Getting Around · Gold Coast Day Trips
How Far is Broadbeach from Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
26 km south — about 25 minutes by car through Burleigh Heads. The best wildlife day trip on the Gold Coast.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 26 kilometres south of Broadbeach — a quick 25-minute drive down the Pacific Highway through Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach. Unlike the theme parks north of Broadbeach, Currumbin is in the opposite direction, which means it’s often overlooked by visitors who naturally think of ‘day trips’ as heading north toward Movie World and Dreamworld.
That’s a mistake worth correcting. Currumbin is genuinely one of the best wildlife experiences in Australia, operated by the National Trust and home to over 1,700 animals across 200 native species. The lorikeet feeding (8am and 4pm daily), koala cuddle sessions, and free-roaming kangaroo area are all world-class — and Currumbin Beach right across the road is one of the prettiest and most uncrowded beaches on the Gold Coast.
From Broadbeach by bus, the Route 700 or 701 Surfside bus runs directly from Broadbeach South station to the Tomewin Street stop outside the sanctuary. Allow around 50 minutes total. An Uber costs approximately $25–35 one way.
Key Facts
- Distance: approximately 26 km south of Broadbeach to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- By car: 25–30 minutes via Gold Coast Highway and Pacific Highway southbound
- By public transport: G:link tram to Broadbeach South + Route 700/701 bus — allow 50 minutes total
- By Uber/rideshare: 25–30 minutes, approximately $25–35 one way
- Address: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin QLD 4223
| Transport | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Own car / hire car | 25–30 min | Fuel + free parking | Families, early birds |
| Uber / Didi | 25–30 min | $25–35 one way | Small groups splitting cost |
| Route 700/701 bus | ~50 min total | ~$4–6 with Go Card | Budget travellers |
| Guided tour (Viator) | Varies | From $79/person incl. entry | Solo visitors, guaranteed koala photo |
Driving from Broadbeach to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
From Broadbeach, head south on the Gold Coast Highway through Mermaid Beach, Miami, and Burleigh Heads. Continue south on the Pacific Highway through Palm Beach. At Currumbin, turn right onto Tomewin Street — the sanctuary entrance and carpark is clearly signposted. The drive takes 25–30 minutes in normal traffic. Parking at the sanctuary is free and plentiful.
The route passes through some of the Gold Coast’s best suburb strips — consider stopping for breakfast in Burleigh Heads on the way there, and a beach walk at Currumbin Beach (across the road from the sanctuary) after your visit.
Public Transport from Broadbeach to Currumbin
Take the G:link tram to Broadbeach South station, then connect to the Surfside Route 700 or 701 bus heading south toward Coolangatta and Tweed Heads. The bus stops directly outside Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on Tomewin Street — it’s a named stop on the route. Total journey time from Broadbeach is approximately 50 minutes. The Go Card fare is around $4–6 each way. Check translink.com.au for current timetables.
Tips for the Day
The lorikeet feeding at 8am (also at 4pm) is the sanctuary’s most iconic moment. Arriving at opening means smaller crowds and more personal space among the birds. Book your koala cuddle photo session online before you arrive — they sell out on busy days.
After the sanctuary, Currumbin Beach is literally across Tomewin Street. It’s one of the most beautiful and least crowded beaches on the Gold Coast — excellent for a swim, and the surf is calmer than Broadbeach. Several good cafes right on the beachfront.
Adult gate price at Currumbin is around $65–69. Buying online through the official Currumbin website or Viator typically saves $5–10 per person. The koala cuddle photo is an add-on from around $25 and should always be pre-booked.
There’s more to see at Currumbin than most people expect. The wildlife hospital tour, Aboriginal cultural show, free-flight bird of prey show, and saltwater crocodile feeding all run on schedules throughout the day. Grab the daily schedule at the entrance and plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 26 km south of Broadbeach, in the direction of Coolangatta (opposite direction to the theme parks). The drive takes 25–30 minutes via the Gold Coast Highway south through Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach, then the Pacific Highway to Tomewin Street in Currumbin. Parking at the sanctuary is free.
Take the G:link tram to Broadbeach South, then board the Surfside Route 700 or 701 bus heading south toward Coolangatta. The bus stops directly outside Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on Tomewin Street. Allow around 50 minutes total journey time. The Go Card fare is approximately $4–6 each way.
Yes — this is one of only a handful of places in Queensland where you can hold (cuddle) a koala for a professional photo. Sessions are managed by trained handlers to protect the animals. Book your koala photo session online in advance at currumbin.org.au — they sell out on weekends and school holidays. The photo package starts from around $25.
Absolutely. It’s 25 minutes from Broadbeach and offers one of Australia’s most authentic wildlife experiences — not a theme park with animal add-ons, but a genuine conservation sanctuary operated by the National Trust. The lorikeet feeding, koala cuddles, free-roaming kangaroos, and wildlife hospital tour are all world-class. It’s the number one thing I recommend to international visitors who haven’t experienced Australian native wildlife before.
Book Your Currumbin Visit Online
Save up to 15% on entry and guarantee your koala photo session by booking ahead.
Written and maintained by a Broadbeach local. I update this guide regularly to keep it accurate.