling a koala is on your bucket list, then Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast is one of the best places in Australia to experience it.
For many travellers coming to Brisbane or heading down for a Gold Coast day trip, holding a koala and patting a kangaroo is something they really want to do. Not every wildlife park allows this now, which is why Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has become one of the most trusted spots for a real Aussie wildlife experience. It is not just another stop on your day, it’s an experience you’ll remember long after your trip. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, take your time, and truly enjoy being around Australia’s unique wildlife. From close encounters with animals to relaxed walks through natural surroundings, every part of the visit feels easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or in a small group, it’s a place that offers something special without ever feeling rushed.
Koala Cuddling Experience on the Gold Coast
The main highlight for most visitors is the chance to cuddle a koala. This is something many international travellers specifically look for when visiting Australia. Currumbin is one of the few places on the Gold Coast where this is still possible.
At the koala holding experience, you’ll be guided by trained staff who make sure the experience is safe, comfortable, and respectful for both you and the animal. A lot of our guests say this ends up being one of the most memorable parts of their entire Brisbane or Gold Coast trip.
If you’re planning things out, it’s worth arriving early or scheduling this properly, as koala encounters can be popular, especially during peak travel seasons.
More Than Just Koalas: A Full Wildlife Experience
While the Koala experience is a big draw, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers much more than that. This is not just a place where you walk around looking at animals from a distance. It’s interactive, relaxed, and designed so you can actually enjoy your time there.
You can hand-feed and pat kangaroos in open spaces, which is always a favourite, especially for first-time visitors. There are also wildlife shows and keeper talks throughout the day where you can learn more about Australian native animals.
And if you want to experience something different, there’s also Lumina at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, an after-dark light and sound experience through the sanctuary. It offers a completely different atmosphere at night and is a unique way to add something extra to your visit.
Opening Hours, Koala Times & What to Bring
If you’re planning a visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, it helps to know the best times to go and how to make the most of your day.
The sanctuary is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last entry at around 3:30 PM.
It’s closed only on ANZAC Day (April 25) and Christmas Day (Dec 25).
Tip: Arriving early gives you more time to explore and catch more shows.
Koala Cuddling & Encounter Times
Koala experiences run at specific times throughout the day:
- Koala photo / cuddling sessions: around 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Koala encounter session: around 11:00 AM daily (limited spots)
Important:
- These experiences are limited and can sell out, so it’s best to book in advance
The Famous Lorikeet Feeding Experience
One of the most unique things about Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the daily Lorikeet feeding. This has been part of the sanctuary for decades and is something many visitors don’t expect until they see it for themselves.
Hundreds of colourful Lorikeets gather right in front of you, often landing on your arms and shoulders. It’s lively, a little unpredictable, but always fun. It’s also one of the most photographed moments in the park and something people tend to talk about long after their visit.
Lorikeet Feeding Schedule:
This is one of the biggest highlights:
- 8:00 AM (before entry, outside gates)
- 4:00 PM (inside the sanctuary)
If you want the full experience, try to catch at least one of these.
More to See at Currumbin
Currumbin isn’t just about Koalas and Kangaroos, there’s plenty more wildlife to discover. You can see saltwater Crocodiles up close along with Reptiles, Tasmanian devils, Dingoes, beautiful Casuaries, and a range of native species. There’s also the Lost Valley precinct, where you’ll find some more exotic animals like Red Pandas, Capybaras, Lemurs and Tree Kangaroos, which adds a different side to the sanctuary. It’s one of the things people often don’t expect. You come for the Koalas, but end up discovering a much broader wildlife experience.
Wildlife Hospital and Conservation
One part of Currumbin that many people don’t expect is the Wildlife Hospital. It’s one of the busiest in Australia, and you can actually see the work being done to treat injured animals.
If you want to go a bit deeper, there are guided hospital tours in the morning where you get behind-the-scenes access and learn how the animals are cared for. It adds a different side to the day, not just seeing wildlife, but understanding how they’re protected.
General Hospital Operating Hours
The Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is open:
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Closed on Christmas Day
This is mainly for:
- Treating injured wildlife
- Veterinary care and rehabilitation
This is more behind-the-scenes and not fully open for general walk-ins like the sanctuary.
As a visitor inside Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary:
- You can view parts of the hospital during sanctuary hours (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
- There are presentations and viewing areas where you can observe animal care
A Full-Day Gold Coast Experience
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is not just a quick stop. Most people spend at least half a day here, and many choose to turn it into a full Gold Coast day trip.
Because of its location, it’s easy to combine your visit with other Gold Coast highlights. After the sanctuary, you can head to nearby beaches like Burleigh Heads or Surfers Paradise, stop at scenic lookouts, or grab something to eat by the water. It’s a good balance between wildlife, scenery, and just relaxing.
This is how we like to plan the day at ADT. No rushing, no strict schedule. Some people want to take their time at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, others want a mix of wildlife and coastal views. We adjust around you so the day feels relaxed from start to finish.
Why Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Is Worth Visiting
There are quite a few wildlife parks around the Gold Coast, but Currumbin stands out because of how interactive and well-rounded the experience is.
You’re not just looking at animals, you’re engaging with them. From cuddling a Koala to feeding Kangaroos and experiencing the Lorikeet feeding, it’s hands-on in a way that feels genuine.
It’s also well-suited for:
- Families with kids
- First-time visitors to Australia
- Small groups looking for a relaxed private day trip
- Travellers wanting a mix of wildlife and Gold Coast scenery
All in all, If you’re looking for things to do on the Gold Coast, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of those places that’s easy to recommend.
It offers a mix of everything people come to Australia for: wildlife, nature, and unique experiences you can’t easily find elsewhere. And because you can combine it with other Gold Coast highlights, it makes for a really well-rounded day.
At the end of it, it’s not just about ticking off a place on your list. It’s about enjoying the experience, taking your time, and having a day that feels relaxed and memorable.
If cuddling a Koala or patting a kangaroo is something you’ve always wanted to do, this is definitely one of the best places to make it happen.
TESTIMONIALS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
A: Yes, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is definitely one of Australia’s best wildlife parks as you can experience koala cuddling, kangaroo feeding, and wildlife shows. It offers a well-rounded and memorable wildlife experience.
A: It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during weekends, school holidays and busy travel periods, as Koala experiences can have limited session times and availability. Currumbin offers Koala Photo sessions daily (from around 9:30 AM–2:00 PM, session times vary) and bookable Koala Encounter experiences at set times, so reserving ahead can help secure your preferred time. If you’re visiting as part of a day trip, planning this ahead can make the day much smoother. At ADT, we often suggest booking your koala experience early, then building the rest of your sanctuary visit around the shows and animal encounters.
A: Yes, you can hand-feed kangaroos in designated open areas at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and it’s one of the most popular experiences for visitors. Kangaroo food is available to purchase from the Kangaroo Outpost, so it’s a good idea to buy a bag of feed when you arrive if you’d like the full experience.
A: Currumbin stands out for its interactive experiences, including Ngari-bah Aboriginal Culture Show, koala cuddling, lorikeet feeding, and wildlife shows, making it more engaging than many other wildlife parks.
A: The easiest way is to join a guided day trip, which takes care of transport and planning. This allows you to enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics. Book our private tour (here)
A: There’s plenty to do around Currumbin after visiting the sanctuary. Many travellers head to Burleigh Heads for a walk along the headland or some time at the beach, while Surfers Paradise is only about 30 minutes away if you want to explore more of the Gold Coast. You can also visit Q1 SkyPoint Observation Deck for panoramic coastal views.
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