Echidna Encounter

Did you know that echidnas hibernate during the colder months, which makes this experience seasonal! While it's not available right now, we're excited to announce that bookings are now open for the upcoming season, running from 1 October 2025 until 30 April 2026.

Are you ready for a one-of-a-kind encounter with one of Australia's most beloved native icons?

Say hello to the Echidna Encounter at Cleland!

This unique opportunity allows you to get up close and personal with adorable echidnas, stepping inside their enclosure while feeding them and learning all about their adaptations and behaviours.

These spiky little wonders play a vital role in our environment, and you'll discover just how important they are to our ecosystem during your encounter.

Nestled within the scenic Adelaide Hills, Cleland offers a gateway to South Australia's natural environment, providing visitors with an array of experiences ranging from up-close animal encounters to educational guided tours.

Whether you're a family, a nature enthusiast, or just curious, Cleland's the place to connect with nature, learn, and create lasting memories.

Why stop at one adventure? Discover our full range of exciting experiences right here.

Tour Highlights:

• Spend time with our echidnas and their keeper, inside the animal’s enclosure.
• Help feed our echidnas, and observe the unique way they feed with their 15cm long sticky tongues.
• Gain knowledgeable information about our echidnas, and how we care for them.
• Learn about the importance of echidnas and their unique lifecycles.
• Take the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about our echidnas, their adaptations and lifestyle, and caring for them in a sanctuary.
• Take away a new appreciation for these wonderful animals, and learn about the steps you can take to help conserve them for future generations.

Program Details:
Availability:        Daily (warmer months - generally November to April)

Time:                 12:00noon

                           (11.30pm ticket office check in required)

                           (11.55am  check in at the echidna exhibit required)

Number:             Maximum 4 participants

Duration:            15 minutes

Age:                    Participants must be aged 6 years or over.  Every child (6-15 years) must

                            be accompanied by a paying adult

Cost:                   $34.00 per person (price increases 1st July)

Entry to Cleland Wildlife Park is not included.  Valid entry is compulsory for all experiences/encounters, and may be purchased in addition to this booking, or on the day of your visit.

To avoid the disappointment of missing out, please book online to secure your spot, prior to visiting the park.       

Please read Terms and Conditions when booking. 

Booking Conditions:

By making payment you are agreeing to abide by our conditions of entry and the following booking conditions:

• Bookings remain tentative until payment is received in full.
• A late arrival will forfeit your booking, and a refund will not be issued.
• For safety reasons, participants must be able to understand and follow all instructions given by Cleland staff.
• Participants may be asked to leave the experience at any time at the discretion of staff. Cleland staff reserve the right to stop experiences at any time for the safety and welfare of guest and animals.
• Guest booking cancellation requests must be made in writing 5 days prior to booking to receive a full refund. Cancellations shorter than this period will not be refunded. If a refund is authorised, it will be made within 28 days of booking date.
• Cancellations made by Cleland Wildlife Park may occur due to extreme weather, or other conditions, outside of the park’s control. You will be notified via email if this is to occur and will be refunded in full.
• Due to unpredictable animal behaviour and weather, experiences may vary
• Cleland Wildlife Park will close when the Fire Danger Rating (FDI) is classified ‘extreme’ with Fire Bush Index (FBI) of 75+, as published by the Bureau of Meteorology at 4pm the day prior. You will be notified via email if this is to occur and will be refunded in full.
• Prices increase on 1 July annually. Bookings are charged at applicable rates.
• Entry to Cleland Wildlife Park is not included. Valid entry is compulsory.
• This experience is for guests aged 6 years and over, however children aged 6 years and under must
  be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
• Maximum number of guests for this experience is 4.
• You must arrive at the Ticket Office 30 minutes prior to the start time of your experience. A late check-in may forfeit your booking, and a refund will not be issued
• You must be at the echidna enclosure 5 minutes prior to the start time of your booking. A late arrival will forfeit your booking, and a refund will not be issued
• Fitness level. Moderate: Participants must be ablet to sit on the ground to receive the full experience.
• This experience is not wheelchair accessible, however please contact our team to discuss alternative options.
• Prams may not be taken into this experience.
• Please note, we have a heat policy for the welfare of our echidnas.  If the temperature is forecast to reach 36 degrees at Mt Barker, the experience will be cancelled, and you will be refunded in full.
• Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for your experience. We recommend that guests wear enclosed footwear.
• This experience is seasonal, and availability will vary.