Making memories since 1947
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has been conserving wildlife and indigenous heritage for more than 75 years. The iconic Gold Coast attraction is a family favourite for visitors from all over the world. When did you first visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
1947
1947
Founder Dr Alex Griffiths, opens Currumbin Bird Sanctuary to the public. A small scale lorikeet feeding display, originally used as a way of keeping the birds from eating his prized flowers.
1964
The miniature railway and train are introduced as a way of helping visitors explore the park, which has grown substantially in both size and popularity.
1976
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary was gifted to National Trust of Australia (Queensland), preserving the site and its conservation efforts, for future generations as a not for profit organisation.
1989
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital was founded, providing a free community service; treating, rehabilitating and releasing sick and injured wildlife.
1995
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and its 27 hectares of sub trocial rainforest and bushland, is officially heritage listed.
2009
Added to Queensland Heritage Register
2025
Today, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to native Australian animals, farmyard animals, as well as exotic species from around the globe. Our conservation efforts and research programs are protecting a number of iconic species from the brink of extinction, while the Sanctuary itself continues to attract visitors from all over the world.
Step back in time
Local family feeding the already then cheeky Rainbow Lorikeets.
Dr Alex Griffith himself during the original Lorikeet feeding display.
Photo taken and brought in by a wonderful member of the public.
Photo taken and brought in by a wonderful member of the public.
Throwback! Who else remembers feeding the Lorikeets when they were kids?
The original Lorikeet arena. Photo taken in 1965 by Janine, visiting with her grandfather.
Linda, about 5 years old, during an annual family holiday to the Gold Coast in the mid 1960s.
Jingeri – Hello
We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the greater Yugambeh language region, the Country on which Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Hospital are situated today. We recognise their continuing connections to the land, sky, waters (waterways), and wildlife. We thank them for caring for this Country and its ecosystems.
We celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and we pay our respect to Elders past and present.
Wildlife Hospital
Sanctuary Events
Online Store