In the last few hours of being in Australia, we visited (and checked off) a bucket list item: to pet and hold a Koala and pet a Kangaroo! On the way to the airport, we took a detour and headed to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Parking – As the picture above makes it clear, there is parking in abundance but for a price, $10 AUD. Parking is from 7:30 AM until 5:30 PM seven days a week on Tomewin Street. There is also free street parking in the surrounding area.

Currumbin Sanctuary was originally a bird sanctuary but with growing popularity, it grew into a well-known tourist attraction. In 1976 it was donated to the National Trust of Queensland and continues to operate as a non-profit organization with all the revenue funneled back into the park. Constant expansion of the park over the decades provides a perfect opportunity for the public to see Australia’s natural wildlife in their dedicated habitats. The sanctuary also harbors injured wildlife and aids in their recovery to their natural domain.

Purchase tickets online since it has better packages and sometimes deals. For example, we didn’t know they provided Segway tours! Here is the link to the ticket page: https://www.cws.org.au/tickets/ (not an affiliate link).

First things first, after entering, head to the Koala photo station (this photo was taken an hour after we took photos with the Koala). We arrived right when they opened and headed straight to take photos with the Koala. There was no line when we were there but in about 15 minutes the line began to form and within an hour, the line looked like the photo above.

For approximately $20 AUD, you can take a photo with the Koala. The price is per person therefore, Mary did not hold the Koala in the photos since that would cost about $40 AUD for both of us to hold and take a photo. They take the photo for you and you can take home the photo (professionally printed) which is included in the price (not an additional payment) at the end gift shop. They will also let you take ONE photo with your camera or phone which is worth it, however, double check the photo as it may not be to your standards (they will retake if you don’t like it). It did feel rushed but in all honesty, so spend your time wisely and enjoy it as much as you can.

After taking photos with the Koala, we walked around the sanctuary.

Look at the baby!

Nice strolls throughout the sanctuary. It felt as if we were in the Austrailian bush!

After visiting the Koala area, we headed straight to the Roos. Before entering, they sell Kangaroo food! Be sure to get some before heading in. It was about $3 AUD and it there is more than enough to feed multiple Kangaroos.

One thing Mary loves about visiting animals is being able to interact with them and feed them!

Our first time seeing a Joey inside its “home”. What a neat experience!

If you’re looking for a way to spend some quality time with wildlife in their native environments, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to be! Up close and personal experiences are the times that make it all worth the price and heat. We loved it here and you and your children will as well!

For more information on Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, visit here.
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Get your tickets, here.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
28 Tomewin St,
Currumbin QLD 4223, Australia
+61 7 5534 1266