Encounter Australia’s Finest Wildlife Conservation: A Day at Cleland Wildlife Park

Cleland Wildlife Park in South Australia is hands down the best wildlife park in the country. After traveling across Australia, we can confidently say that no other park compares to the immersive experience Cleland offers. Nestled in the picturesque Adelaide Hills, this sanctuary is a paradise for animal lovers, featuring an incredible array of Australian wildlife in a stunning natural setting. In this blog, we’ll explore the unique attractions of Cleland Wildlife Park and why it should be at the top of your travel itinerary.

A Glimpse into Cleland Wildlife Park

Cleland Wildlife Park spans over 35 hectares of beautiful bushland, providing a natural habitat for a wide variety of Australian animals. From cuddly kangaroos to elusive potoroos, the park is home to some of the most iconic creatures in Australia. The immersive environment allows you to get up close and personal with many of the animals, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Highlights of Cleland Wildlife Park

1. Close Encounters: Kangaroos & Wallabies

One of the biggest draws of Cleland Wildlife Park is the opportunity to interact with kangaroos and wallabies. As you stroll through the park, you’ll encounter these friendly marsupials grazing peacefully. You can feed them from your hand, making for some incredible photo opportunities. The joy of having a kangaroo hop right up to you is an experience that simply can’t be missed.

This super close-up captures a kangaroo shows just how close-up you can get with these animals and really showcases the interactive experiences available at the park.

2. Cuddly Koalas

No Australian wildlife park would be complete without the iconic koala. Cleland Wildlife Park offers controlled settings where visitors can hold and interact with these adorable creatures. You can also observe them in their natural habitats, lounging in eucalyptus trees, which adds to the charm of your visit.

3. Discover Lesser-Known Marsupials

Beyond kangaroos, Cleland is home to a range of lesser-known marsupials. Feed and interact with bandicoots, bettongs, and potoroos, each offering a unique glimpse into Australia’s diverse wildlife. These interactions allow visitors to appreciate the variety of species that often fly under the radar.

A potaroo in the leaves on the walkway offers a glimpse into the intimate encounters visitors can have with these charming marsupials.  These cute little guys will eat out of your hands too!

4. Unique Wildlife Encounters

In addition to marsupials, Cleland is home to a fascinating array of creatures, including tasmanian devils, dingoes, and wombats. While you can’t touch or feed these animals, observing them in their natural habitats provides a rich understanding of Australia’s wildlife. Even bats can be spotted fluttering about, showcasing the park’s incredible biodiversity.

5. A Symphony of Feathered Friends

The park boasts an abundance of birds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Native species like lorikeets and cockatoos are often seen flitting about, creating a lively atmosphere. You can also interact with emus, feeding them and learning about their behaviors. Additionally, there are ponds filled with water birds and forest species, providing a tranquil setting to enjoy nature.

6. The Lizard Lounge

For reptile enthusiasts, Cleland offers an impressive array of lizards, including monitor lizards and local dragons. The reptile exhibits also feature various snakes, and the park provides a unique “reptile hold” experience, allowing visitors to get up close with some of these fascinating creatures.

A monitor lizard makes its way through the grass, highlighting the diverse wildlife that can be spotted throughout the park

7. A Pristine Environment

What truly sets Cleland Wildlife Park apart is its commitment to animal welfare and conservation. The park is clean, well-kept, and the animals are happy in their naturalistic habitats. Traveling throughout Australia, we have never seen a wildlife park or zoo that compares to Cleland—it truly is the best wildlife and conservation park we have ever visited.

Planning Your Visit

1. Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Cleland Wildlife Park is during the cooler months from March to May and September to November. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures for exploring the park while enjoying the wildlife interactions.

2. Getting There

Cleland Wildlife Park is easily accessible from Adelaide, located just a short drive away. The scenic journey through the Adelaide Hills is worth the trip, with breathtaking views along the way.

3. What to Bring

Pack your essentials, including water, sunscreen, and a camera to capture those unforgettable moments. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the park features many paths to explore.

4. Respect for Wildlife

While enjoying the park, it’s important to remember to respect the animals and their environment. Follow park guidelines and observe wildlife from a safe distance when necessary.

Conclusion

Cleland Wildlife Park is not just another wildlife park; it’s a premier destination that offers an unparalleled experience with Australia’s unique wildlife. From feeding kangaroos to interacting with colorful birds, every moment spent here is memorable. Make sure to include Cleland Wildlife Park on your travel itinerary for an adventure that truly showcases the best of Australian wildlife!