Cleland Wildlife Park
Cleland Wildlife Park is a prominent tourist attraction located within Cleland National Park in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia. Established as a wildlife reserve in 1963 and operating as a tourist destination since 1967, it offers visitors close encounters with native Australian animals in a natural environment. The park plays a role in showcasing and interacting with the region's diverse fauna.
Key Facts
- ›Located approximately 22 kilometers south-east of Adelaide's city centre.
- ›The broader Cleland National Park covers 1,036 hectares (2,560 acres).
- ›Cleland Wildlife Park has operated as a tourist attraction since 1967.
- ›Attracts approximately 100,000 tourists annually as of 2021.
- ›A member of the South Australian Tourism Hall of Fame.
- ›Won the 'Significant Tourism Attraction' award at the South Australian Tourism Awards in 2007, 2008, and 2009.
Koala Encounters, Reptile Interactions, Keeper Feeding Times, Echidna Encounters, Guided Day and Night Walks
Koalas, Tasmanian Devils, Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombats, Red Kangaroos, Western Grey Kangaroos, Swamp Wallabies, Short-Beaked Echidnas, Bilbies, Yellow-Footed Rock Wallabies, Dingoes
About Cleland Wildlife Park
Cleland Wildlife Park is a significant tourist attraction situated within the larger Cleland National Park in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia. While the national park itself was established in its current form in 2021, the wildlife park precinct has operated as a dedicated tourist destination since 1967, having been initially established as a wildlife reserve in 1963.
Visitor Experience
The park's primary focus is to provide visitors with immersive experiences and close encounters with native Australian wildlife in a naturalistic setting. Visitors have opportunities to interact directly with some animals, observe daily feeding routines conducted by keepers, and participate in guided walks. Experiences such as being photographed with a koala are popular offerings.
Fauna Housed
Cleland Wildlife Park is home to a diverse array of Australian fauna. Among the notable species present are Tasmanian devils, southern hairy-nosed wombats, koalas, red and western grey kangaroos, swamp wallabies, short-beaked echidnas, bilbies, yellow-footed rock wallabies, and dingoes. The park also features various native birds and reptiles, including snakes and goannas.
Recognition and Tourism
As of 2021, Cleland Wildlife Park attracts an estimated 100,000 visitors annually, underscoring its importance as a tourism hub. Its excellence in the tourism sector has been recognized through its induction into the South Australian Tourism Hall of Fame and multiple wins in the 'Significant Tourism Attraction' category at the South Australian Tourism Awards in consecutive years (2007, 2008, and 2009).
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cleland Wildlife Park?
Cleland Wildlife Park is a tourist attraction located within Cleland National Park in South Australia. It is managed separately from the national park due to its high visitor numbers and commercial nature, offering visitors close encounters with native Australian animals.
When did Cleland Wildlife Park become a tourist attraction?
Cleland Wildlife Park has been managed as a major tourist destination since 1967. It is part of the broader Cleland National Park, which was established in its current form in 2021.
What can visitors do at Cleland Wildlife Park?
Visitors can get close to native animals in their natural environment, participate in experiences like holding a koala (with photography opportunities), interact with reptiles, observe keeper feeding times, and join guided day and night walks. Some animals, such as kangaroos and wallabies, can be patted.
What animals can be seen at Cleland Wildlife Park?
The park houses a variety of native Australian species, including Tasmanian devils, southern hairy-nosed wombats, koalas, red and western grey kangaroos, swamp wallabies, short-beaked echidnas, bilbies, yellow-footed rock wallabies, dingoes, and various native birds and reptiles like snakes and goannas.
How many visitors does Cleland Wildlife Park attract?
As of 2021, Cleland Wildlife Park attracted approximately 100,000 tourists annually. It has been recognized for its tourism appeal, being a member of the South Australian Tourism Hall of Fame.
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