Our Bucket List of Unique and Exciting Encounters

It’s not all just about the Koalas here – from exclusive behind-the-scenes hospital tours to unforgettable animal encounters and immersive wildlife experiences, we’ve got a number of unique adventures for you to dive into, and we’re not shy in saying that they’re a lot of fun! So whether you’re a local looking for some tiptop things to do on the Gold Coast or a holidaymaker drafting up the perfect travel itinerary, we’ve rounded up our most exciting current encounters for you to enjoy here at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

1. Capybara Encounter

You thought Guinea Pigs were cute, wait until you meet Jerry and Elaine! This loveable Capybara duo are gentle, laid-back, and absolutely full of personality, and guests can get up close and personal with them in an unforgettable encounter experience.
Step right into their world, hand-feed them their favourite treats, and hear fascinating facts from one of our expert Wildlife Keepers while spending quality time with the world’s largest (and most relaxed) Rodents. It’s one of those experiences that sounds a little unexpected but ends up being an absolute highlight, trust us on this one!

2. Take the Treetop Challenge

Release your inner Tarzan at the TreeTop Challenge, a sky-high experience full of action and adrenaline that’ll put your bravery to the test! Suitable for daredevils aged six and above, this enthralling high ropes course is made up of 80 epic challenges, including 11 ziplines that flit between towering trees and across a number of exciting animal enclosures. Keep your eyes peeled as you soar over the canopy – you’ll pass Tassie Devils, dingoes and tree-kangaroos, and did we mention you’ll zip over our resident crocodiles? Better tuck those feet in! During the course you’ll also be climbing, pulling, balancing and sliding your way through several obstacles, pushing those fears to the limit while achieving some pretty cool triumphs too.

3. Walk With Llamas

Looking for a slower pace to start your morning? There’s nothing quite like a leisurely stroll with a Llama to set the tone for a perfect day! Guests join one of our friendly keepers for a guided morning walk through the beautiful Outback Springs precinct alongside Theo or Louis, two of the cheekiest, most charming Llamas you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting.

It’s a wonderfully relaxed experience that’s as peaceful as it is delightful, and the fun doesn’t stop with the Llamas. Along the way guests will also get to meet a whole cast of adorable farmyard friends, from Mini Goats and Guinea Pigs to Chickens, basically a guaranteed highlight for little ones and big ones alike. And with all-day Sanctuary entry included in the ticket, the morning stroll is just the beginning of a full day of wildlife adventures!

4. Cotton-Top Tamarin Encounter

Head into the stunning Lost Valley precinct and come face-to-face with one of the most charismatic little creatures you’ll ever meet. Brothers Pablo and Arami are a dynamic duo of Cotton-Top Tamarins, inquisitive, intelligent, and seriously entertaining, and this encounter brings guests closer to them than ever before.

Beyond being utterly charming, these tiny Primates are critically endangered, making this not just a memorable experience but a meaningful one too. A Wildlife Keeper will walk guests through what makes this species so remarkable and why conservation efforts for Cotton-Top Tamarins matter now more than ever. A unique and genuinely special encounter not to be forgotten!

5. Koala Connections Experience

This isn’t your typical photo-op, this is something altogether more magical. The Koala Connections Experience invites guests to wander through a purpose-built, immersive habitat designed from the ground up with one principle front and centre: Koalas come first.

Developed in close consultation with a world-leading wildlife team, this slow-paced, welfare-first walk lets guests observe Koalas as they truly are, lounging, snoozing, and going about their day in a natural, relaxed environment. Knowledgeable Wildlife Keepers will be on hand throughout, sharing fascinating insights into Currumbin’s ongoing work to protect this treasured species for generations to come. Guests will also receive a beautiful professional candid photo of their experience to take home. It’s a rare and genuinely moving encounter, one that sets a new benchmark for how wildlife experiences should feel.

6. See Inside One of the World’s Busiest Wildlife Hospitals

Ever wondered what goes on behind the doors of Australia’s most legendary wildlife rescue operation? Now’s your chance to find out! This exclusive 60-minute behind-the-scenes tour takes guests deep inside the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world, for an experience that’s equal parts fascinating and inspiring.

Personally escorted by an expert guide, guests will walk through the Hospital’s treatment areas, learn about the medical care each animal receives, and if lucky, even watch live surgery in action. From Turtle rehabilitation pools to Raptor recovery zones and beyond, guests will access areas that are completely off-limits to the general public, giving a truly unique window into the incredible work being done every single day to protect Australia’s wildlife.

*T&C’s apply for all encounters and experiences; age restrictions may apply.