Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Currumbin, Queensland, Australia, is a renowned zoological garden and major nature-based tourist attraction. It is globally recognized for its unique feeding of large flocks of wild rainbow lorikeets and for housing one of the world's most extensive collections of Australian native species. The sanctuary plays a significant role in Queensland's tourism history, evolving from a small lorikeet-feeding site to an internationally recognized conservation and wildlife presentation facility.
Key Facts
- ›Established in 1947 by Alex Griffiths as the Currumbin Bird Sanctuary.
- ›World-renowned for its daily feeding of free-flying wild rainbow lorikeets.
- ›Boasts one of the largest collections of Australian native species globally.
- ›Features a miniature railway, a wildlife hospital, and the Lost Valley precinct.
- ›Listed on the Queensland Heritage Register since 2009.
- ›Covers approximately 39.6 hectares of heritage-listed land.
Lost Valley Precinct, Miniature Railway, Lorikeet-Feeding Arena, Rainforest Pool Aviary
Rainbow Lorikeet
Kroombit Tinker Frog Breeding Program
About Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a heritage-listed zoological garden located in Currumbin, Queensland, Australia. Established in 1947 by Alex Griffiths as the Currumbin Bird Sanctuary, its primary purpose was initially to deter local rainbow lorikeets from damaging his flower crops. Over time, it evolved into a significant nature-based tourist attraction, renowned globally for its spectacular daily feeding of large flocks of wild rainbow lorikeets and for maintaining one of the world's most extensive collections of Australian native species.
History and Development
The sanctuary's origins lie in Alex Griffiths' small-scale tourism venture centered on lorikeet-feeding displays. By the mid-1950s, it had become a major attraction on the South Coast, drawing thousands of visitors. Griffiths' efforts extended to caring for injured wildlife and expanding the site, notably acquiring land for the Western Reserve in 1968, which was linked to the original site by a tunnel constructed in 1974. The sanctuary's popularity grew, featuring a variety of facilities including aviaries, an aquarium, and a miniature railway introduced in 1964.
In 1976, Alex Griffiths formally gifted the sanctuary to the National Trust of Queensland. This transition aimed to ensure its long-term management, though philosophical differences emerged regarding conservation approaches. The Trust undertook extensive redevelopment throughout the 1980s and 1990s, aiming to position the sanctuary as a leader in Australian fauna and flora preservation. The name was formally changed to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in 1995 to reflect this broader ambition. The sanctuary was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 18 September 2009, recognizing its historical and cultural significance.
Features and Significance
The heritage listing encompasses approximately 39.6 hectares of freehold land, with the main sanctuary bisected by the Gold Coast Highway. Key heritage-significant structures and features include early components of the miniature railway, the 1972 Kiosk building, the former Rock Shop, and the lorikeet-feeding arena. The sanctuary also includes reserve lands along Flat Rock Creek and the Western Reserve. A notable conservation effort includes a dedicated frog-breeding facility established in 2008 to breed the critically endangered Kroombit tinker frog, with scientists achieving the first captive breeding in 2020.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary holds substantial social value for generations of Queenslanders and has been a consistent presence in tourism campaigns. It is recognized as one of Queensland's top 15 iconic locations and was awarded as a 'location' icon during the state's Q150 sesquicentenary celebrations in 2009. The sanctuary continues to play a vital role in wildlife conservation, education, and nature-based tourism.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is most famous for its daily feeding of huge flocks of free-flying wild rainbow lorikeets. It is also recognized for housing one of the world's largest collections of Australian native species and its historical significance as a nature-based tourist attraction.
When was Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary established?
The sanctuary was established in 1947 by Alex Griffiths, initially as the Currumbin Bird Sanctuary. It was intended to protect his flower crops from lorikeets but evolved into a major tourist destination.
What kind of animals can be seen at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
The sanctuary houses one of the largest collections of Australian native species in the world. Visitors can see a wide variety of Australian fauna, including birds, kangaroos, and reptiles, with a particular focus on native wildlife.
What are some of the attractions at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary besides animal viewing?
Beyond animal encounters, the sanctuary features a miniature railway that has been operating since 1964, a wildlife hospital, and newer exhibits like the Lost Valley precinct. It also includes areas for picnics and has historical structures such as the 1972 Kiosk.
What is the significance of the lorikeet feeding at Currumbin?
The lorikeet feeding is a central and iconic activity at Currumbin, drawing large numbers of wild rainbow lorikeets to the sanctuary daily. This spectacle was the original attraction that led to the sanctuary's establishment and remains a major draw for visitors.
Is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary a non-profit organization?
While the article details its gifting to the National Trust of Queensland in 1976 and its operation as a commercial venture under the Trust, it does not explicitly state whether it currently operates as a non-profit. Its history involves a transition to being managed by a trust.
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