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Wow, where to begin? If you're looking at the Gold Coast as your main place to stay and base everything out of, then going to Australia Zoo (Steve Irwin's) is quite a hike as it is located on the Sunshine Coast (which is around 3 hours North of Brisbane by car, which in turn is about an hour North of the Northern part of the Gold Coast) so you might want to stay overnight in the Sunshine Coast if going there is really important to you.
As for what to do on the Gold Coast it depends on what your interests are... it's a pretty tourist-dependent city so there are a ton of different things depending on your tastes. The "Big Theme Parks" are a must.. if you're going to go to more than one of them i'd recommend buying a 3-Park VIP Pass (you can just Google it, for example here: http://www.experienceoz.com.au/gold-coast/theme-parks/national-vip-pass ) which should save you a lot of money on admissions given that the price of entry to one of the parks alone is about $79.00 per adult... doing the math it works out much better.
For hotels, it's too much of a general thing to recommend without an idea of specifics like budget, where you'd like to be located, etc. Of course the most popular area is Surfers Paradise but some people find staying in the heart of it is a bit too noisy and it can get rowdy on Friday/Saturday nights due to it being a nightclub/nightlife area. Check out the website http://www.wotif.com if you want to snag a good deal as they usually have the cheapest rates available on the Net.
Other popular things to do on the Gold Coast other than the theme parks are the Outback Spectacular (is a fun night for a [very stereotypically] Aussie experience) and, as mentioned, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (took my girlfriend there a few months ago, it really has picked up and was quite good) although to be honest the best Zoo i've been too in S-E Queensland has been the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on the outskirts of Brisbane - their site is at http://www.koala.net/.
But yeah, too many variables to list without more info, http://www.experienceoz.com.au/gold-coast has a decent summary of the most popular things to do in the reasons, their prices, tickets etc. etc. If you can give us more specifics i'd be glad to try and narrow things down, cheers!
Written Aug 24, 2011
Address: Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, QLD
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Located at the southern end of the gold coast, is the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary covers an area of 27hectares, but don't worry, as a little Train will take you for a ride around the whole compound, stopping at various locations on the way. The Train ride is included in the admission price.
There are plenty of shady trees, so its not too bad on a hot day, but the Animals will be pretty lethargic in the heat.
Various wildlife presentations are held through out the day, these are in undercover arena's for viewer comfort.
There are Avairies, walk through areas, open displays, Reptiles and more to see. I did notice a very nice children's playground, including a flying fox to keep the littlies happy!
The Gift shops had a big array of nice items, and I thought the T Shirts were reasonably priced as they were of good quality. Price for childrens was 2 for $25 (2009) and there was good array to choose from.
FEEDING THE LORIKEETS IS NOW FREE, just a donation to collect a plate of food to feed them with. They will sit all over you, and is a delightful experience, great fun to do!
Feeding time is 8am and 4 pm, with entry through the park entrance to the arena.
OPEN 8 - 5pm daily
ANZAC DAY......1 - 5pm. & Closed xmas day.
ADMISSION IN 2009......Adults $44 children $26
Book online E Ticket......Adults $39.60 Children $23.40
Please check my GENERAL TIP FOR HOW TO GET IN CHEAP!
Updated Apr 27, 2010
Address: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
Phone: [07] 5534 1266
Website: www.cws.org.au
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Kangaroo's....... And did you know there are TREE KANGAROO'S?
There are 10 species of these Kangaroo's who are considered an endangered species. They are adapted for life in the Trees, and mainly live in mountainous areas, with a couple of the species living in the lowlands.
They are expert leapers easily jumping from one Tree to the next, good at that, but clumsy on the ground! They feed mostly on fruit and leaves.
They have them on display at the sanctuary, and one of them had a baby. They are really pretty!
WHERE.....Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Written Dec 10, 2009
Website: www.cws.org.au
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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a really good place to see Koala bears up close. They have a lot of them here, and are very easy to see. The best time to see them is at feed time, between 1 - 3pm. At this time, they are awake and moving around, much better than just seeing a grey ball in a tree fork!
You can have your photo taken with a Koala, cost in 2009 was $16.95.
The Kangaroo's and Emu's are in an enclosure where you can walk up to them, feed & pat them, and take as many photos as you wish. They are extremely quiet, and on hot days are quite lethargic, so don't expect much action! The Kangaroo's are fed at 3.15pm daily, but you can buy food for $3 a bag and feed them at any time of the day.
The Outdoor cafe has a very nice outdoor eating area where you may be joined by Ibis, Brush turkey's and the occasional Eastern Water Dragon.
And don't forget the Lorikeet feeding at 8am & 4 pm, this is great fun for the young and old!
WHERE.....Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
OPEN 8 - 5pm daily
Updated Dec 10, 2009
Address: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
Website: www.cws.org.au
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Included in the admission price at the Currumbin Wildlife sanctuary is the 'TOTALLY WILD AND SNAKES ALIVE SHOW" and the 'FREE FLIGHT BIRD SHOW"
We went to the "totally wild" show, which started off by meeting a Dingo and learning some info on him. Then a King Brown snake was brought out (venomous) and the Black Headed Python (non-venomous)
A beautiful golden Possum which is native to Tasmania and is very rare was a part of the show.
