- Duration
- ~60 km by car there and back from Surfers Paradise, 8 hours (≈ 7 h 6 min: moving and stop time only)
- Who it suits
- With kids
- Transport
- walk, drive
- Start
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Finish
- Al Bacio Gelato Naturale
- Pace
- relaxed pace
- Best time
- Friday to Tuesday. On Wednesdays the miniature trains don't run until noon, and on Thursdays the Wild Island splash zone is closed until 11am. The sanctuary is closed on 25 April and 25 December. Be at the gate for 9:00am. The creek is best for swimming from September to April.
- Budget per adult
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary day pass from A$50 (exact adult and child prices show at checkout, 1.75% online fee); parking A$10 per car (sanctuary website, October 2026). The pirate playground and creek swim are free. Add lunch at Dune Cafe and gelato.Prices as of: July 2026; transport and zoo prices October 2026
Getting there
By car south on the Gold Coast Highway, about 30 minutes from Surfers Paradise. The sanctuary car park opposite the main entrance on Tomewin Street opens 7:30am to 5:30pm. Without a car: Translink bus 700 runs along the Gold Coast Highway between Broadbeach South (change for the G:link tram) and Tweed Heads via Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach, roughly every 15-20 minutes, stopping right outside the sanctuary.
Stops in order
The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.
1. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary~2 h 30 min at the stop
A not-for-profit sanctuary with its own wildlife hospital: koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils and the giant Lost Valley aviaries with birds and lemurs. Entry includes every show, keeper talk and unlimited miniature train rides.
Worth knowing: The wild lorikeet feeding at 8:00am and 4:00pm is free and needs no ticket: enter via the main entrance or the gift shop.
Tip: Daily 9:00am to 4:00pm, last entry 3:30pm. For kids: the Pelican and Eel Show at 10:00am, Blinky Bill at 10:15am, the WildSkies bird show at 10:45am, the Koala Nursery talk at 11:45am. Lost Valley is open 10:00am to 3:00pm.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 5 min · 0.4 km
- For kids
2. Wild Island Splash Zone~45 min at the stop
The water play zone inside the sanctuary where little ones cool off. Nearby is the Extinction Trail dinosaur area, with the Dino-Mite Explorer Show at 11:30am.
Tip: Included with entry. Closed until 11am on Thursdays for cleaning. Bring swimwear and a towel.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 6 min · 2.5 km
- Lunch
3. Dune Cafe~50 min at the stop
A cafe in Palm Beach Parklands overlooking Currumbin Creek. Breakfast and lunch, coffee and a cabinet of treats, with outdoor tables in the shade.
Tip: The kitchen runs 6:30am to 2:00pm on weekdays and to 2:30pm on weekends; takeaway coffee and cabinet treats until 3:00pm. Arrive by 1pm. Book online, or by phone on 07 5521 0951 for same-day. Closed Christmas Day.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 2 min · 0.1 km
- For kids
4. Pirate Park, Palm Beach Parklands~45 min at the stop
A free playground built around a huge pirate ship: a crow's nest over 10 m up, cannons, crates, dinghies, hammocks and sensory play, all shaded by big trees on the bank of Currumbin Creek.
Worth knowing: The ship was custom-designed for the council and built to withstand salty coastal air and tropical storms.
Tip: Free. The slide is steep for toddlers, so stay close. Midday is hot and busy; early morning or late afternoon is easier.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 7 min · 3.8 km
- Swim
5. Tallebudgera Creek~1 h 30 min at the stop
The creek mouth at Palm Beach with sandy shallows and pandanus shade along the shore, where families come for calm water instead of ocean surf. Easy access from the southern bank by the Neptune Royal Life Saving Club.
Tip: Swim only between the red and yellow flags and keep kids in the shallows: the creek current can be strong at times. Check lifeguard hours in the Beachsafe app (Tallebudgera). The club is at 1527 Gold Coast Highway.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 6 min · 2.6 km
- Snack
6. Al Bacio Gelato Naturale~20 min at the stop
A family gelateria in Burleigh Heads: gelato made in-house with no artificial flavours or pre-made bases, fresh fruit from local farms, served from covered pozzetti tubs.
Tip: Sunday to Thursday 10:00am to 9:15pm, Friday and Saturday to 9:30pm. Address: 7/1840 Gold Coast Highway. Try the Piemonte hazelnut.
Open on the map ↗
Before you go
- Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
- Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
- On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.