Cleland Wildlife Park Experience – from Adelaide including Mt Lofty Summit

Discover the Best of Adelaide’s Wildlife and Views in One Day

If you’re visiting Adelaide and craving an authentic encounter with Australia’s iconic animals, this tour offers a well-balanced mix. For around $84, you’ll get approximately five hours of exploration, including a visit to Cleland Wildlife Park and a scenic stop at Mount Lofty Summit. What’s special about this trip? First, it’s a small-group experience—limiting your group to just 13 people—which means more personal attention and fewer crowds. Second, the up-close koala experience and the chance to feed kangaroos and wallabies stand out as highlights.

Two aspects we really appreciate are the natural, open-space setting of the park—which allows animals to roam freely—and the stunning panoramic views from Mount Lofty that give you a real sense of the rolling hills and cityscape. One thing to keep in mind: the tour lasts around 3 hours at Cleland, so if you’re eager to do every animal encounter or explore in detail, you might want to factor in extra time or book specific experiences directly through the park. This trip suits travelers who want a relaxed, authentic glimpse of Australia’s wildlife and scenery without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Small-group limit enhances interaction and comfort.
• Wildlife Close-Ups: Feed kangaroos and wallabies, see Tasmanian devils, and meet koalas.
• Scenic Views: Mount Lofty Summit offers spectacular vistas of Adelaide and beyond.
• All-Inclusive Price: Entrance fees, animal food, and transport included.
• Flexibility & Convenience: Hotel pickup from Adelaide city hotels simplifies logistics.
• Ideal for All Ages: Great for families, nature lovers, and those seeking an authentic Aussie experience.

An Honest Look at What the Tour Offers

This tour from Adelaide packs a lot into a half-day adventure. It’s designed to give you a close connection with Australia’s cherished animals while also soaking in some of the region’s best views. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect, based on both the itinerary and traveler reviews.

The Journey to Cleland Wildlife Park

Starting around 10 a.m., the trip begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan transfer from your hotel. With a maximum group of just 13 travelers, the atmosphere is relaxed and personalized. You’re driven to Cleland Wildlife Park, sprawling across 86 acres of native bushland, which is a step above the typical zoo experience. Instead of cages, animals roam freely in large, open areas that mirror their natural habitats.

What makes Cleland special? Many reviews praise the cleanliness and well-maintained nature of the park, as well as the pleasant staff who are eager to help you get the most out of your visit. Visitors note that the park offers good walking paths and beautiful views of Adelaide, which make the experience more than just about animals—it’s also about appreciating the landscape.

Up-Close Encounters and Feeding Animals

One of the biggest draws is the chance to hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies, and potoroos with provided food. Several reviews mention how friendly the animals are, with one reviewer noting that “the larger kangaroos were friendly letting us stroke & feed them”. It’s clear that the interactive aspect makes this tour memorable—especially for families and animal enthusiasts.

You also have the option to see the iconic koalas — including a “close-up” experience and the opportunity to take photos with Florence, a beloved koala. While some reviews mention that koala viewing can be limited and the experience sells out quickly, it’s worth reserving your spot early if possible. The koala hold experience (which involves cuddling a koala for an additional fee) is very popular, with some guests mentioning how it’s worth the extra cost for the memory of cuddling a true Aussie icon.

Keeper Talks and Educational Moments

Throughout your visit, staff-led keeper talks provide a chance to learn about the animals’ behaviors, conservation efforts, and unique traits. This educational element enhances your understanding and appreciation, making it more than just a photo opportunity.

The Summit of Mt. Lofty

After exploring Cleland Wildlife Park, the group heads back towards Adelaide for a brief stop at Mount Lofty Summit. At about 710 meters high, it’s the highest point in the Adelaide Hills. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views that stretch across the city, Gulf St. Vincent, and the coastline. Many reviews praise this quick detour for its stunning scenery and picture-perfect vistas.

While the weather can impact visibility, even on cloudy days, the summit offers a peaceful, scenic break—perfect for a quick walk or to snap some photos. It’s a great way to round off your wildlife adventure with some of the best views in the region.

