Cleland Wildlife Park Experience with Mount Lofty Summit

If you’re planning a trip to South Australia and want to get up close with Australia’s iconic wildlife while soaking in stunning panoramic views, this tour offers a balanced mix of both. It’s a thoughtfully organized experience that combines scenic vistas with encounters with native animals, all delivered in a small group setting for a more personal touch.

What we love about this tour is the chance to see wildlife in natural environments rather than behind glass, the breathtaking views from Mount Lofty, and the opportunity to interact directly with animals like koalas and kangaroos. The only potential downside? It’s best enjoyed in cooler weather, as the koala encounters may be canceled if temperatures soar above 32°C, which is something to keep in mind during Australia’s hotter months.

This experience is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, or anyone looking to tick off Australia’s furry icons from their travel bucket list while enjoying a scenic escape from the city. Families with older children (over 4 years) will find it particularly rewarding, though it’s not suited for very young kids.

Key Points

• Scenic views from Mount Lofty offer a breathtaking introduction to the Adelaide Hills.
• Close encounters with koalas allow touching, photographing, and even holding (with pre-booking).
• Self-guided discovery trails provide a relaxed way to explore the park’s diverse habitats.
• Hand-feeding kangaroos and other animals creates memorable, interactive moments.
• Inclusions such as transport, entry fees, and animal food make it a convenient, value-packed option.
• Weather-dependent activities might be canceled if it’s too hot, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting with Mount Lofty Summit: A Stunning Introduction

The tour kicks off with a short stop at Mount Lofty Summit, the highest point in the Adelaide Hills at around 710 meters. From here, you’ll get uninterrupted views across the plains to the Gulf St. Vincent and beyond, making it a photographer’s paradise and a wonderful way to set the tone for the day. The guide will likely point out notable landmarks and share insights about the region’s geography, adding context to the scenery.

Travelers who have been on this part of the tour mention “magnificent panoramas” and appreciate how it offers an immediate sense of South Australia’s diverse landscape. One reviewer noted that despite cloudy weather, the scenic route via a more picturesque road was a highlight, showing the guide’s effort to maximize the experience.

Entering Cleland Wildlife Park: A Naturally Beautiful Setting

The park itself spans 35 hectares, with very few enclosures, giving animals room to roam freely in environments mimicking their natural habitats. This open space layout is a significant plus, as it allows visitors to walk among the animals and observe their natural behaviors. The park is home to over 130 native species, including kangaroos, emus, dingoes, Tasmanian devils, and water birds.

The care and management of the park show in the health and well-being of the animals. Several reviews highlight the knowledgeable staff, especially keepers who provide engaging and informative presentations. One reviewer shared that the keepers’ explanations about animals like the Tasmanian devils made the experience more meaningful, especially for those genuinely interested in conservation.

Animal Encounters and Interactive Moments

The highlight for many is the koala close-up experience included in the ticket price. Visitors can touch and photograph these cuddly creatures while listening to keepers explain their habits and environment. For an extra fee (around $35 AUD), you can pre-book a koala hold and professional photo—a rare opportunity that many visitors cherish.

While the “hold a koala” experience isn’t always available—cancellations can occur due to weather or animal welfare concerns—most guests find the close-up encounter more than satisfying. One guest mentioned, “It was amazing to see a koala so close and learn about their conservation status.”

Feeding kangaroos, wallabies, and potoroos with provided food is another memorable activity. You’ll get the chance to hand-feed these friendly animals, which is narrated as a highlight by many reviewers. Just remember to save some food for the waterfowl and emus you encounter along the way.

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Exploring the Discovery Trails and Wetlands

The park features self-guided trails that let you wander at your own pace, discovering native wildlife and plant life. The wetlands are particularly popular, where pelicans and cormorants paddle about, and water birds gather in the calm environment. Several visitors appreciated how these trails offered a relaxed way to connect with nature without feeling rushed.

