Currumbin is the gift that keeps on giving, and locals just can’t get enough! From lush wildlife sanctuaries and delectable dining spots to vibrant cultural hubs and scenic coastal views, this coastal gem truly has it all.

Whether you’re an avid foodie, nature enthusiast, or culture vulture, there’s something here to tickle your fancy and keep you coming back for more. Let’s dive into 18 of the endless reasons why Currumbin is the place to be.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
If there’s one place that’s been synonymous with Currumbin for as long as we can remember, it’s Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Nestled within a lush 27-hectare outdoor sanctuary, people of all ages can enjoy a variety of fun and educational shows, feed the lorikeets, cuddle a koala, visit the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, and enjoy a bite to eat at The Homestead. Enjoy 10% off adult/family general admission on us here.
Where: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin

Tommy’s Italian
From day dot, Tommy’s stole a pizza our hearts with its incredible Italian nosh partnered with the breathtaking backdrop that is Currumbin Beach. Expect familiar favourites but served Tommy’s style (fresh, authentic, and using the finest local produce) prepared with passion. Do yourself a favour and book on the upstairs balcony – it’s the spritz to your Aperol.
Where: 818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Chicos Taqueria
This is the fast and fresh Mexican we’ve all bean waiting for, served from a vibrant nook that radiates geniality.  Serving a loud and proud curation of Mexican-Aussie faves, Chicos leans in to super fresh ingredients (delivered daily) and bold flavours. The no-risk, all-reward menu offers all the classics, namely tacos, enchiladas, burros, burritos, and nachos. It’s quac-en good.
Where: 27-31 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters

The Bread Social
Get b-ready! After baking out of The Farm in Byron for eight years, mates Sam Saulwick, Tom Scott and Paul Giddings moved the entire operation to a huge new space on Queensbury Ave. The café design invites patrons to peep on the bakers, involving us in all aspects of sourdough bread and pastry production. Think scrolls, croissants, tarts, baked cheesecake, cookies, sandwiches and more.
Where: 2 Queensbury Avenue, Currumbin Waters

Tarte Beach House
Cult flavourite alert! We were shook when our Burleigh-based numero uno Tarte Bakery launched a bigger and slightly more refined big sis lunch venue. Tarte Beach House is an elegant combo of Paris meets The Hamptons, while looking out over the crystal-clear waters of Currumbin. All items are made completely in house using the freshest ingredients possible, and the mouthwatering menu changes seasonally.
Where: 2-4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin

Kinship
Nestled underneath the Currumbin SLSC’s new Junior Activity & Community Centre is the kool-as Kinship. Rivalling all the edgy hipster haunts, its menu combines fresh and trendy takes – such as brekkie tacos and biscoff crumpets – along with your classic cafe faves. The breezy beachside spot offers sit-down service, along with plenty of equally delicious portable options for peckish passersby.
Where: 766 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Aperitivo
If a charming Italiano café full of character is your vibe, you’ll fall head over heels for Aperitivo. Tucked away in Thrower Drive, nom your way through tasty focaccias, paninis, arancini, sfogliatelle, Roman style pizza, lasagne, cannoli, tiramisù, and grazing boxes to order. Go on a weekend and you and your pooch can pull up a pew in neighbour Currumbin Dental Care’s quaint garden space next door.
Where: 8a Thrower Drive, Currumbin

Little Vine Room
We are so grapeful for this piece of paradise. Decked out in delicious deep green and apricot hues, Little Vine Room is as pleasing to the eyes as its food and sips are to the palette. Think cheese and charcuterie plates, gourmet toasties and jaffles, and a spread of sensational bites, paired perfectly with wines for days and top tier cocktails.
Where: 27-31 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters

The Bathhouse at Ground
The Bathhouse offers the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation in the stunning Currumbin Valley, forming part of the Ground community hub. Think mineral enriched hydrotherapy spas, a plunge pool, traditional cedar hot tub, therapeutic cold bath, large wood fired hot stone sauna, an outdoor infrared sauna, massage, and bespoke facials. Tranquilly personified.
Where: 2 Village Way, Currumbin Valley

Currumbin RSL
I mean, who doesn’t love an RSL and this one is the MVP. Set on the banks of picturesque Currumbin Creek, Currumbin RSL also known as ‘The Best Little Club in The World’, is a multi-award-winning boutique style show-stopper. With delish global grub, a pizzeria, hand-crafted drinks, and Soundlounge, a live music lounge with some of the best acoustic artists, everything this place touches turns to solid gold.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin

