Visitors experience a taste of the Outback as new attraction opens on the Gold Coast
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary introduces Outback Springs, a multi-million-dollar, government-funded attraction featuring outback-themed experiences, diverse animal habitats, and an expansion plan to boost visitor numbers and contribute significantly to the local economy while supporting various conservation programs.
The Outback has arrived at the Gold Coast’s Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary with the official opening of a new multi-million-dollar visitor experience.
Supported with $200,000 in funding from the Queensland Government’s Tourism Experience Development Fund in 2022, the new Outback Springs experience features a fully accessible area with outback themes, pathways, children’s activities, and First Nations linkages.
In addition, the new precinct includes a Petting Farm/Animal Nursery, Windmill and Sluice, Ride Building, Reptile Precinct and a Yarning Circle fire pit.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary General Manager Travis Couch said the opening of the Outback Springs was the most significant precinct investment in the Sanctuary’s 75-year history.
“Outback Springs is a rustic outback experience for all ages to enjoy,” he said.
“This coming year, we will welcome over half a million guests from all over the world to the Sanctuary, and we want them to experience life in the Queensland outback without leaving the Gold Coast.
“We have new habitats of outback species such as the death adder and native spiders as well as some cute new arrivals like chickens and miniature goats.”
Mr Couch said the experience, conceptualized by attraction design firm Pico Play, was jointly funded by the National Trust of Australia (Queensland), the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund and the State Government’s Tourism Experience Development Fund.
The Outback Springs precinct is set to expand over the coming months to include Stage Two featuring The Homestead, a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Australian ‘Queenslander’.
“This has been a long time coming, and we’re thrilled to welcome members and guests of all ages to enjoy this new experience,” Mr Couch said.
The Outback Springs is estimated to attract 25 841 additional visitors to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and $7.6 million to the overnight visitor economy at the completion of the broader Australiana Precinct.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary participates in 15 conservation programs for threatened and endangered species. It is home to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, which admitted more than 14,000 wildlife animals last year, including almost 400 koalas.