Cleland Wildlife Park Experience with Mount Lofty Summit

If you’re looking for a day that combines breathtaking scenery with amazing wildlife, this tour from Adelaide is a solid choice. For about five and a half hours at $82 per person, you get to visit Cleland Wildlife Park and enjoy a stunning stop at Mount Lofty Summit. Guided by friendly, knowledgeable guides, you’ll get close to iconic animals like koalas and kangaroos, all set against the backdrop of the lush Adelaide Hills.

What we love about this experience are two things in particular: first, the opportunity to hold a koala—a rare and special moment for many travelers—and second, the scenic vistas from Mount Lofty, which offer a panoramic view of Adelaide and beyond. On the downside, be aware that if the weather turns extremely hot, the koala encounters might be canceled for animal welfare reasons, which can be disappointing if that was your main goal.

This tour is perfect for wildlife lovers, families with children over 4, and anyone eager to explore Australia’s native animals in a natural setting with minimal enclosures. It’s a great mix of scenic views and authentic animal encounters, making it a well-rounded day out.

Key Points

• Authentic Wildlife Encounters: Hands-on koala experiences and the chance to feed kangaroos.
• Stunning Panoramics: Mount Lofty Summit provides sweeping views over Adelaide and the Gulf St. Vincent.
• Natural Setting: The 35-hectare park offers open spaces for animals and visitors, emphasizing animal well-being.
• Flexible Exploration: Self-guided discovery trails allow you to explore at your own pace.
• Value for Money: Entry fees, transport, and animal food are included, with options for a memorable photo with a koala.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (up to 13 people) ensure a personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Setting the Scene: Adelaide Hills and Mount Lofty Summit

Your day begins with a pickup from your Adelaide hotel, whisked away in a comfortable vehicle operated by pureSA. The drive itself is a treat, as you’ll ascend into the Adelaide Hills—a region renowned for its rolling landscapes and lush greenery. About 20 minutes into the journey, you’ll stop at Mount Lofty Summit, the highest point in the hills at approximately 710 meters. Here, you’ll be rewarded with unmatched panoramic views stretching across the city, Gulf St. Vincent, and beyond. We loved how the summit provides a perfect photo opportunity, especially on clear days, giving you a sense of how expansive this part of South Australia truly is.

The Heart of the Tour: Cleland Wildlife Park

After soaking in the scenery, your trip continues to Cleland Wildlife Park, which is set in 35 hectares of native bushland. Unlike traditional zoos, Cleland’s open environment encourages animals to roam freely, creating a more natural experience for visitors. Over 130 native species call this park home, from kangaroos and wallabies to Tasmanian devils and dingoes.

What truly sets this park apart is its dedication to animal welfare and conservation. The park’s management focuses heavily on the health and wellbeing of its inhabitants, which means you’re observing animals in a habitat that mimics their natural environment. For visitors, that translates into a more genuine connection with Australia’s iconic wildlife.

Up Close and Personal: Koalas and Kangaroos

The highlight for many is the koala close-up experience included in the ticket price. You’ll have the chance to touch, photograph, and listen to keepers talk about these adorable animals. As one reviewer noted, “the opportunity to hold a koala is a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” although availability can depend on weather conditions and animal welfare considerations. If you’re eager, you can pay extra (around $35 AUD) for a professional photo and even the chance to hold a koala, but that needs to be booked directly at the park.

The kangaroos and wallabies are free-roaming, so you’ll be encouraged to feed them by hand using provided food. It’s surprisingly easy to get close—just be gentle. Don’t forget to save some food to feed the emus and waterfowl around the wetlands. We appreciated how interactive this part of the tour is: instead of simply observing animals in cages, you’re engaging with them in a lively, natural setting.

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Self-Guided Trails and Additional Attractions

The park offers self-guided discovery trails, where you can wander at your pace. These trails are well-marked, and many allow you to see less common species like small mammals, reptiles, and nocturnal animals at the Ocean to Outback Interpretive Centre. This flexibility means you can linger over some exhibits or skip others depending on your interests.

Practicalities and Accessibility

The tour includes return transport, so you don’t have to worry about logistics—just show up and enjoy. The group size is kept small (up to 13 people), which ensures you get a more personalized experience and plenty of time at each stop.

The tour duration is approximately 5.5 hours, with the actual park visit likely lasting around 2-3 hours. The timing is arranged to maximize your time at the summit and the wildlife, but as some reviews noted, the longer stay can feel a bit drawn out for those with limited time. Bringing a picnic lunch is encouraged—there are onsite cafes or the option to bring your own food.

Weather and Animal Welfare Considerations

A notable point is that koala encounters may be canceled if temperatures in Mount Barker exceed 32°C, to protect the animals. This is understandable but can be disappointing if your main goal was cuddling a koala. The tour provider emphasizes flexibility, but it’s worth checking weather forecasts beforehand.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides for their friendly and informative approach. For example, one comment mentions, “Shannon was very welcoming and made the ride enjoyable,” highlighting how much a good guide can enhance the experience.

Many appreciate the stunning views from Mount Lofty, with one guest stating, “We were lucky enough to see the clouds lifting, revealing a breathtaking landscape.” Others enjoyed the wildlife interactions, especially the chance to feed kangaroos and hold koalas—an experience that feels both fun and meaningful.

On the flip side, a few reviews pointed out that some parts of the park were closed during their visit, which limited what they could see. Also, one person felt that the four-hour stay was a bit long, especially if some animals or attractions are unavailable due to weather or maintenance.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is an excellent pick for wildlife enthusiasts, families with kids over four, and travelers seeking a relaxed, authentic experience of South Australia’s native animals. If you value up-close animal encounters and scenic vistas, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. The small group size and inclusion of transport and activities offer good value, especially considering the high-quality experiences and conservation focus.

However, if you’re hoping for a full day of nonstop sightseeing or want to guarantee holding a koala, be aware that weather can impact the experience. Also, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a moderate walk around the park and open to spontaneous changes because of animal welfare considerations.

Practical FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but only for children over 4 years old, as younger kids might find the walk or animals’ environment challenging.

Can I hold a koala?
You can, but only if you book directly at Cleland Wildlife Park for an additional fee (around $35 AUD). The tour includes a close-up experience, but holding a koala is optional and subject to weather and animal welfare.

What should I bring?
Bringing a picnic lunch is recommended if you wish to eat in the park. You can also buy food and drinks at the onsite café. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are advised.

Are the koala encounters guaranteed?
Not always. The encounters depend on weather conditions and animal welfare policies. Expect that if it’s very hot, the koala experience might be canceled to protect the animals.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is about 5.5 hours, including transportation, with the park visit lasting roughly 2-3 hours.

What is included in the price?
Return transport, all entry fees, a bag of animal food, an orientation with a map, and a 10% discount voucher for the gift shop.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your plans change.

If you’re after an immersive day exploring Australia’s unique wildlife in a natural setting, this tour is hard to beat. It blends scenic views from Mount Lofty with authentic wildlife encounters, including the chance to feed kangaroos and touch a koala. The small group setting, knowledgeable guides, and flexible exploration make for an enjoyable, authentic experience.

While weather conditions can influence the animal encounters, most visitors agree that the overall value and quality of this experience are high. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want to see native animals up close in a caring environment without the confines of traditional zoos. For those willing to accept some unpredictability due to weather, it promises a memorable glimpse into South Australia’s wilderness.

You can check availability for your dates here: