Cleland Wildlife Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Cleland Wildlife Park?
What makes it 95% Kids-Friendly: Kids can hand-feed kangaroos, join Junior Conservation Club, follow safe pram-wide paths and attend lively keeper shows, while shaded picnic spots, toilets and café ease a long family visit.
Positives:
- Pram-friendly access: Wide, step-free paths and pram hire make navigation easy for younger kids.
- Shaded rest areas: Multiple picnic spots and cafes offer shade and seating between walks.
- Interactive learning: Keeper talks and hands-on sessions keep children engaged.
Challenges:
- Uneven terrain: Some trails have rocky sections; wear closed-toe shoes for safety.
- Limited mobile signal: Phone coverage can be weak; download maps and info before arriving.
- Weather exposure: Few shelters on trails require sun protection in summer and warm layers in winter.
What is Cleland Wildlife Park?
- A wildlife park located 19 kilometres southeast of Adelaide, set within the eucalypt forests and rolling hills of Cleland Conservation Park
- A conservation-driven sanctuary housing native Australian fauna—koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and reptiles—in naturalistic enclosures and open bush habitats
- A government-managed facility dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation, research and environmental education within a protected bushland reserve
What is so special about Cleland Wildlife Park for with kids?
- Meet and pat koalas in a free, daily session
- Feed kangaroos and wallabies up close
- Explore self-guided trails through bushland
- Enjoy free BBQ and picnic areas
- Learn at keeper talks and interactive events
Recommended visit duration: 4-5 hours
Why 4-5 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for self-guided trails, animal encounters, keeper talks and a picnic break.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Cleland Wildlife Park
Self-guided nature trails:
Follow signposted paths to spot free-roaming kangaroos, wallabies and birds.
Tip: Pick up a free trail map at the visitor centre and wear sturdy shoes.
Pat a Koala:
Join a daily, no-booking session to gently pat a koala.
Tip: Arrive early before the midday lull to avoid queues.
Hand feeding wildlife:
Buy a small feed bag to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies.
Tip: Purchase feed on entry and use provided gloves for hygiene.
Keeper talks:
Attend short, live talks on koalas, dingoes and other species.
Tip: Check the schedule on the park website and arrive 5 minutes early.
Bush picnic and BBQ:
Use free gas barbecues and picnic tables in a bush setting.
Tip: Bring your own food or grab fresh items from Barking Gecko Café.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Cleland Wildlife Park
- Arrive at opening: Visit right at 9am to see active wildlife and avoid peak crowds.
- Pack snacks: Bring picnic food to save time and reduce wait at the cafe at lunchtime.
- Plan talk times: Review the keeper talk schedule online and slot them into your day.
Reviews of Cleland Wildlife Park
Vince Roberts
Great experience getting to see some animals up close and getting to feed them. Lots of kangaroos to feed in a big, open area. (They also have roped-off sections where the kangaroos can go to keep people away from them if they are tired. That was nice for the roos!) Nice park with different animals and birds to see. Highly recommended for people of any age!
Aerwyn
It's good 3.5, the area is large and clean, the animals are well looked after. I was slightly disappointed in the lack of different species/animals but the ones that are there are well kept & surrounded by more of a natural setting. If you're looking for a nice open nature park, this one is for you. If you want more variety of animals, go to Gorge Wildlife Park.
Shane Ellis
Overall Parks ok did enjoy the visit, just a couple little areas that I think need work, one of those been the males toilets which were reasonably clean except the hand dryers, one wasn’t work and the other one is absolutely filthy I opted to dry my hands on my jumper as I didn’t want to put my hands in there before eating. Food was ok just need a better explanation on your Ham toasted wraps as ...
Brooke J
12 Years since my last visit and I’m so pleased to see the park is still doing great! A wonder experience to walk around and seeing the animals have the freedom to roam around without tight caged restrictions like other zoos. Highly recommend their animal experiences on top of an explore around the park!
Eason Lai
Excellent wildlife park in Adelaide. I have visited various wildlife parks in Australia, which are the best in my experience. The park is clean, very animal-friendly, looks excellent, and the staff are friendly and can feel their passion and love for the animals. The koala experience is fantastic; it makes my day and life. Transportation to this park is not convenient, but it's great to make it se...
When is the best time to visit Cleland Wildlife Park (Adelaide, Australia)?
Book echidna encounters from October to April. Join Nature Festival events in May and September. In summer, start early and bring sun protection; in winter, layer up for cool mornings.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry tickets (2 adults, 2 kids under 16) | AUD 38 |
| Wildlife feed bag | AUD 5 |
| Junior Conservation Club (per child) | AUD 34 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 77 |
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 Wildlife Park
Address: 365 Mount Lofty Summit Rd, Crafers SA 5152, Australia
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About Cleland Wildlife 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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