Cleland Wildlife Park

Tucked into the bush on the edge of the Mount Lofty Ranges, Cleland Wildlife Park offers one of Australia's most immersive wildlife experiences. Here you can wander among free-ranging kangaroos and wallabies, hand-feed a friendly swamp wallaby, and come face-to-face with koalas in their natural habitat. The park's setting in the Adelaide Hills makes it a perfect half-day escape from the city, blending conservation with close encounters that feel authentic, not staged.

Highlights & What to See

• Koala encounters – Get up close with koalas in the eucalypt forest; you can even have a photo taken while holding one (a quintessential Australian moment).
• Free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies – Walk through the open-range area where these marsupials hop around freely; purchase feed from the kiosk for an unforgettable interaction.
• Nocturnal House – Step into the dimly lit space to spot bilbies, bettongs, and other shy creatures that emerge after dark.
• Bird of prey display – Watch wedge-tailed eagles and powerful owls soar during the daily flying demonstration, with keepers sharing insights into raptor conservation.
• Dingo encounter – Learn about Australia's native wild dog at the dingo exhibit, where you can sometimes join a keeper talk.
• Bushwalking trails – The park connects to the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden and Waterfall Gully trails, offering a dose of native flora and panoramic views.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least 2–3 hours to comfortably explore the park and enjoy the animal encounters. If you want to linger over the koala photo session, attend the bird show (usually at 11:30am and 2:30pm), and take a short bushwalk, allow a half-day. Combine it with lunch at the on-site cafe or a picnic in the adjacent botanic gardens for a relaxed Adelaide Hills afternoon.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Mount Lofty Summit – Just a 5-minute drive away, the summit offers breathtaking views over Adelaide and the coast; stop at the lookout and the Summit Cafe.
• Mount Lofty Botanic Garden – Adjacent to the park, these sprawling gardens are perfect for a peaceful stroll among rhododendrons, camellias, and towering trees.
• Stirling – A charming hills village known for its boutiques, galleries, and excellent cafes; ideal for lunch or a coffee break.
• Hahndorf – Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, 15 minutes away, with half-timbered buildings, artisan shops, and hearty German cuisine.
• Adelaide City – A 20-minute drive down the freeway brings you back to the city's cultural precinct, Central Market, and River Torrens.

Please check official sources for current details.