The attempts of a beekeeper and flower grower to keep the pesky rainbow lorikeets away resulted in what is now known as the
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (
28 Tomewin Street, Currmbin), a nature reserve and conservation facility that, today, is home to the largest collection of Australian native animals in the world.
In 1947, Alex Griffiths began feeding the birds that frequented his prized garden to distract them from destroying it. The collection of birds and their daily feedings became a local oddity and then a major tourist attraction. In 1967, Mr Griffiths gifted the Sanctuary to the National Trust of Queensland.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an Eco Certified Ecotourist activity, with all revenue from the park going back in to conservation and wildlife research projects. Visitors to the park can explore the huge selection of native fauna (the rainbow lorikeets are still the main attraction), feed the animals, have your photograph taken with a crocodile, take in a didgeridoo show or travel around the park via the miniature train.
The Sanctuary Cafe and Koala Junction offer up fresh, modern meals and the Sawrey Room is a 120 seat function room available for weddings and parties.
Since its humble beginnings, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has expanded to become a family destination offering a plethora of entertainment opportunities.
