Currumbin



The coastal suburb of Currumbin is one of the oldest of the Gold Coast beachside communities. Many of the houses at Currumbin date from the period of its earliest subdivision and the area contains a substantial grouping of fibro beach houses. Since then later development has occurred including some high rise backing onto the hillside at Pacific Parade.

Generally the area contains more natural vegetation than other areas of the coast due in part to the difficulty of building on the steep hillsides and in part to the presence of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - a long standing icon and landmark at the Gold Coast. The Sanctuary comprises a substantial area of land on both sides of the highway adjacent to Flat Rock Creek.

The Currumbin area is one of a particular character. Stretching from Currumbin Creek in the north to Wyberba Street in the south the area is easily identified because of its headlands that project into the beach. The Pacific Highway skirts to the rear of Currumbin creating something of a quaint backwater. Even the more usual commercial development of the Gold Coast Highway is absent as the highway winds over the headland and past the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

At the beach front, Elephant Rock and Currumbin Rock enclose a discrete surf beach. Currumbin Alley is a popular surfing site formed on the bar of Currumbin Creek, particularly for longboards. Some properties to the south are only separated from the beach by an undeveloped public road reserve and the elevated land provides opportunities for views unusual at the coast. The Currumbin Valley Reserve is located west of Currumbin.

The Gold Coast Oceanway follows a beachfront alignment around Currumbin Alley and along Currumbin Beach. Between Tomewin Street and Flat Rock the current Oceanway pavements swing inland along Temmangum Street. The Currumbin Rock Pools are a popular swimming hole in the upper part of Currumbin Creek.

Events

Each year during September, the Swell Sculpture Festival is held along the Oceanway at Currumbin between Currumbin Creek and Elephant Rock. Elephant rock becomes a pedestal for a signature artwork. Other artwork is spread out along the Oceanway pavements and upon the beach and dune areas. Artwork from the festival often finds its way onto display on public and private spaces across the Gold Coast region including a horse in the park at Broadbeach, Fish along the foreshore at Harley Park, Pelicans along the bank of Currumbin Creek, a seal mother and pup along the Oceanway at Miami, a ship up on Point Danger and a metal goddess within a subdivision at Reedy Creek.



Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Qld Gold Coast has an enviable reputation as a great place to see Australia's wildlife. A favourite among children and overseas visitors is when clouds of wild, but camera conscious, parrots, mainly lorikeets and rosellas, descend on the park at 'feed time'. This popular event gives a rare chance to see these birds at very close range.


Currumbin Alley

Currumbin Alley is a surf break at Currumbin. On days when the surf everywhere else is flat or very small, The Alley is often a crowded longboard wave. The Alley is one of the more famous breaks on the Gold Coast along with Superbank and Burleigh Heads among others. Waves wrap around the point and towards the creek. It is exposed to perfect beginners conditions towards the creek and some epic right-handers towards the point. There's also a great wave just across the channel called Lacey's Lane. The Alley marks the mouth of Currumbin Creek.

To get there, drive along the Gold Coast Highway, north from Tugun and south from Palm Beach. You Should reach Currumbin Bridge. When approaching from the north, drive over the bridge and turn off the highway, heading towards the beach. The Alley is in between the rock wall and the Rocks. When approaching from the south drive along Currumbin Beach until you reach the creek mouth.



Currumbin Valley Reserve

Currumbin Valley Reserve is a 4 ha nature reserve owned and managed by Bush Heritage Australia (BHA), to which it was donated in 1999 by the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland according to the wishes of the previous owner, Dr Alex Griffiths, founder of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. With the adjacent Nicoll Scrub National Park it forms the only large area of rainforest remaining in the lower Currumbin Valley. There are no facilities on Currumbin. Currumbin Reserve is open to the public for day visits any time. Avoid visiting in extreme weather conditions or after heavy rains as the ground can be slippery.