First time visiting Cleland Wildlife Park? This visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility, and how to get there. It was updated in October 2026 to reflect ticket price increases.
History and overview of Cleland Wildlife Park
Cleland Wildlife Park is located in the Adelaide Hills, about 20 minutes from central Adelaide in South Australia. It sits within the natural bushland of the 35-hectare park at 365 Mount Lofty Summit Road, Crafers.
Like other Australian wildlife parks, such as the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, the Caversham Wildlife Park in Perth and the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary on the NSW Central Coast, the focus here is on native creatures. In Adelaide, it’s an alternative to the more traditional Adelaide Zoo and the more rough-around-the-edges Gorge Wildlife Park.
The park showcases more than 130 species of native Australian wildlife and offers close-up encounters with free-roaming kangaroos, wallabies, emus and koalas.
Visitors can take walking trails among gum trees, attend keeper talks and animal-feeding sessions, and enjoy the natural setting while engaging with wildlife.
Cleland also emphasises conservation and education, making it a practical stop not just for animal sightings but also for understanding habitat preservation in South Australia.
How to get to Cleland Wildlife Park
The address is 365 Mount Lofty Summit Road, Crafers SA 5152.
Transport options:
- Driving: From Adelaide city centre take Mount Lofty Summit Road via the Adelaide Hills; parking is available on site.
- Public transport: Some bus routes run into the Adelaide Hills near the park; check Adelaide Metro schedules for current stops, using Stop 27 – Cleland Wildlife Park in the journey planner.
- Tours: Cleland Wildlife Park tours with central Adelaide hotel pick-ups are available. Escape Goat’s excellent downhill mountain biking tour from Mt Lofty also stops at the park before pedalling towards the city centre.
Opening hours and ticket prices for Cleland Wildlife Park
Opening hours: Open daily from 9.30am to 5pm, except Christmas Day and days of catastrophic fire danger. Last entry is at 4.30pm.
Ticket prices: Adult admission is A$35.80, concession A$28.60, child (aged 4-15) A$20.00. Family pass (2 adults + 2 children) is A$94.00. Children under 4 are free.
Booking ahead online is advised especially during peak seasons or weekends.
These Cleland Wildlife Park prices and opening hours were checked and updated in October 2026.
Parking and accessibility at Cleland Wildlife Park
Parking: On-site car parking is available when you arrive by car. Expect a short walk from the lot to the visitor centre.
Accessibility: Many paths are wheelchair-friendly, but there are some steep gradients that may not be suitable. The park offers wheelchair hire and accessible toilet facilities. Free roaming wildlife areas may have uneven ground.
If you have mobility needs, arriving earlier in the day helps to avoid busier periods.
Best times to visit Cleland Wildlife Park
If you prefer to enjoy the park with smaller crowds, aim for weekday mornings soon after opening. Later in the afternoon or weekends tend to see busier conditions.
Allow at least 2 hours to explore. If you enjoy a slower pace with animal close-ups and walking, allocate up to 3 hours.
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.
FAQ: Practical visitor information for Cleland Wildlife Park
Are the paths wheelchair-friendly?
Most are theoretically accessible, but the occasional steep gradient may make getting around difficult.
Is there accessible parking close to the entrance?
Yes. On-site parking includes spaces near the visitor centre; wheelchairs can be hired.
How do I book tickets?
Purchase online in advance via the park website. Entry tickets are valid for the date purchased and non-refundable.
When are the smallest-crowd hours?
Weekday mornings are best. Weekends and public holidays bring larger visitor numbers.
Are there cafés or restaurants on-site?
Yes. A café is located within the park offering light meals, coffee and snacks; picnic areas are available too.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes. Picnic areas are available and you may bring your own food. BBQ facilities are also available free of charge.
Are strollers or baby carriers recommended?
Strollers are acceptable though some walkways and inclines may make a baby carrier more convenient.
How long do most people stay?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours in the park, especially if interacting with animals and attending keeper talks.
Things to do near Cleland Wildlife Park
- Mount Lofty Summit – This viewpoint is only a short drive from Cleland and provides extensive views across Adelaide and the surrounding plains.
- Mount Lofty Botanic Garden – These gardens on the eastern slopes of Mount Lofty contain temperate-climate plants, walking trails, lakes and landscaped areas.
- Waterfall Gully – The starting point for the popular Mount Lofty walking trail is close to Cleland and provides access to several walking routes through the Adelaide Hills.
- Gorge Wildlife Park – This family-run wildlife park in Cudlee Creek is another Adelaide Hills attraction focusing on Australian and exotic animals, including koalas, kangaroos and wallabies.
- Hahndorf – This historic Adelaide Hills settlement has German heritage, traditional-style buildings, shops, bakeries and restaurants and is about 20 minutes’ drive from Cleland.
Alternative attractions
- Adelaide Zoo – Adelaide’s traditional city zoo houses Australian and exotic species and is known for its giant pandas as well as animals including tigers, giraffes and Komodo dragons.
- South Australian Museum – This North Terrace museum has extensive natural history and cultural collections, including a major collection of Aboriginal artefacts.
- Art Gallery of South Australia – The gallery contains Australian, Aboriginal, European and Asian art in its historic North Terrace building.
- Adelaide Gaol – This former prison provides tours exploring South Australia’s penal history and the site’s buildings and former inmates.
- Migration Museum – This city-centre museum explores the experiences of migrants and the different communities that have shaped South Australia.
Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. Book through them, and I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
More Adelaide travel
Other Adelaide travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- All you need to know about the Popeye Cruise on the Torrens River.
- 7 fantastic Adelaide attractions that many visitors miss.
- Why visit the Bay Discovery Centre in Glenelg?
- Plan your visit to Adelaide Gaol.
