Cleland Conservation Park is in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, spanning 4,400 acres of pristine natural environment. Just a short 22 km journey southeast from Adelaide, this park is a convenient escape for locals and tourists, offering a panoramic view of the city and access to the stunning landscapes of Mount Lofty Ranges. Cleland Wildlife Park is open every day from 9:30 am to 5 pm except Christmas Day and days of catastrophic fire danger.
The park is one for wildlife lovers. Here, you can get up close with kangaroos, koalas, and emus, freely roaming in their natural habitat. The Waterfall Gully, especially breathtaking after rainfall, and the Mount Lofty Summit, the highest point in the Adelaide Hills, are other prime attractions of the park.
Named after the noted naturalist Sir John Burton Cleland, the park was established in 1945 and has been a testament to South Australia’s commitment to biodiversity and natural heritage. Beyond its ecological significance, the park holds profound cultural value for the Indigenous Peramangk people, who have been connected with this land for thousands of years, relying on its resources for food, medicine, and spiritual sustenance.
Rich Biodiversity
The park’s rich biodiversity includes a variety of habitats such as wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands, making it a hub for ecological studies and conservation efforts. Its diverse plant life, including towering Eucalyptus trees and vibrant banksias, not only adds to its visual allure but also supports a range of wildlife. These plants offer food and shelter to various animals and birds, such as koalas and nectar-feeding birds.
The wildlife of Cleland Conservation Park is vast and varied, from kangaroos and koalas to echidnas, possums, wallabies, and various bird species. The park plays a critical role in the conservation of endangered species, providing a safe habitat for vulnerable animals to flourish and rebound.
Walking and Cycling Trails
There is a network of walking and cycling trails, including the popular Heysen Trail and the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit trail. Enjoy a peaceful picnic, indulge in bird watching, or try your hand at wildlife photography. For a more laid-back experience, take a scenic drive around the park to spot wildlife and relish the captivating scenery of the Adelaide Hills.
Cleland Conservation Park Parks SA