Logistics and Value

The tour is fully inclusive—all entrance fees are covered, as well as a bag of animal food to make your animal encounters more interactive. The round-trip transportation is a convenient way to avoid the hassle of renting a car or navigating public transport, especially since the pickup is available from central Adelaide hotels.

Priced at just $84.07 per person, many guests feel this is a good value considering the personalized experience, the variety of animals, and the scenic detour. While you can extend your time or add the koala cuddling experience for an extra fee, the base package offers ample opportunity for wildlife interaction and scenic views.

What the Reviews Say

Guests consistently describe their experience as “relaxed,” “informative,” and “beautiful.” One reviewer commented, “Seeing the animals close-up made this a memorable experience”, while another added, “The animals could interact with humans but also had areas free from humans,” highlighting the respectful and caring environment of the park.

Some mention that the tour duration at Cleland is about 3 hours, which provides a comfortable pace for exploring and feeding animals without feeling rushed. On top of that, the small group size means you’ll likely receive more personalized attention from guides, who are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

While the tour offers great value and a genuine experience, a few reviews point out that koala viewing opportunities can be limited, especially if you don’t reserve experiences early. Also, since the tour operates in all weather conditions, you should prepare for varying conditions—bring a hat, sunscreen, or rain gear depending on the forecast.

Another point to consider is that the tour spends about 3 hours at Cleland, so if you’re particularly keen on every animal encounter, you might want to schedule additional time or book specific experiences directly through the park, such as the koala cuddle.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience best suits travelers who want a relaxed, family-friendly introduction to Australian wildlife. It’s perfect for those seeking up-close animal encounters, especially with kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas, without the stress of planning or navigating on their own. If you value scenic views and personalized attention, the small-group format will appeal. It’s also a good fit for photo enthusiasts looking for memorable moments in a natural setting.

Nature lovers and animal fans will appreciate the open-space environment of the park, while history and scenery buffs will enjoy the panoramic vistas from Mount Lofty. Those who prefer more active or longer wildlife expeditions might find this tour a bit light, but for a half-day, it delivers a balanced, enjoyable slice of Adelaide’s natural charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip transport by air-conditioned minivan is included, with pickup and drop-off from Adelaide city hotels or designated meeting points.

How long do we spend at Cleland Wildlife Park?
You’ll have about 3 hours at the park, which is enough to see many animals, feed kangaroos, and enjoy keeper talks.

Can I see koalas during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a koala ‘close-up’ experience. However, koala hold experiences require booking directly through Cleland and are subject to availability.

What is Mount Lofty Summit like?
It’s the highest point in the Adelaide Hills at 710 meters, offering panoramic views of Adelaide, Gulf St. Vincent, and the coastline, weather permitting.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Absolutely. Many reviews highlight that this experience is great for families of all ages. Kids especially enjoy feeding animals and seeing the animals in open settings.

Are all entrance fees covered?
Yes, all entrance fees for Cleland Wildlife Park are included in the tour price.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and perhaps a camera or smartphone for photos. A light jacket is recommended in cooler months or in shaded areas.

Are there any optional experiences?
Yes, you can book a koala cuddle experience directly through Cleland for an additional fee. It’s popular, so early booking is advised.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, it operates in all weather conditions. However, extreme weather or fire danger days may cancel or modify the tour—check local conditions.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 56 days in advance to secure their spot, especially if they want the koala cuddling experience.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a comprehensive and authentic taste of Australia’s native wildlife combined with spectacular scenery. It balances educational moments, interactive animal encounters, and breathtaking views in a well-organized, small-group setting. The value for money is clear, especially considering that all entrance fees and transportation are included, making it a hassle-free way to spend a half-day.

For families, animal lovers, and scenic seekers, this trip hits just the right notes. It’s ideal if you want a relaxed pace, personalized attention, and the chance to capture memorable photos of Australia’s most beloved creatures. And if you’re short on time but want a meaningful wildlife experience in Adelaide, this tour delivers a genuine, enjoyable slice of the region’s natural charm.

In summary, this tour from Adelaide is a friendly, well-rounded option for anyone eager to see kangaroos, koalas, and more in their natural habitat, topped with stunning views and a touch of local wildlife care. The combination of small-group intimacy, scenic vistas, and interactive encounters makes it a smart choice for a memorable day out in South Australia.