Cleland Conservation Park, nestled in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife encounters.

This expansive park, covering over 35 square kilometres, provides visitors with an immersive experience in the Australian bush just a short drive from Adelaide’s city centre.

The park is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Mount Lofty Ranges where visitors can explore a variety of habitats, including eucalyptus forests, fern gullies, and open grasslands. There are also gullies filled with Maiden Hair fern. These ecosystems support an array of native wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and numerous bird species.

One of the main attractions within Cleland Conservation Park is the Cleland Wildlife Park. Here, visitors can get up close and personal with Australian animals in a natural setting. Feeding kangaroos, holding a koala, or observing Tasmanian devils are popular activities that provide memorable experiences for both locals and tourists alike.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, the park offers an extensive network of walking/cycling trails catering to various fitness levels. The 3 kilometre Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit trail is a challenging but rewarding hike, offering panoramic views of Adelaide and the surrounding countryside. For a more leisurely stroll, the Wine Shanty Trail provides a pleasant walk through native bushland.

Birdwatching enthusiasts will find Cleland Conservation Park a haven for observing native species. The park’s diverse habitats attract a wide range of birds, including colourful parrots, kookaburra, and various honeyeaters. Guided tours and educational programs are available for those interested in learning more about the park’s flora and fauna.

Photography enthusiasts can capture stunning landscapes and wildlife throughout the park with changing seasons offering varied photographic opportunities, from misty mornings to golden sunsets illuminating the rugged terrain.

Picnic areas scattered throughout the park provide ideal spots for families and groups to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. These areas are equipped with facilities such as barbecues and tables, making them perfect for a day out in nature.

The park has several starting points for visitors, including:

1. Cleland Wildlife Park entrance
2. Mount Lofty Summit car park
3. Waterfall Gully car park
4. Wine Shanty Trail car park

Each of these entry points offers access to different areas and activities within the park, allowing visitors to tailor their experience based on their interests and time constraints. Remember though, pets are not aloud in this park.