Day 5 - Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

On Monday we set off to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - this was opened in 1947 as a scheme to stop the local lorikeet population destroying his flower plantations.  The sanctuary now houses one of the largest collections of Australian native species in the world.

Our first stop was the Koalas

Then to a presentation on some of our wildlife

The Dingo - our native dog (or wolf) was first.

Followed by my most favourite species (good for shoes)

The kids didn't mind handling this non poisonous exhibit

a carpet python

Then they brought out a handsome little blonde possum

The park also contains a serious aspect of its work and exhibits, and behind the scenes includes a state-of-the-art veterinary and rehabilitation hospital where lots of sick and injured animals are brought every day.

We stopped to look at this absolutely huge

Wedgetail Eagle

Then en route to the Crocodile area

Ethan found his own native habitat species

A frilled lizard

Then we saw the largest Crocodile - his name is "Holy".

He is over 40 years old and about 5 metres long.

Ethan and Immy were quite excited to be able to hold a baby croc

it's little mouth was taped shut though.

It didn't phase the little man either

\

Next was a walk up to the Kangaroos

Ethan, Immy and I

spent ages up there

They both wandered very carefully through them

patting them when they felt happy to do so

Love this photo below

They were fascinated with some of the Mum's with the Joey's still in their pouch.

There were Emus wandering around us

Ah, a non native - a colourful Macaw from South America

We then went to a Flight Bird Show

A Barn Owl above and a Bunyip below

This miniature railway has been running here since 1964

Next stop was

Wild Island

another activity area for the kids

The flying fox

was the favourite

for the 3 of them

The sun was still shining

So Sarah, Ethan and I decided to wheel a sleeping Dan down to Currumbin Beach, the boys brought the cars - and Immy down.

We decided to go up to the Surf Club

for a drink

a glorious view over Currumbin Beach

and 3 huge helpings of cake

and milkshakes for the little ones

The kids were enthralled with the view from the balcony

Ah, and Ethan lost another tooth over the weekend.

Dan doing some "waiting" work

Downstairs for a late afternoon walk

along Currumbin Beach

At this stage Ian started to feel queezy - maybe big spoonfuls of each of those very rich cakes!

The kids didn't seem to be suffering though

having races along the beach.

The stroller stands guard over the Currumbin Surf Lifesaving Club at Elephants Rock

and we bid our farewell to go home and flop into our lounge chairs for the evening!