What is Gorge Wildlife Park?
Gorge Wildlife Park is a privately owned wildlife sanctuary located in Cudlee Creek in the Adelaide Hills, approximately 30 kilometres (40 minutes’ drive) northeast of Adelaide. Established in 1965 and operated by the same family ever since, the 14-acre park houses one of the largest privately owned collections of Australian and exotic animals, birds, and reptiles in the country.
The park sits on the traditional lands of the Peramangk and Kaurna Peoples, and management acknowledges Traditional Custodians and Elders both past and present. Under shaded trees, paths meander amongst the animals — the park’s slogan “a place where people and animals get together” accurately captures the emphasis on interaction rather than passive viewing.
Gorge Wildlife Park participates in protection and preservation programmes for endangered species including the brush-tailed rock-wallaby.
You can visit as part of an Adelaide Hills day tour that takes in German-influenced Hahndorf as well as holding a koala.
What to see at Gorge Wildlife Park
Australian animals at Gorge Wildlife Park
All the Aussie favourites are here: koalas in their trees (with daily holding sessions), kangaroos and wallabies — including albino varieties — in walk-through enclosures for hand-feeding, wombats, echidnas, dingoes, Tasmanian devils, fairy penguins, cassowaries, emus, pelicans, kookaburras, quokkas, bilbies, fruit bats, ghost bats, and various native birds including free-flying rainbow lorikeets.
Exotic animals at Gorge Wildlife Park
Beyond Australian species, the park features American alligators, meerkats, otters, various monkey species (white-handed gibbons, capuchin monkeys, cotton-top tamarins, common marmosets, spider monkeys), ring-tailed lemurs, camels, ostriches, and peacocks roaming freely around the grounds.
Bird collection at Gorge Wildlife Park
With over 150 bird species ranging from tiny wrens to majestic ostriches, the park hosts an impressive avian population. Visitors can encounter parrots, cockatoos, birds of prey (eagles and hawks), and ground-dwelling species like emus and cassowaries. Walk-in aviaries allow close viewing, whilst peacocks wander freely and rainbow lorikeets gather for feeding sessions. The lake areas host waterbirds including wild visitors.
Reptile house at Gorge Wildlife Park
The reptile house displays both exotic and native species: common green iguanas, gila monsters, various snakes, amphibians, insects, and fish. Outdoor enclosures feature native reptiles including lace monitors, water and bearded dragons, blue-tongue lizards, sleepy lizards, and turtles.
Koala holding sessions at Gorge Wildlife Park
Daily sessions at 11.30am and 2.30pm allow visitors to hold or pat koalas and take photographs. This koala holding encounter costs A$15. Important: If the forecasted temperature for Adelaide is 32 degrees and above, only the 11.30am session runs for koala close-ups. No koala holding is available on these hot days.
Why book the “Cuddle a Koala & Historic Hahndorf” Tour from Adelaide?
- Meet native Australian wildlife: Enjoy a close encounter with a koala — a unique photo opportunity and memorable experience.
- Visit charming Hahndorf village: Wander the heritage streets, enjoy German-style architecture, local shops and cafés.
- Scenic countryside journey: Travel from Adelaide through beautiful wine-region landscapes en route to Hahndorf.
- Easy day trip from the city: Convenient return to Adelaide the same day — ideal if you’re short on time.
- All-in-one experience: Wildlife encounter, village exploration and transport included — no need to arrange details yourself.
Visiting Gorge Wildlife Park: practical information
Gorge Wildlife Park opening hours and admission
Opening hours:
- Daily: 9.00am to 4.30pm.
- Closed Christmas Day and days with Catastrophic Fire Warning for Mount Lofty Ranges.
Admission prices:
- Adults (16+): $24.
- Children (3 to 15 years): $14.
- Concession/students: $21 (valid card required — Student, Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card; excludes Health Care Card).
- Family pass (2 adults + 2 children): $66.
- Children under 3: FREE.
Additional costs:
- Koala holding: $15.
- Animal feed bags: Available for purchase.
Five great things to do while you’re in Adelaide
- Kayak with dolphins – at the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary.
- Take wildlife-packed day tour to Kangaroo Island.
- Combine an Adelaide Hills tour with a lunch cruise on the Murray River.
- Enjoy a tasting tour of four Barossa Valley wineries – with a gourmet lunch.
- See incredible sunsets on a twilight cruise from Glenelg.
Getting to Gorge Wildlife Park
Address: 30 Redden Drive, Cudlee Creek, South Australia 5232
From Adelaide CBD: Approximately 30km (40 minutes’ drive) via Gorge Road/Tourist Drive 58.
By public transport: Catch Adelaide Metro bus from stop D3 on Currie Street or H1 on Grenfell Street direct to Tea Tree Plaza Interchange at Modbury. From Modbury Interchange (Zone H), catch LinkSA bus to Cudlee Creek. Bus stop is 300 metres from the park near Cudlee Creek Soldiers Memorial Hall, requiring a short uphill walk. Contact LinkSA on (08) 8562 1999 for information. If you have mobility issues, contact LinkSA to discuss drop-off directly at the park.
By Uber: From Adelaide CBD costs approximately $45 one way.
Parking: On-site parking available.
Gorge Wildlife Park accessibility
Paths are easily accessible for most visitors. For those with mobility issues, contact LinkSA about direct drop-off at the park entrance rather than the bus stop 300 metres away.
