Cleland National Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Cleland National Park?
What makes it 94% Kids-Friendly: Hands-on kangaroo feeding, school-holiday programs and flat Waterfall Gully loop give children active learning while toilets, BBQs and café keep parents relaxed.
Positives:
- Hands-on wildlife: Kids can safely feed kangaroos and pat koalas under staff supervision.
- Built-in picnic spots: Free gas barbecues and picnic tables make snacks easy.
Challenges:
- Heat in summer: Limited shade on trails means sunburn risk—bring hats and sunscreen.
- Car required: No public transport runs directly to the Wildlife Park entrance.
What is Cleland National Park?
- A conservation park in the Adelaide Hills east of Adelaide, South Australia
- A mosaic of eucalyptus forest, grassland and rocky ridgelines protecting native wildlife including koalas, kangaroos and diverse bird species
- A landscape of rolling hills, granite outcrops and the 727-metre Mount Lofty Summit
What is so special about Cleland National Park for with kids?
- Feed kangaroos and wallabies up close
- Pat koalas and join engaging keeper talks
- Enjoy an easy waterfall walk with picnic spots
- Take in panoramic Adelaide views from Mount Lofty
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 3-4 hour visit lets families feed wildlife, do an easy hike and picnic without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Cleland National Park
Cleland Wildlife Park feeding session:
Hand-feed free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies in the Wildlife Park.
Tip: Buy the family day-pass online to skip entry queues.
Koala enclosure & keeper talk:
Pat koalas and learn about their care during the daily keeper presentation.
Tip: Check talk times at the visitor centre and arrive 10 minutes early.
Waterfall Gully circuit:
Walk the 1.3 km bitumen loop to First and Second Falls.
Tip: Bring a picnic and use the free gas barbecues at the falls car-park.
Mount Lofty Summit lookout:
Drive to the summit plaza and follow the short obelisk walk for 360° views.
Tip: Pay A$3 parking at the summit and visit late afternoon for cooler light.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Cleland National Park
- Arrive early: Get first wildlife feeding sessions and beat the midday crowds.
- Pre-book passes: Secure your family day-pass online to avoid ticket office lines.
Reviews of Cleland National Park
Simon Lewis
Even though it was a bit pricey on entry, I highly recommend this place. A large wildlife park to spend a few hours in. You can not see the entire place in under 3hours, may need the whole afternoon. Great place and workers there are awesome, professional and friendly.
Lynn Lap
This was a beautiful introduction to our most unique wildlife, for our overseas visitor. Being able to pat a koala, feed kangaroos and Wallabies, see them all at the same place.
Tharushi Galhenage
Cleland National Park is a great place to experience Australia’s natural beauty. With scenic walking trails and wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, and emus, it’s perfect for nature lovers. Visitors can feed kangaroos by purchasing a food pack for AUD 4, adding a fun and interactive element to the visit. Tickets cost AUD 33.50 for adults, with concession rates available. The park also has a beaut...
Joslin Webster
It’s great. You can hike up to ticket station. I heard up from there that the hike is really steep. Easy to spend a day there. Kangaroo feed 4$, ticket 33$. Easy parking, there’s also a bus that goes there. There are plenty of rest stops, so you can pack a lunch.
M V
Enjoyed it very much. Very well organised and structured. Great information and directions to various sections of the park. We were able to pet a koala during interactive session. Highly recommended.
When is the best time to visit Cleland National Park (Adelaide, Australia)?
In summer, start before 10 am to avoid heat and carry extra water. In winter, trails can be muddy—wear sturdy shoes. Spring brings wildflowers along Waterfall Gully.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Cleland Wildlife Park family pass | AUD 89 |
| Mount Lofty Summit parking | AUD 3 |
| Lunch at Barking Gecko Café | AUD 50 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 142 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Cleland National Park
Address: Cleland SA 5152, Australia
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About Cleland National Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 8 8339 244410 BEST nearby Activities
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