We couldn’t have timed our first visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary any better with the launch of the new Gruffalo Trail.

We are currently in that exciting phase (amongst the tantrums and terrible two’s) where the world through my daughter’s eyes is magical and I get to revel in the enjoyment of watching her experiencing things for the first time!

After countless books learning about animals and reciting our animal noises I was eager to introduce her to the wildlife she was so fascinated by. The trail really did bring the magic of the wildlife creatures to life with an interactive and animated app. I have included an overview of our exciting day, highlights for kids and tips for parents below!

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for Kids

If you’re looking for something to do next school holidays you could very easily fill a day exploring Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. I was surprised by just how much space the park takes up and the range of experiences there was for kids of all ages.

Upon entering we received a full schedule for the day of shows and animal feedings we could attend in addition to the various parks, opportunities to feed and pat/cuddle the animals, a train around the park and even a high ropes course for the big kids! The new addition of the Gruffalo trail was easily a highlight and seemed to captivate people of all ages with kids and adults alike using the app and excitedly getting their picture taken with the animated animals.

Highlights for Toddlers or Young Kids

The whole park is beautiful and scenic and my daughter seemed to spend much of her time wandering off course or climbing tree stumps, however experiencing the animals the park has to offer was the highlight.

Her little face lit up patting a kangaroo for the first time, seeing the countless ducks and being able to feed them, spotting the interactive animals on the Gruffalo trail, the Blinky Bill show where she eagerly clapped along to the music, seeing the koalas (or rah rah’s as she says) and countless times hugging the koala statues.

The Gruffalo Trail

The Gruffalo Trail brings to life 5 animated creatures as you navigate through a scenic park trail spotting the animals footprints. Once you have found the footprints you use the app to focus on the print before the creature animatedly comes to life and you are able to see it through the app and get a picture with it. I enjoyed showing my daughter the creatures through the app where she excitedly pointed at them and then hurried in to get a picture.

You can also meet the Gruffalo in person various times throughout the day. However despite the friendly Gruffalo’s attempts for a picture my daughter found the Gruffalo in person a little terrifying!

TIP: With the Gruffalo trail make sure you have downloaded the app in the App Store “Gruffalo Spotter Aus” before you arrive otherwise you’ll need to use the parks free wifi to download which can take time.

Tips for Parents

• The park is very spread out so I suggest taking a pram for when they get tired or to get around quicker
• Whilst parts of the park are shaded we went on a hot day; and a hat, water bottle, and sunscreen were needed
• We were surprised by all the beautiful picnic spots and noticed people sat down enjoying lunch with their kids. Great opportunity to buy food from the cafes or pack some snacks
• The car park can fill up quickly so arrive early!
• I suggest getting the train first of the day and at the first pick up point as we found it hard to get a spot by the other pick up points

Overall, a great day was had by myself, daughter and her grandparents proving Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary really does offer something for everyone!

Have you visited Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary? Share your experience in the comments.

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