Cleland Wildlife Park

Nestled in the bushland of the Adelaide Hills, Cleland Wildlife Park offers one of Australia’s most intimate wildlife experiences. Here you can walk among kangaroos, hand-feed wallabies, and even cuddle a koala (one of the few places in South Australia where this is allowed). The park’s open-range setting, with animals roaming freely in natural habitats, makes it feel more like a bushwalk than a zoo. It’s a perfect half-day escape from Adelaide, especially for families or anyone wanting to get up close with iconic Australian species.

Highlights & What to See

• Koala encounters – Join the daily koala holding sessions (book on arrival) for a memorable photo and a chat with knowledgeable keepers.
• Kangaroo walk – Stroll through the open enclosure where red and western grey kangaroos lounge around; buy a bag of feed to tempt them closer.
• Nocturnal house – Step into the dimly lit building to spot bilbies, bettongs, and other shy night-time creatures.
• Dingo display – Watch the park’s dingoes during feeding time and learn about their role in Australian ecosystems.
• Bird aviary – Wander through a large walk-through aviary where rainbow lorikeets and other native birds swoop overhead.
• Bushwalking trails – Connect to the nearby Mount Lofty Summit for panoramic views over Adelaide.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the park, which is enough to see the main animals and attend a keeper talk. If you want to linger over the koala session and enjoy a picnic in the scenic grounds, allow half a day. Combine with a visit to Mount Lofty Summit or the nearby Hahndorf village for a full day in the Adelaide Hills.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Adelaide – The city’s vibrant food scene and cultural attractions are just a 20-minute drive away.
• Kangaroo Island – A ferry ride from the mainland offers wilder wildlife encounters and dramatic coastal scenery.
• Barossa Valley – World-class wineries and gourmet produce lie an hour north of the park.
• Flinders Ranges – Iconic outback landscapes and ancient geology are a day’s drive north.
• McLaren Vale – South of Adelaide, this wine region pairs cellar doors with coastal views.

Please check official sources for current details.