Cleland Wildlife Park sits on the slopes of Mount Lofty in the Adelaide Hills, around 20 minutes by road from the city centre. It is a walk-through park where you wander bush paths among kangaroos, wallabies and emus, and see koalas, dingoes, reptiles and birds in naturalistic enclosures. Because the park is close to the city and set in native bushland, it is a relaxed and rewarding place for families and for anyone who wants to see Australian animals up close but cannot manage the longer trip to Kangaroo Island. The Cleland Wildlife Park Experience, which departs from Adelaide and includes Mount Lofty Summit, combines the park with the best-known lookout in the Hills. At the summit, a viewing area looks out across the city, the plains and the gulf, and on a clear day the view is superb. Together the two stops make a neat half-day outing that is easy to fit between a morning in the city and an evening meal, and the cooler air on the hills is a welcome change in summer. The Hills setting also adds a quiet, leafy contrast to the city sights.
What to see at Cleland
The park is laid out so you can wander at your own pace. In the walk-through areas, kangaroos and wallabies roam freely, so keep your voice low, move slowly and follow the keepers' guidance on feeding and touching. Koalas are usually seen resting in the trees, and the park often offers scheduled talks and keeper presentations, so check the day's program on arrival.
Paid encounters, such as a close koala experience, are sometimes offered as extras, and places can be limited, so ask when you book. Wear good walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and bring water, since the paths include gentle slopes.
Mount Lofty Summit
The lookout is at the top of the range, with sweeping views over Adelaide to the coast, a monument and a cafe and walking trails close by. Weather changes quickly on the hill, and the summit can be windy and cool even when the city is warm, so take a light jacket.
Early morning and late afternoon give the best light for photographs, and a clear day shows the whole city grid, the parklands and the sea. For keen walkers, trails lead down from the summit through the bush, although the guided trip normally keeps to the lookout area, so ask the operator what is included.
Planning the trip
This outing suits families, couples and solo travellers, and it makes a good rainy-day alternative only if the weather is mild, because the park is outdoors. Check the pickup point and the departure time when you book, and allow about half a day, with extra time if you add the cafe or a bushwalk. Combine it with Hahndorf, which is a further short drive through the Hills, if you have a car, or choose a day tour that links the two.
If wildlife is your main interest, remember that Kangaroo Island offers wild sea lions and a larger variety of wild animals, while Cleland is shorter, cheaper and easier. Opening hours and any closures on days of extreme fire danger or heat can change, so confirm on the day, and check with the operator about what happens if the park is closed.
What to expect
The experience
A guided half-day trip to a walk-through wildlife park and the summit lookout, with transport from Adelaide.
Best time
Morning, when the animals are more active and the hill air is cool.
How long
About four to five hours including travel.
Tips
Wear walking shoes, bring a hat, water and a light jacket and follow the keepers' guidance around the animals.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and first-time visitors who want to meet koalas and kangaroos close to the city.
- Families
- Children love the walk-through areas, and the half-day length suits younger ages.
- Couples
- Combine the summit view with a coffee at the top for a relaxed morning.
- Pair with
- Hahndorf is a short drive further through the Hills.
- Time needed
- Allow a half day, longer if you add a walk or lunch.
Good questions
Where is Cleland Wildlife Park?+
It is on the slopes of Mount Lofty in the Adelaide Hills, around 20 minutes by road from the city centre.
Can I hold a koala?+
Close encounters are sometimes offered as paid extras with limited places, so ask when you book. Rules about handling animals can change.
What can I see at Mount Lofty Summit?+
The summit has a lookout with views over the city and the gulf, a monument, a cafe and walking trails nearby.
Is this better than a Kangaroo Island trip?+
It is shorter, cheaper and easier. Kangaroo Island offers wild sea lions and bigger landscapes, while Cleland suits a half day.
What should I bring?+
Bring walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water and a light jacket, since the summit can be windy and cool.
