THE Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary has been going from strength to strength since its renovations, according to curator Ray Revill.

Mr Revill said visitor numbers had increased fivefold since the changes were made.

"We've had an exceptional response from people since we made the major changes," he said.

"People have been hosting birthdays here. We had people visiting during Christmas, and even New Year's was good.

"The renovations have definitely paid off, and we've got big plans for 2013."

Changes made late last year at the sanctuary saw the site expand its grounds to accommodate more animal enclosures and better facilities.

While visitor numbers have been great in recent weeks, Mr Revill said the region's hot weather had taken a toll on the sanctuary.

Volunteers were refilling water troughs up to four times a day.

"The dry weather has been torturous for us," he said.

"We've had to irrigate the sanctuary pretty much all day using bore water.

"We've also had to increase the feed to the sanctuary area because there is no greenery.

"But all of the animals seem to be coping.

"They are all just staying in the shade trying to keep cool."

Mr Revill said the sanctuary was preparing for a big year, with new native animals and an enclosure set to be built into the pre-existing area.

"We are hoping to get maybe a wombat in and a few freshwater crocodiles this year," he said. "We want to be able to offer people a great personal experience, and continue on the good start.