Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary unveils Outback Springs attraction

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary will open the biggest expansion in its 75-year history on Wednesday. Take a sneak peek inside Outback Springs.

Madi Roberts (left) helps Ishai, 9 and Jonah Angel, 14, search for gemstones at the new Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary precinct Outback Springs. Picture: Nigel Hallett

The biggest expansion in Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s 75-year history will open to the public on Wednesday.

The multimillion-dollar Outback Springs precinct, set in the park’s popular Kangaroo Country, will feature a recreation of a traditional outback Queensland farming station with animal encounters, skill demonstrations and authentic experiences such as billy teas and gemstone panning.

Sanctuary general manager Travis Couch said the opening of the precinct was “the first stage of the most significant precinct investment at the Sanctuary in its 75 year history”.

Ishai, 9 and Jonah Angel, 14, at the new Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary precinct Outback Springs. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“This coming year we will welcome over half a million guests to the sanctuary from all over the world and we want them to be able to experience life in the Queensland outback without having to leave the Gold Coast,” he said.

“Those visiting Outback Springs will feel like they’ve been transported to an outback station with a working windmill, chickens wandering free range, tractors, a fire pit and a bush tucker garden.

“We’re excited to open this new precinct just in time for the busy holiday season as we prepare to welcome thousands of new visitors to the Sanctuary.”

Travis Couch, general manager at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

New habitats have been built for outback species such as the death adder and native spiders as well as some cuddlier specimens such as chickens and miniature goats.

Created in partnership with leading attraction design firm Pico Play, the multimillion-dollar precinct has been jointly-funded by the National Trust of Australia (Queensland), the federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund and the Queensland government’s Tourism Experience Development Fund.

Stage two will see the opening of The Homestead in mid-next year, a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Australian ‘Queenslander’ home commonly found on outback stations, farms and rural estates.