Audience participation was with a Tawny Frogmouth bird. These are often called owls, but are more closely related to Nightjars than Owls. They picked a child from the audience to try and find him, then gave him a dead mouse to feed the Owl with!
At the end of the show, you could have your photo taken with EITHER THE POSSUM OR THE BLACK HEADED PYTHON.
The professional photographer took a photo ($ if you buy) or....
you could take your own photos for FREE.
SHOWTIMES ARE.....10.30am & 1pm. for the totally wild show.
Included in the admission price to the sanctuary.
Open 8 - 5 pm daily
Free flight bird shows are at 11.30am & 2 pm
Written Dec 10, 2009
Address: 28 Tomewin street, Currumbin
Website: www.cws.org.au
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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has always been a favourite of ours. It has changed a lot over the years, with many improvements being made. This years aditions included the 'Extreme Green Challenge', a tree tops rope course which ends with a flying fox ride over a crocodile pit! Too much fun for me!!!
The lorikeet feeding is amazing...although a thunderstorm scared them all away while we were there...I think I have an old video of it, which I'll dig out and post later...
The kids love wandering through the kangaroo enclosure and petting the kangaroos. There were a lot of Joey's this year.
This is one of the few places you can still have your photo taken cuddling a koala. It is no longer permitted in other states because it can harm the koalas...so if you go for the cuddle, pay attention to what the handlers tell you...
Updated Feb 7, 2009
Address: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin,
Phone: 1300 886 511
Website: cws.org.au
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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organisation and all revenue is put back into wildlife conservation, education and research.
They have one of the largest collections of Australian native wildlife and there are also mammals and reptiles on display.
The lorikeets are one of the main attractions and visitors get a chance to feed them first thing in the morning and late in the afternoon.
There are cuddly koalas and you have an opportunity to have your photo taken with this famous Aussie marsupial.
Then there is the live snake show and the impressive birds of prey show where you will learn more about these animals in an entertaining program by experts in their field.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every day except Christmas Day when the park is closed.
General Admission:
Adults: $29.50
Children (4-13 years inclusive) $19.50
Infants (0-3 years inclusive) free if accompanied by an adult
Pensioners/Seniors: $23.00 (Aust & NZ residents only - ID required)
Updated Oct 23, 2006
Address: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
Phone: +617 5534 1266
Website: http://www.cws.org.au/content/home.asp?
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The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has one of the worlds largest collection of Australian Animals including many rare and endangered species. They are also involved in serious research and rehabilitation of sick and injured wild life species and education for wildlife conservation in educational institutions.
The Bird show for Prey birds like Eagles, Falcons, owl is really excellant.
I had never seen Australian dingoes in any Zoo so far. So it was a fascinating encounter with Dingoe for me anf my family.
The saltwater crocodile was huge, with a length of over 15 feet and weighing nearly 1000 kg. Other reptiles includes most poisonous snakes and some interesting tiny colorful snakes which are all kept in Reptile section.
You can get photographed with colorful Lorikeets, cuddle the cutr Koalas and feed the Kangaroos.
This sanctuary offers excellant photography opportunities and kids can have an event of a lifetime.
Opens from 09:00 hrs till 17:00 hrs all days except 25th Dec.
Written Mar 13, 2006
Address: Gold Coast Highway at Currumbin.
Phone: +61 7 55341266
Website: www.ces.org.au
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It's better to get a package for all the Worlds (3 Park Super Pass) which u can find in shopping malls around goaldcoast......
Each world cost you around A$50+... The 3 Park Super Pass cost you A$147..
It's better to reach the place early as you may not be able to cover all the places and rides in the theme parks.....
There are open from 10am to 6pm (approximately)...
The journey from goldcoast to the worlds is about 20 mins to 40 mins by car.... All the worlds are separated and not near each other so u can only go to 1 world per day so as to enjoy the place.....
Make contact with marine life wonders and experience a whole world of amazing rides, shows and attractions! More than just a theme park, Sea World is committed to educating guests about the marine environment, and playing an active role in Australian marine research and rescue.
Do catch the Dolphins & Ski Challenge Shows..
Updated Apr 12, 2005
Website: http://www.seaworld.com.au
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Visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the world's largest collection of Australian native animals.
The Sanctuary is an oasis, located in the centre of Australia's popular holiday destination, the Gold Coast. With over 27 hectares of landscaped surrounds and bushland catering for over 1400 mammals, birds and reptiles, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers a unique natural experience.
Take in the sights of Australia by visiting the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary where you can see native animals face to face in natural surroundings. The Sanctuary is also recognised worldwide as a quality research and conservation facility.
Conveniently situated beside the main highway and still only metres from the sandy white beaches of the Gold Coast, the Sanctuary is an opportunity to visit the green behind the gold. To find out more about our extensive collection and the many activities on offer, click on any of the topics listed to the left or below.
Written Apr 5, 2005
Website: http://www.currumbin-sanctuary.org.au/
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Bird / Animal Parks. tips and photos posted by real travelers and Gold Coast locals.
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