Currumbin is a very popular suburb on the Gold Coast in Queensland. It does have very good reason to be regarded as a beautiful part of our coastline. It not only has a spectacular beach but it also has an estuary that is perfect for all types of water activities. Here are the 5 best things to do in Currumbin.
One of the most visited wildlife parks on the Gold Coast, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has certainly evolved over the years. Once it was a Bird Sanctuary, but nowadays you will discover a wide array of Australia native animals and even a few from overseas countries.
Jump aboard the train that runs around the park on a continuous basis, and get off at the various stations for a look around. Worth seeing are the kangaroos and wallabies in their enclosure, emus, crocodiles, dingoes, tassie devils, koalas in the trees, a walk through Lost Valley to see some exotic animals like cassowarys, iguanas, colourful parrots and the cheeky ring-tailed lemurs and red pandas.
There are also a few shows and animal encounters (at an extra cost), including koala experience and photos, dingo walk, red panda encounter and wildlife hospital tours. I can highly recommend the Lorikeet feeding, Blink Bill’s Backyard and WildSkies shows.
The annual sculpture festival is held every year on the beach at Currumbin and along the beachfront. In 2020 it was held over 10 days from 11 to 20 September. It is the largest Queensland outdoor sculpture exhibition, is free of charge and offers a couple of events and workshops in addition to the wonderful sculptures.
There were Instameets, photography workshops, artist talks, movie nights, pop-up story telling, guided twilight walks and the Swell Smalls Gallery.
The 2020 Swell Festival had a distinctive marine theme, which I guess makes sense when you consider the location. There was a great exhibit called Ragnar V Moby that was half whale carcass and half boat.
There’s more than one way you can get out on the creek to enjoy the pristine waters. Hire a kayak or a standup paddleboard and paddle down the creek taking in the gorgeous scenery along the way. Otherwise hire a tinnie and motor down the creek and drop a line in to see what you can catch.
The mouth of the creek is the perfect place to learn to surf with gentle waves rolling into the estuary. For families with little children the northern side of the creek extends into a large shallow lagoon that is ideal for swimming and wading in the shallows.
One of my favourite Gold Coast spots to enjoy a coldie and good club food is at the Currumbin Vikings Surf Club. With its spectacular location right on the beach with Elephant Rock on one side and the long stretch of beach on the other, you almost feel as though you’re surrounded by the ocean. I’ll give you a tip and that is sunsets are absolutely breathtaking from the deck so make sure you take your camera.
Either side of the creek there are great walking paths. On the southern side you can walk alongside the creek right around to Currumbin Estuary and beach.
On the northern side, starting at Palm Beach Parklands you can walk alongside the creek, under the bridge to Beree Badalla Boardwalk through the mangroves and to the next bridge. Either walk is equally as scenic and beautiful.
All in all Currumbin is a fantastic Gold Coast suburb. As well as having all of these wonderful attributes there is a lack of high-rise development along the beachfront which in my opinion also adds to the charm of the place. Next time you’re visiting the Gold Coast make sure you come and check out Currumbin.
