TreeTop Challenge Currumbin: First look at massive new family attraction

A giant new adventure centre which has quietly risen amid a spectacular southern Gold Coast setting opens next week. Take a sneak peek at what to expect.

Southern Gold Coast tourism will reach new heights thanks to the spectacular rebuild of a popular attraction.

The TreeTop Challenge at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary reopens next week with new courses including the city’s first ‘Black Diamond’, spectacular views from the rainforest to the beach and a zipline over the head of a four-metre crocodile.

First look at the new TreeTop Challenge at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Gabrielle Buzetti-Raiti tries out the new zip lines. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

First look at the new TreeTop Challenge at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Gabrielle Buzetti-Raiti and Ben Rissetto try out the new attraction. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Co-owner David Taylor said staff at the family-owned business were excited to open the new attraction, “absolutely” be one of Australia’s premier courses.

“This attraction is just as good as anything we’ve ever built if not better,” Mr Taylor said.

“It’s very high. We closed down the old attraction and built the new high wire adventure park in a different location more integrated into the entire sanctuary.

“It’s probably twice as high as the original course. It also takes advantage of the amazing views. You can see the ocean from two of our courses.

“Someone who has done a highwire course in the past will absolutely love this and be challenged by it and excited to do it again.”

First look at the new TreeTop Challenge at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Harrison Smith, Gabrielle Buzetti-Raiti and Ben Rissetto try out the new attraction. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

First look at the new TreeTop Challenge at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

The attraction includes courses suitable for all from age eight, from two green (easiest) courses, red (intermediate) courses, a blue, a black and ultimate challenge, Black Diamond.

Mr Taylor said while the Black Diamond would appeal to the health and wellness community, anyone could safely give it a go.

“It’s a very challenging course, where people can really prove their fitness ability and there agility,” Mr Taylor said. But I reckon most people will attempt to do it.

“It is very easy to attempt and very easy to hop off if you can’t get up it. We want everybody to have a go. You don’t have to be a Ninja Warrior. You just got to have a good attitude and our staff are there to help.”

First look at First look at the new TreeTop Challenge at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

First look at the new TreeTop Challenge at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Gabrielle Buzetti-Raiti tries out the new attraction. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Not that you have to give the Black Diamond a crack to have an amazing experience.

“Our favourite courses are actually the intermediate ones,” Mr Taylor said. “Our red courses have got our biggest zip lines, eight-year-olds can do it.

“They’re also our highest courses. So you get some really stunning views as we look down from the rainforest and across the wildlife sanctuary.

“We’re really proud you can be eight, 25, 55, you can be 70, you can do a course built specifically for your ability.”

First look at the new TreeTop Challenge at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Co-owner David Taylor. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

First look at the new TreeTop Challenge at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Gabrielle Buzetti-Raiti and Ben Rissetto try out the new attraction. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

The opening of the radically revamped Currumbin attraction marks another milestone for a Gold Coast family business growing rapidly since opening its first course with four staff at Mount Tamborine in 2014.

The company has since also built a TreeTop Challenge at the Sunshine Coast’s Big Pineapple, and all up employs 60 people.

David’s brother Stephen oversees course construction. The youngest members of the team are David’s nine-year-old twin sons Caleb and Noah.

“Our children are passionate TreeTop Challenge enthusiasts and will be one of the first to do the new activities,” Mr Taylor said. “They’re really looking forward to going over the crocodiles.”

For more, see www.destinationgoldcoast.com/12plays-of-christmas or www.treetopchallenge.com.au.

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