Pasture & Co
Embracing the eco-friendly philosophy with gusto, Pasture & Co is a must-visit family-friendly café with d-lish healthy eats, a prime location, friendly service, and an environmental conscience. Committed to nurturing both people and the planet, self-sustainability, and supporting small local businesses, don’t skip this one!
Where: 6 Village Way, Currumbin Valley

Fuel Bakehouse
Serving up some of the absolute best doughnuts you’ll ever eat is Currumbin’s Fuel Bakehouse. With varieties like Nutella, custard and salted caramel to name a few, calories don’t count here so buy at least four of each. It’s not just doughnuts though, they also do epic pies, cruffins, croissants; all of the baked goodies – and cracking good coffee. Perfection the lot of it.
Where: 44 Currumbin Ck Road, Currumbin Waters

The Salt Mill
A tiny little space directly across from the beach, The Salt Mill is one of the Coat’s most beloved cafes for a reason. Several in fact. They do exceptional coffee, takeaway sandwiches, Açai bowls (arguably some of the best around), smoothies, fresh juices, smashed avo, raw treats – everything that is delicious in the world. Buy one of everything then stroll across the road and take in that unrivalled ocean view.
Where: 784 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Consciously Clean
Consciously Clean is the place to go if you need to stock up on anything and everything eco-friendly in terms of home and body cleaning goods. They have a system where you can bring in your own jar or bottle and fill it with the product of your choice (or purchase one there) – and it’s all very affordable. Not only that, but you can also grab food containers and wraps, drink bottles, pet things, and skincare too. It’s a one-stop shop. We love.
Where: 4/42 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Freeman’s Organic Farm
For a tree-change, make sure you add Freeman’s to your weekend rotation. The farm was established in 1915 and in the 1920’s, became the largest commercial banana farm in Australia. Today, the farm grows all organic produce which you can purchase (grocery shop – tick), plus grab a bite and an organic 3 Elements coffee at The Farm Café. Enjoy your treats and take in the sensational hinterland views.
Where: 618 Tomewin Mountain Road, Currumbin Valley

Currumbin Valley Brewing
Currumbin Valley Brewing, crafted by local brewers Pete “Smokey” Wheldon and Luke Ronalds, is the newest gem in the creekside area’s growing list of watering holes. Featuring a 10hL Rolec copper-clad brew house, this taproom and brewery took several years and community support to bring to life.
Where: 27 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters

Dust Temple
All your favourite arty aspects combine at Dust Temple, an ex-warehouse turned gallery, coffee shop, and creative community hang. Hosting local, national and international artists, musicians, poets, an in-house ceramicist, a leatherworker, and a silversmith, it’s certainly a place to go if you need to feel creatively inspired. Amp up the happy vibes with a coffee while you’re there.
Where: 54 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Balter Brewery
You’ve heard about it and if you’ve not yet had the chance to visit, make today the day. Balter is the brainchild of your fave local pro surfers combining two of the things we Gold Coasters love the most, beer and waves. It’s a delightfully decked out space with big old beer vats on display, a sweet mural on the wall, and plenty of outdoor spots to sit. Happy days.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin

Words by Bianca Trathen

Life on the Gold Coast is synonymous with the outdoors, so naturally it makes sense that we make the most of that and squeeze in some wild animal encounters to round it out! From four-legged felines popping in for a pat while you sip your piccolo to encounters with native Australian wildlife and so much more, we’re all about taking a walk on the wild side and getting up close and personal with creatures great and small.

So, when we were looking for the ultimate animal experiences it was no surprise that there were a boat load to get amongst the action right in our backyard. Whether you like your friends furry or feathered, we’ve found the best animal encounters to add to your bucket list.

