What is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife park on the southern Gold Coast, famous for its rainbow lorikeet feeding. It features Australian animals and runs a busy wildlife hospital.
The sanctuary began in 1947 when beekeeper Alex Griffiths started feeding wild lorikeets to protect his flowers. Crowds came to watch the colorful birds, and the site grew into a wildlife park.
Griffiths gave the sanctuary to the National Trust of Queensland in 1976. It is now one of the Gold Coast's best-known attractions.
Animals and experiences
Visitors can see koalas, kangaroos, wombats, Tasmanian devils, crocodiles and cassowaries. Daily shows include free-flight bird displays and Aboriginal cultural performances.
The lorikeet feeding remains the sanctuary's most famous experience. Flocks of wild rainbow lorikeets land on visitors who hold plates of nectar.
The Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, run by a separate foundation, treats thousands of injured and sick native animals each year. The sanctuary also supports breeding programs for threatened species and sits close to Currumbin Beach and Elephant Rock, so many visitors combine it with a day at the beach.