Facilities at Gorge Wildlife Park
Picnic areas: Free gas barbecues, tables, shaded areas under trees. Visitors welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Kiosk: Food and beverages available.
Souvenir shop: Gifts and park-related merchandise.
Other facilities: Public toilets.
How long to spend at Gorge Wildlife Park
Quick visit: 2 to 3 hours to see main attractions. Recommended: 3 to 4 hours including koala sessions and hand-feeding kangaroos. Leisurely visit: Half day easily spent exploring all exhibits.
Most visitors spend 3 to 4 hours. The manageable 14-acre size means you see everything without exhausting yourself or young children.
Best time to visit Gorge Wildlife Park
Arrive at opening (9.00am): Recommended to see animals at their most active and avoid midday heat, especially important during South Australian summer.
Koala sessions: Time your visit around 11.30am or 2.30pm sessions if holding a koala is priority.
Hot days (32°C+): Only 11.30am koala session runs, with close-ups only — no holding allowed to protect koalas from heat stress.
Avoid: Days when Catastrophic Fire Warning is issued for Mount Lofty Ranges — park closes for safety.
Conservation work at Gorge Wildlife Park
The park participates in protection and preservation of endangered species including brush-tailed rock-wallaby breeding programmes. Educational opportunities help visitors understand Australian wildlife and conservation challenges.
Nearby attractions to Gorge Wildlife Park
Gorge Wildlife Park is located in Adelaide Hills, close to various attractions:
- National Motor Museum: Historic vehicle collection in Birdwood.
- Hahndorf: Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement with shops, bakeries, and restaurants.
- Mount Lofty Summit: Panoramic views over Adelaide and Gulf St Vincent (highest point in Adelaide Hills).
- Cleland Wildlife Park: Another wildlife park with walking trails.
- Adelaide Hills wineries: Numerous cellar doors throughout the region.
- Melba’s Chocolate & Confectionery: Chocolate factory and café.
- Beerenberg Farm: Strawberry picking and farm shop.
Dining near Gorge Wildlife Park
Options at the park include the kiosk and picnic areas with free barbecues. Cudlee Creek has limited dining. Nearby towns offer more variety:
- Hahndorf: German bakeries, pubs, cafés (approximately 20 minutes).
- Adelaide Hills towns: Various options throughout the region.
Tips for visiting Gorge Wildlife Park
- Arrive at 9.00am opening to maximise animal activity.
- Time your visit around koala sessions (11.30am or 2.30pm) if holding koalas is important.
- Check Adelaide weather forecast — if 32°C or above, koala holding is cancelled.
- Purchase animal feed bags to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies — consistently mentioned as highlights.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes — paths are natural but accessible.
- Pack sun protection, hats, and water — South Australian sun is intense.
- Use free gas barbecues for picnic lunch to save money.
- If using public transport, call LinkSA (08 8562 1999) in advance, especially if you have mobility issues.
- Visit on weekdays during term time for quietest experience.
- Allow time to watch rainbow lorikeets during feeding sessions.
- The park’s facilities appear dated according to some visitors, and enclosures are smaller than Adelaide Zoo, but admission is substantially cheaper ($24 versus $41).
- More signs and animal information would be helpful — information plaques are brief compared to major city zoos.
Why visit Gorge Wildlife Park?
Gorge Wildlife Park offers excellent value for families and animal lovers. At $24 admission ($14 for children), you’re accessing one of Australia’s largest privately owned animal collections, including the rare opportunity to hold koalas for just $15 extra — considerably cheaper than many alternatives. The koala holding experience includes the money going back into park operations and conservation work.
What distinguishes Gorge from larger institutions is the emphasis on interaction. Walking amongst kangaroos and wallabies, hand-feeding them, holding koalas, and encountering over 150 bird species — some flying freely — creates engaging experiences rather than passive viewing. The relaxed, family-run atmosphere (same family since 1965) provides a personal touch that corporate zoos often lack.
The manageable 14-acre size is advantageous for families with young children — you see everything in 3 to 4 hours without the exhaustion of massive zoos requiring entire days. Paths meander under shaded trees, creating pleasant conditions even during warmer months (though avoid visiting when temperatures exceed 32°C if koala holding matters to you).
Being substantially cheaper than Adelaide Zoo ($24 versus $41) makes it accessible for budget-conscious families. Yes, Adelaide Zoo has giraffes, chimpanzees, and lions that Gorge lacks. Yes, some facilities appear dated according to visitor reviews, and enclosures are smaller. But for half the price, you get animal interactions including koala holding — something Adelaide Zoo doesn’t offer.
The conservation work with endangered brush-tailed rock-wallabies adds substance beyond entertainment. Your admission supports these programmes whilst providing memorable family experiences.
The location in the Adelaide Hills creates opportunities to combine wildlife with wine country tours, German heritage in Hahndorf, and Mount Lofty Summit views are perfect for day trips or weekend getaways.
Just remember: arrive early, check weather forecasts (hot days affect koala sessions), bring your own food to save money, and don’t expect Adelaide Zoo’s facilities or variety. Visit with appropriate expectations — this is an intimate, family-run park emphasising interaction and accessibility over grand scale — and Gorge Wildlife Park delivers an excellent South Australian animal experience at sensible prices.