Tiger Island Dreamworld
Get up close and highly personal with some of the animal kingdoms most majestic creatures. Tiger Island is a true one-off as you’re able to watch daily shows — before the next minute finding yourself side by side and patting the big cats themselves for a photo opportunity like no other! It’s the only place in Queensland where you can actually feed the big cats, so what are you waiting for? Go get ‘em tiger.
Where: Dreamworld, Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera

Mountview Alpaca Farm
How does meandering your way around a vineyard with a glass of wine and your very own alpaca in tow sound? Be careful though; there may be some confusion around who is walking whom! These guys can be found at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard, where you can pat and feed them to your heart’s content. Why not make a day of it – kick back and set up with one of their delish picnic baskets or pizzas, there’s even a full menu with special options for the kiddies so everyone is looked after.
Where: 852 Lamington National Park Road, Canungra

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the best places for anyone on the Gold Coast to experience wildlife since 1947! There’s a long list of animals and encounters to find yourself involved with here, from crocodile feeding, bird shows, and having your picture taken with a koala. The highlight is one of the southern hemisphere’s largest aviaries, where you’ll mingle with red pandas, tamarins, and ring-tailed lemurs! Another fave of ours is the Capybara Encounter – you’ve problem seen these little guys going viral on TikTok and for good reason, they’re pretty much giant guinea pigs so you know where you’ll find us. If you’ve already seen the Sanctuary by day, why not try a Twilight Tour for an after-dark look at your favourite furry and feisty friends.
Where: Tomewin Street, Currumbin

Whale Watching
One of our favourite times of year, whale watching season is still upon on us for just a little longer (May — November), and you’ll be hard-pressed to see the spectacular sight of migrating whales from a better location than the sunny waters right off our coast. Spirit Whale Watching tours will take you right into the action as groups of whales make their way north around the Whitsundays to give birth before then returning south later in the year. The operator has a history of getting their guests wet with whales breaching and tail slapping the water from proximity. And if you don’t see any whales, they’ll take you on another trip free!

Kokomo Cruises, a family-owned and operated business on Queensland’s Gold Coast,  offers include whale watching and sunset cruises during the winter, as well as island adventures and exclusive charters in the summer. Jump aboard their Whale Watching Gold Coast cruise and observe mother whales caring for their calves, and encounter a variety of other wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, fish, and sea birds.
Where: Spirit Whale Watching, 60-70 Sea World Drive, Main Beach and Kokomo Cruises, Marina Mirage, Main Beach

Australian Outback Spectacular
Saddle up for the night of a lifetime at Australian Outback Spectacular. A hot tip is to arrive early to get photos with the dogs and horses, the stars of the show! Once inside the arena, you’ll then get a three-course dinner. Followed then by one of the most spectacular shows you’re likely ever to see, filled with animals, Aussie songs, and a guaranteed few laughs as riders frolic about on stunning steeds — all while you look on in awe. Expect stunts, special effects, and not forgetting a tasty meal. Making for a night, you’re unlikely to forget!
Where: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford

Sea World
As far as aquatic encounters go, this is your one-stop place to see and learn about a plethora of water-based animals. From Polar Bears to penguins, seals to sharks, there is guaranteed to be an animal that will captivate everyone’s imagination. If this isn’t enough, you’ll come across a selection of shows where splashing around and seeing these magnificent creatures do their thing will leave you speechless, or maybe a dolphin encounter is more your thing: spending time in the water with these animals and their trainers! If you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with a ray, Ray Reef is the place to be where you can touch some of the little guys – perfect fun for the whole fam!
Where: Sea World Drive, Main Beach

Paradise Country Aussie Farmyard
Sometimes there are so many adorable animals, yet so little time. From native Aussie wildlife to farmyard animals and even an animal nursery, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Paradise Country. If you’ve never been to a farm, this is the perfect place, only minus the hard work! It’s a great weekend adventure if you need to escape city life. They’ve got their own mob of Meerkats and Marmoset Monkeys (the cutest), as well as a pack of cheeky Tasmanian Devils — making your decision to visit, simples.
Where: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford

Crazy Cat Café
If you’re feline like you need your animal fix alongside your daily coffee hit, we’ve got the purrfect spot for you. If you’re more of a love from a distance kind of cat person, the café section is separated by a window that allows you to look in on the cat lounge while your crazy cat friend gets in there amongst the action while the kitties leap around, swat each other, and generally enjoy their cat castle. We reckon you’ll be the coolest among the cats if you get up close and personal for a sesh of zoomies and selfies with the fluffy friends.
Where: 63 Centre Arcade, 3131 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

David Fleay Wildlife Park
Right in the heart of Burleigh is an intimate, heritage-listed wildlife sanctuary home to a vast array of animals — and most people drive past without even realising! Wander around at your own pace and soak up the serenity or go on a guided tour and learn all about everything from Dingoes and Rock Wallabies to Bilbies and Owls. There are shows throughout the day too; so be sure to carve out a good chunk of time for a visit.
Where: Loman Lane, Burleigh Heads

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.