Cleland Wildlife Park
Experience Australia's unique wildlife in natural, open enclosures. Feed kangaroos, cuddle koalas, and learn from passionate keepers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Cleland Wildlife Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Australia's unique wildlife in natural, open enclosures. Feed kangaroos, cuddle koalas, and learn from passionate keepers.
"A wonder experience to walk around and seeing the animals have the freedom to roam around without tight caged restrictions."
🎯 Feed the Locals!
Purchase animal feed from the cashier to interact with kangaroos and wallabies. :moneybag:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the natural enclosures. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kangaroo & Wallaby Feeding
Open enclosures
Get up close and personal with friendly kangaroos and wallabies, and even feed them! A truly heartwarming experience.
Koala Encounters
Koala enclosure & experience area
Meet and learn about rescued koalas, with opportunities for cuddles and photos.
Immersive Natural Habitats
Throughout the park
Observe over 130 native Australian species in spacious, naturalistic enclosures.
+1Interactive Keeper Talks
Various locations
Engaging talks by passionate keepers offer insights into animal behavior and conservation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: Plan Your Visit
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Feed the Locals!
Purchase animal feed from the cashier to interact with kangaroos and wallabies. :moneybag:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the natural enclosures.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera for incredible photo opportunities with native wildlife. :camerawithflash:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring plenty of water or purchase from the cafe.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Feed the Locals!
Purchase animal feed from the cashier to interact with kangaroos and wallabies. :moneybag:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the natural enclosures.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera for incredible photo opportunities with native wildlife. :camerawithflash:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring plenty of water or purchase from the cafe.
🚗 Drive Carefully
The roads leading to the park are narrow and winding with steep cliffs. :oncomingpolicecar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cleland Wildlife Park for its immersive, animal-friendly environment and the opportunity to get up close with native Australian wildlife. The friendly staff and engaging keeper talks are frequently highlighted as positives, making it a highly recommended destination for families and nature lovers alike. Some visitors note that the journey to the park involves challenging road conditions.
"Cleveland Wildlife Park is a wonderful place for nature lovers and families. The park is well-maintained, peaceful, and offers a good variety of native wildlife. The enclosures are spacious, and the animals look healthy and cared for. Staff members are friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer questions.
The walking tracks are easy to navigate, and there are plenty of shaded spots to relax and enjoy the surroundings. It’s a great spot for photography as well. Overall, a relaxing and enjoyable experience—definitely worth a visit!"
The Mixed Code
"Great experience getting to see some animals up close and getting to feed them. Lots of kangaroos to feed in a big, open area. (They also have roped-off sections where the kangaroos can go to keep people away from them if they are tired. That was nice for the roos!) Nice park with different animals and birds to see. Highly recommended for people of any age!"
Vince Roberts
"Excellent facilities and definitely educational for all ages. The aviaries, the open spaces for the fauna, the wetlands and the reptile areas all well maintained and great to visit. Take a picnic and enjoy a lovely day out"
Figjam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cleland Wildlife Park is accessible by car, located in the Adelaide Hills. The drive involves winding, narrow roads with steep cliffs, so drive carefully. Public transport options are available but can be less convenient.
Parking is generally ample at the park itself.
While public transport can get you to the general area, it's often recommended to have a car for easier access and flexibility. Check LinkSA bus schedules for routes and times.
Parking is available at Cleland Wildlife Park and is generally considered better than at nearby Mount Lofty.
Cleland Wildlife Park is approximately a 30-40 minute drive from the Adelaide CBD, depending on traffic.
Yes, visitors are warned that the roads are narrow, winding, and built next to steep cliffs. Drivers must pay full attention.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cleland Wildlife Park is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Admission fees vary for adults and children. An annual membership is also available for frequent visitors, which can be cost-effective for families.
It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for special animal experiences, to avoid disappointment. Check the official Cleland Wildlife Park website for online booking options.
Look out for potential discounts, especially if you are an international student or part of a group. Annual memberships can also offer savings. +1
Absolutely! Cleland Wildlife Park is a perfect destination for a day trip from Adelaide, offering a full day of exploration and animal encounters.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Cleland Wildlife Park is home to over 130 native Australian species, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, Tasmanian devils, dingos, reptiles, and various birds.
Yes, you can purchase feed from the cashier to feed kangaroos, wallabies, and potoroos. It's a highlight for many visitors!
Popular experiences include koala encounters, where you can hold and take photos with koalas. There are also opportunities to interact with other animals.
Yes, Cleland Wildlife Park offers various talks and keeper presentations throughout the day, providing educational insights into the animals.
The park is designed with naturalistic enclosures, and while paths are generally well-maintained, some areas might be challenging. It's advisable to check with the park directly for specific accessibility information.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant and cafe within the park where you can purchase drinks and food.
While there are dining facilities, bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally permitted, allowing for flexibility during your visit.
The cafe offers a range of options, from light snacks to meals, suitable for a day out with family.
📸 📸 Photography
The open enclosures with kangaroos and wallabies offer fantastic opportunities for close-up shots. The Koala Loft also provides unique photo moments.
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the park. However, always be mindful of animal welfare and avoid using flash photography directly at animals.
Yes, especially during animal encounters like the koala experience, you can take photos.
While generally permitted, it's important to respect the animals' space and avoid disturbing them. Some specific areas or experiences might have their own guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing an annual membership if you're a local family, as it offers great value and allows for multiple visits throughout the year.
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and be prepared for a day filled with wonder and discovery. 🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
+1 Photographers will find endless subjects, from the intricate details of a potoroo to the majestic pose of a kangaroo. Beyond the animals, the park's location in the Adelaide Hills provides a serene backdrop. The immersive experience allows you to feel truly connected to nature.
Don't miss the chance to attend the keeper talks, which offer deep insights into conservation efforts and the unique characteristics of Australian fauna. ✈️ International Visitors & Day-Trippers
Many international students find it a highlight of their time in Adelaide. As a day trip from Adelaide, it's easily manageable, though it's recommended to dedicate at least half a day to fully enjoy the park.
Be prepared for the drive through the Adelaide Hills, and consider booking any special animal encounters in advance to make the most of your visit. The park provides a wonderful opportunity to experience Australia's unique biodiversity. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Immersive Experience: Beyond Cages
+1 Unlike traditional zoos with restrictive cages, Cleland prioritizes the well-being and natural behaviors of its inhabitants. This immersive environment means you'll often find kangaroos and wallabies approaching visitors, eager for a friendly interaction or a tasty treat.
Recent developments, like the new Koala Loft, further enhance the animal welfare and visitor experience, providing purpose-built comfort for these iconic marsupials.
This dedication to creating a harmonious environment for both animals and people is a cornerstone of Cleland's appeal. Unforgettable Animal Encounters
Visitors often describe this as a highlight of their trip, a truly special moment. Beyond koalas, the park excels in facilitating interactions with kangaroos and wallabies. Purchasing feed allows for delightful moments of hand-feeding these gentle marsupials, who are often very approachable.
These experiences are not just about fun; they are also educational. Passionate keepers lead talks and provide insights into the animals' lives, conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting Australia's unique wildlife.
Navigating the Adelaide Hills Roads
While the drive can be a bit challenging, it's also incredibly scenic, offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
The park's location is intentionally set apart, contributing to its peaceful atmosphere and separation from urban bustle. For those who prefer not to drive, public transport is an option, but it's important to plan your journey carefully and check schedules in advance.
However, the convenience and flexibility of having a car are often highlighted by visitors who want to explore the wider Adelaide Hills region. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit