Cleland Wildlife Park | Adelaide

Cleland Wildlife Park – An Australian Wildlife Experience

Located just 30 minutes from the Adelaide city center, Cleland Wildlife Park offers an immersive experience with native Australian wildlife in a natural, bushland setting. This family-friendly park allows visitors to get up close to some of Australia's most iconic animals in a relaxed and engaging environment.

Location and How to Get There

Address: Cleland Conservation Park, Mount Lofty, Adelaide Hills, South Australia

Distance from Adelaide CBD: The park is about 22 kilometers from Adelaide’s city center, a quick drive through the scenic Adelaide Hills.

Best Ways to Visit:

By Car: The most convenient way to get to Cleland is by car, with plenty of parking available at the park.

By Bus: There are also public transport options from the city, with buses running to Mount Lofty from the Adelaide CBD.

By Bike: For those who enjoy a more active approach, you can also bike to the park via the Adelaide Hills cycling paths.

Why Visit Cleland Wildlife Park?

Close Encounters with Wildlife: One of the park’s most appealing features is the opportunity for close encounters with iconic Australian animals, such as kangaroos, koalas, emus, and wallabies. You can feed and even pet some of the animals in a safe and controlled environment.

Natural Bushland Setting: The park is nestled within the Cleland Conservation Park, offering visitors a chance to experience Australian wildlife in a natural bushland habitat. This setting adds an extra layer of authenticity to the wildlife experience.

Family-Friendly: Cleland is perfect for families, with interactive experiences that allow children to learn about and connect with Australia’s unique fauna.

Educational Opportunities: The park’s guides and staff provide educational talks and demonstrations, giving visitors the chance to learn about the animals' behavior, conservation efforts, and the natural environment.

Key Attractions and Experiences at Cleland Wildlife Park

1. Meet the Koalas

One of the most beloved features of Cleland Wildlife Park is the chance to hold a koala (with an appropriate guide). Koalas are a symbol of Australian wildlife, and Cleland offers a unique opportunity to get close to these fascinating marsupials in a safe and respectful manner.

Koala Encounters: You can participate in koala encounters, where you can learn about their natural habits, conservation needs, and how they thrive in the park’s carefully maintained habitat.

Koala Photos: For those who want a memorable experience, photos with koalas are available, allowing you to capture a piece of Australian wildlife up close.

2. Kangaroo Feeding

One of the park’s standout experiences is the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies in a relaxed, open space.

Free-roaming Kangaroos: Kangaroos roam freely throughout the park, and visitors can walk among them, feed them, and observe their natural behaviors in a way that feels like a true encounter with the Australian outback.

Wallaby Close-ups: The park also features smaller wallaby species, giving visitors the chance to interact with these gentle creatures in a safe and engaging environment.

3. Emu and Other Birds

The park is also home to a range of native birds, including emus, which are the world’s second-largest bird after the ostrich.

Emu Feeding: Emus are large, curious birds, and you can have the opportunity to feed and observe them up close.

Birdwatching: Cleland Wildlife Park also has a range of other native Australian birds, including parrots, cockatoos, and magpies, perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts.

4. Reptiles and Amphibians

For visitors interested in reptiles, Cleland Wildlife Park has a range of native Australian reptiles.

Snakes and Lizards: Encounter iconic reptiles like the perentie, blue-tongue lizard, and eastern brown snake. The park provides informative talks on reptile behavior and conservation.

Frog Pond: There is also a frog pond that showcases local amphibians, allowing visitors to explore Australia’s diverse reptilian and amphibian species.

5. Wombats and Other Mammals

Cleland is home to a variety of other native mammals, including the wombat, an iconic Australian marsupial known for its burrowing behavior.

Wombat Encounters: Visitors can watch the wombats in action and learn about their unique digging and eating habits.

Tasmanian Devils: The park features Tasmanian devils, giving visitors the chance to see these elusive, fascinating creatures up close. Learn about their endangered status and ongoing conservation efforts.

6. Wildlife Walks and Tours

Cleland offers a variety of guided walks and tours, where visitors can explore the park’s unique ecosystem with knowledgeable staff.

Wildlife Walks: These tours are perfect for those who want to learn more about the park’s biodiversity, with the chance to spot a variety of animals and bird species along the way.

Night Tours: For a different experience, the night tours at Cleland allow you to see the park’s nocturnal animals, like gliders, bandicoots, and bats.

Best Time to Visit Cleland Wildlife Park

Spring (September – November): Spring is an ideal time to visit as the weather is pleasant, and the park’s wildlife is especially active with the arrival of new life in the form of pouches and young animals.

Summer (December – February): Summer can be quite hot, but the park remains a popular choice for families looking to escape the city and enjoy the cooler temperatures in the Adelaide Hills.

Autumn (March – May): Autumn offers mild weather and fewer visitors, making it a peaceful time to explore the park and engage in wildlife encounters.

Winter (June – August): Winter is the quietest season at Cleland, but still offers a unique experience to see wildlife in a serene environment, although it can be cooler, so be prepared for the weather.

Fun Facts About Cleland Wildlife Park

Cleland Wildlife Park is part of the Cleland Conservation Park, which spans over 1,200 hectares of natural bushland.

It was established in 1972 to provide a sanctuary for Australia’s endangered and native wildlife.

The park features more than 130 species of animals, many of which are at risk of extinction in the wild.

Cleland is one of the few places in South Australia where you can hold a koala and feed kangaroos in such an intimate, controlled environment.

Final Thoughts – Why Visit Cleland Wildlife Park

Cleland Wildlife Park offers an unforgettable, up-close encounter with Australia’s wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for animal lovers, families, and nature enthusiasts. The park’s natural setting and diverse range of native species provide a genuine Australian wildlife experience that you can’t find in many places. Whether you’re feeding kangaroos, holding koalas, or simply enjoying the tranquil bushland, Cleland Wildlife Park provides a unique and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.