Cleland Wildlife Park Experience – from Adelaide including Mt Lofty Summit

Setting out on a day trip from Adelaide to visit Cleland Wildlife Park combined with a stop at Mt. Lofty Summit offers a perfect blend of native Australian wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the consistent glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it’s a well-rounded choice for nature lovers, families, and anyone wanting an authentic taste of Australia’s natural charm.

What we love about this experience: First, the chance to get up close with iconic animals like koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies in a natural, open environment. Second, the personalized small-group setting ensures plenty of interaction and time with the animals. Third, the breathtaking views from Mt. Lofty Summit deliver a postcard-worthy backdrop to your day. The only consideration? The tour’s timing and weather could affect the visibility from Mt. Lofty or the availability of certain activities, like koala cuddling.

This tour is especially suited for travelers seeking a relaxed, educational day out with a focus on nature and wildlife. If you’re traveling with children, love animals, or just want to experience the scenic Adelaide Hills, this experience is likely to tick many boxes.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Small-group tours limited to 13 travelers offer an intimate, more engaging visit.
• Wildlife Encounters: Hands-on opportunities like feeding wallabies and kangaroos, plus close-up koala interactions.
• Stunning Panoramas: Mt. Lofty Summit provides expansive views of Adelaide and beyond.
• All-Inclusive Value: Entrance fees, animal food, and pickup/drop-off from Adelaide hotels included.
• Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.
• Weather Considerations: Experiences like koala holds may be weather-dependent, especially in high temperatures.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Itinerary

Cleland Wildlife Park: A Day with Australia’s Unique Animals

The journey begins with a short trip into the Adelaide Hills to Cleland Wildlife Park, an 86-acre sanctuary designed to mimic native habitats with very few enclosures. The park is praised for its natural, open environment, which allows animals to roam freely, making it a more authentic experience than traditional zoo visits.

The park houses over 130 species of Australian animals, and what makes it special is the staff’s dedication to animal health and welfare. Visitors can walk along trails that lead through lush bushland, with plenty of opportunities to see animals in a setting that feels as close to their natural habitat as possible. Reviewers note that most animals are free to roam, and staff often conduct keeper talks—an engaging way to learn about each species.

Close Encounters and Feeding Time

One of the most popular features of this tour is the opportunity to feed kangaroos, wallabies, and potoroos with provided food. Reviewers like Lucia_C mention that large kangaroos are friendly and allow strokes and feeding, while the baby kangaroos can be a bit shy. The interactive element adds an extra layer of fun, especially for families or animal lovers.

Another highlight is the koala ‘close-up’ experience, where you can meet Florence—an adorable koala—and take photos. Several reviews highlight how “staff are accommodating, and the park is well-maintained with pleasant staff”. Keep in mind, koala encounters are weather-sensitive, with experiences sometimes restricted during high temperatures or due to animal welfare concerns, so planning ahead is advisable.

Interactive Keeper Talks and Animal Sightings

Visitors often mention the keeper talks as a highlight, providing insight into the animals’ behaviors and care. You might also spot unique creatures like Tasmanian devils, wombats, and emus. As Daan_H notes, the park is clean, with good walking paths and excellent views of Adelaide, making the walk both enjoyable and scenic.

Mount Lofty Summit: A Panoramic Finish

After exploring Cleland, the tour head back toward the city with a 15-minute stop at Mount Lofty Summit. Sitting at approximately 710 meters, it’s the highest point in the Adelaide Hills. From here, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of Adelaide, Gulf St. Vincent, and the coastline.

While some reviews mention that weather could obscure the view (especially in rainy or foggy conditions), on clear days, the panorama is breathtaking. Visitors like Rhyanna_S appreciate the photo opportunities and the chance to see the city from above. It’s a perfect spot to wind down, take photos, and appreciate the scenic landscape.

Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

The tour offers round-trip transport by air-conditioned minivan, which simplifies logistics and makes for a comfortable ride into the hills. Pickup is available from Adelaide city hotels, adding convenience for travelers staying downtown.

The group size is capped at 13, ensuring a more personalized experience. The tour typically operates from 10 am, with about three hours spent at Cleland. This timing strikes a nice balance—enough to see the animals and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Duration and Value

Spending approximately 5 hours on this tour—covering travel, wildlife encounters, and scenic views—provides a relaxing yet enriching day. The price of around $84 per person includes all entrance fees, animal food, and pickup/drop-off, which many reviewers agree offers good value for a high-quality experience.

Additional Experiences and Tips

While the main tour includes the essentials, some reviewers suggest booking the Koala Hold Experience directly through Cleland for an additional fee. This allows you to cuddle a koala—a memorable photo opportunity and a highlight for many visitors.

The tour is operated in all weather conditions, though it’s advised to dress appropriately, especially considering the outdoor nature of the experience. Bringing a light jacket is recommended, as some reviewers mention that the shaded paths can be cooler.

What Visitors Are Saying

The consistent praise from travelers revolves around knowledgeable guides, the friendly animals, and beautiful scenery. Guides like Mike are described as friendly, professional, and full of interesting tips, making the experience more engaging.

Many reviews emphasize how well-maintained the park is, with visitors noting that the animals are in open, comfortable environments, and staff are attentive. Comments such as “beautiful wildlife park with many animals in open areas” and “close-up encounters with koalas and kangaroos” underline the authenticity of this experience.

Some critiques mention that the park isn’t huge, so a three-hour visit is enough to see most animals, but extra experiences like koala cuddles can fill up quickly and need pre-booking. A few reviewers also highlight the value of bringing a picnic or enjoying the park’s reasonably priced café, which adds to the leisurely vibe.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits families with kids, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone eager to learn about Australia’s native animals in a friendly, accessible setting. It’s perfect for those who value personalized attention and natural habitats over crowded zoos. If scenic views combined with animal interactions appeal to you, this tour offers a well-balanced package.

However, travelers seeking luxury experiences or extensive wildlife interactions might find this more casual and limited in scope. It’s also weather-dependent—raining days or high temperatures can impact certain activities, so checking the forecast beforehand is wise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour provides pickup and drop-off from Adelaide city hotels, making it convenient for visitors staying downtown.

How long do we spend at Cleland Wildlife Park?
You will have approximately 3 hours to explore the park, engage with the animals, and participate in keeper talks.

Are all animals in open environments?
Most of the animals are in open, natural-looking habitats, with very few enclosures, allowing for authentic interactions.

Can I feed the animals?
Yes, a bag of animal food is included, and you can feed kangaroos, wallabies, and potoroos during your visit.

Is the koala cuddle experience included?
No, the koala cuddle experience requires a separate booking directly through Cleland and involves an additional fee.

What is the best time to visit Mt. Lofty Summit?
Any clear day will give the best views. Keep in mind that weather conditions like rain or fog could limit visibility.

Is the tour suitable in all weather conditions?
Yes, it operates in all weather, but some activities or views might be affected by rain or heat, so dress appropriately.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers an engaging and visually stunning way to experience Adelaide’s wildlife and scenic beauty. The small-group size ensures a relaxed, personalized vibe, while the all-inclusive pricing makes budgeting straightforward. From the close-up animal encounters to panoramic vistas at Mt. Lofty, it’s a balanced adventure that caters to nature lovers and families alike.

Ideal for travelers who want to see iconic Australian animals in a natural setting, enjoy breathtaking views, and appreciate friendly, informative guides. Keep in mind weather and booking ahead for special experiences like the koala cuddle to make the most of this memorable day out.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Aussie explorer, this experience promises a meaningful connection with the land and its remarkable creatures—an authentic slice of Adelaide’s natural charm.