Cleland National Park (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Cleland National Park?
What makes it 85% Solo-Friendly: The park offers free-entry bushwalking, mountain-bike trails and ranger tours, giving solo travelers flexible, low-cost ways to explore native wildlife safely for hours.
Positives:
- Wildlife close-up: Spot kangaroos and birds on quieter trails.
- Photogenic vistas: The summit obelisk offers clear city and gulf shots.
Challenges:
- Steep ascents: Some routes gain 400 m in under 4 km.
- Limited shade: Bring sun protection on exposed sections.
- Mobile reception: Signal can drop in gully areas.
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 solo trip?
- Free self-guided trails through Adelaide Hills bushland
- 360° summit views reachable by foot or bus
- Chance to meet koalas behind the scenes
- Ranger talks reveal local ecology and history
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time for a summit walk, wildlife encounters and a relaxed bush trail.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Cleland National Park
Self-guided Bushwalk:
Choose trails like Adventure Hike or Chambers Gully for a solo challenge.
Tip: Download the park map offline and carry 2 L of water.
Ranger-guided Summit Walk:
Join a free ranger tour from Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty summit.
Tip: Check tour times at the park office or website before arriving.
Mt Lofty Summit Lookout:
Ride bus 823 or drive to the summit for 360° views over Adelaide.
Tip: Arrive before sunset and allow A$3 for parking.
Koala Encounter:
Book the behind-the-scenes koala session to meet keepers.
Tip: Reserve at least one week ahead; sessions start from A$117.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Cleland National Park
- Start at Waterfall Gully: Begin here to warm up gently before the summit climb.
- Use bus 823: Avoid parking delays and enjoy a scenic ride.
- Pack light: Carry essentials in a comfortable daypack only.
Reviews of Cleland National Park
Simon Lewis
Even though it was a bit pricey on entry, I highly recommend this place. A large wildlife park to spend a few hours in. You can not see the entire place in under 3hours, may need the whole afternoon. Great place and workers there are awesome, professional and friendly.
Lynn Lap
This was a beautiful introduction to our most unique wildlife, for our overseas visitor. Being able to pat a koala, feed kangaroos and Wallabies, see them all at the same place.
Tharushi Galhenage
Cleland National Park is a great place to experience Australia’s natural beauty. With scenic walking trails and wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, and emus, it’s perfect for nature lovers. Visitors can feed kangaroos by purchasing a food pack for AUD 4, adding a fun and interactive element to the visit. Tickets cost AUD 33.50 for adults, with concession rates available. The park also has a beaut...
Joslin Webster
It’s great. You can hike up to ticket station. I heard up from there that the hike is really steep. Easy to spend a day there. Kangaroo feed 4$, 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 8 AM to avoid heat. In spring watch for wildflowers along trails. After rain expect muddy patches.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| National park entry | AUD 0 |
| Parking fee (Mt Lofty) | AUD 3 |
| Return bus ride | AUD 6 |
| Summit café coffee | AUD 5 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 14 |
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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