Cleland National Park

Cleland National Park, in the Adelaide Hills just below the Mount Lofty Summit, is one of South Australia's most beloved natural escapes — and home to the famous Cleland Wildlife Park. Within easy reach of the city, it combines beautiful native bushland and walking trails with close encounters with Australian animals in a genuinely special setting.

The big drawcentre is the wildlife park, where you can wander among kangaroos and wallabies, see dingoes, birds and reptiles, and — at certain times — hold a koala, a quintessential Aussie experience. Beyond the animals, the surrounding national park offers excellent bushwalks, including the popular trail up from Waterfall Gully to the summit, amid scenic hills country.

With a 4.6 rating from more than 4,300 reviews, it's a much-loved destination. The wildlife park has its own admission, opening hours and koala-holding sessions, and national park trail conditions vary with the weather, so it's worth checking current details and any booking requirements before you go — and taking water, sun protection and good footwear if you're planning to explore the walking trails.