Exclusive Private Koala Encounter
Our Exclusive Private Koala Encounter at Cleland Wildlife Park is a great way to spend one-on-one time with a koala, in a private session with a koala keeper. This special experience allows you to meet a koala, and includes the opportunity for you to pat a koala and take your own photos with the koala. This is a great option for larger groups.
Koalas are truly unique creatures. These sleepy, eucalyptus-loving marsupials have captured hearts worldwide with their gentle nature and distinctive appearance. Meeting a koala up-close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that belongs on everyone’s bucket list.
Beyond their adorable looks, koalas play a vital role in Australia’s ecosystem, and are a reminder of the importance of conservation.
Discover the magic of meeting a koala up-close with our Exclusive Private Koala Encounter at Cleland Wildlife Park. Enjoy one-on-one time in a private session, guided by an expert koala keeper. Feel it’s soft fur, learn fascinating facts about koala habits and habitats, and snap your own unforgettable photos — a truly special experience perfect for families, friends, or larger groups.
Whether you’re an animal lover, nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a magical moment, this encounter promises memories that will last forever.
What’s Included:
- Private koala session: Enjoy a private, close-up koala encounter, away from the usual crowds. A perfect opportunity to gently feel the koala’s soft fur, and take your own photos standing right next to the koala.
- Hosted: A dedicated host to ensure you have a wonderful time and guide you through your experience.
- Park tour: A short, guided tour of the park after your koala session.
- Full-day park entry: Explore Cleland Wildlife Park at your leisure, before or after your koala experience.
- Food for free-ranging animals: Receive a complimentary bag of food to feed the park’s friendly animals during your visit.
- Complimentary hot beverage: Relax with a free coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at the Barking Gecko Café.
- 10% discount: Enjoy a discount card for use in the park’s Gift Shop.
Cost: $397.00 (one-person, additional person/s $64.50)
Time: 12.00pm
Maximum number per booking 20 guests.
Bookings are essential. To make an enquiry or booking, please contact one of our team (during business hours Monday to Friday or email clelandwildlifepark@sa.gov.au.
We look forward to working with you, and making sure your experience at Cleland Wildlife Park is a memorable one.
Important Notice: The Exclusive Private Koala Encounter may be cancelled if the forecast temperature at Mt Barker is 32°C or above.
Additionally, after three consecutive days of temperatures reaching 32°C or higher, our koalas will be given a rest day, and the experience will not be offered.
We appreciate your understanding as we prioritise the wellbeing of our animals.
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 guests and animals.
Guest booking cancellation requests must be made in writing 5 days prior to booking to receive a full refund. Cancellation requests 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.
Only paying participants may participate in the tour.
Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by a paying adult
Maximum number of guests for this experience is 20
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
This experience is accessible by wheelchair
Please advise staff when making a booking if you require wheelchair access.
Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for your experience.
Strong perfume and loud jewellery can upset the koalas. You may be asked to clean off perfume or remove jewellery to take part in this experience.
We recommend that guests wear enclosed footwear.
Please note this does not include a koala hold.