The Ocean to Outback Interpretive Centre adds an educational touch, providing insights into South Australia’s ecosystems. If you’re into reptiles or small mammals, you might even opt for the reptile hold experience, which adds an extra layer of interaction for those interested.

Practical Details and Value

Included in the $82 cost are return transport from your hotel, all entry fees, animal food, an orientation map, and a 10% discount voucher for the gift shop. The small group size (limited to 13 participants) ensures a more personalized experience, with enough time to ask questions and take photos.

Some reviews note that the tour duration feels just right—around 5.5 hours—allowing ample time at the park without feeling rushed. However, a few mentioned that a longer stay might be too lengthy, especially if the weather is hot or if some parts of the park are closed unexpectedly.

The tour begins with hotel pickup, saving you the hassle of navigating on your own, and the guide (speaking English) provides useful insights along the way. If you’re hoping to “hold a koala,” remember that booking ahead is essential, as availability is limited.

What We Think: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Well-organized, with a knowledgeable guide who balances education and fun
• The chance for intimate animal encounters, especially with koalas and kangaroos
• Scenic views from Mount Lofty set a memorable tone for the day
• Naturalistic park environment providing an authentic experience
• Good value considering transportation, entry fees, and food included

Cons:

• Weather can impact certain activities, especially koala encounters in high temperatures
• Some parts of the park might be closed unexpectedly, as noted by a reviewer
• The 5.5-hour duration might be slightly long if you’re not a wildlife enthusiast or if the weather is very hot
• Additional fees apply if you want to hold a koala, which isn’t included in the base price

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal for wildlife lovers eager to see Australian animals in a more natural setup, rather than in cramped zoos. It’s also excellent for travelers who want a scenic escape with a bit of adventure—touching koalas, feeding kangaroos, and taking in sweeping views from Mount Lofty. Families with older children will find it engaging, especially those interested in conservation and native habitats.

Those seeking a relaxed pace with plenty of time for photos, questions, and wandering trails will appreciate the small group size. However, if you’re visiting during a hot spell, be prepared for possible cancellations of certain activities, and consider bringing along a picnic to enjoy in the park.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel, with instructions to wait in the lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

Can I hold a koala during this tour?
Holding a koala requires a pre-booking directly through Cleland Wildlife Park for an additional fee (from $35 AUD). Availability is limited, so advance booking is recommended.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5.5 hours, including transport, park exploration, and scenic stops.

Are all activities weather-dependent?
Yes, especially the koala experiences, which may be canceled if temperatures forecast over 32°C, to protect animal welfare.

What animals can I see and feed?
You’ll encounter kangaroos, wallabies, emus, dingoes, Tasmanian devils, and water birds. Feeding these animals is included in the ticket.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s suitable for children over 4 years old. Very young kids may not enjoy or be able to participate in all activities.

What’s included in the price?
Return transport, all entry fees, animal food, an orientation map, and a gift shop discount are included.

Can I bring my own food?
Yes, you can bring a picnic to enjoy in the park or buy food from the onsite café.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of scenic views, humane animal care, and interactive encounters create a memorable and authentic wildlife experience.

Are there any hidden costs?
The base price covers most activities, but extras like holding a koala or special photos require additional fees and advance booking.

Final Thoughts

For those after a straightforward yet immersive look into Australia’s native fauna combined with spectacular views, this tour balances both effortlessly. The knowledgeable guides and natural setting elevate the experience beyond just sightseeing, offering genuine chances to connect with wildlife in a caring environment.

While weather can influence some activities, the overall value—especially considering transport, entry, and food—is impressive. It suits nature lovers, families (with kids over 4), and anyone keen on learning about Australia’s unique animals without the fuss of complicated logistics.

If you’re visiting Adelaide and want a day that mixes scenic beauty with authentic animal encounters, this experience is a smart choice. It provides a relaxed, educational, and engaging outing that can make your South Australian adventure truly special.

You can check availability for your dates here: