National Parks and Wildlife Service
South Australia

Exclusive Private Koala Hold Experience

Our Exclusive Private Koala Hold Experience at Cleland Wildlife Park provides an opportunity to be able to spend one-on-one time with a koala, in a private session with a koala keeper. This special experience includes the opportunity for you to hold a koala, which is then professionally photographed.

Koalas are beloved worldwide for their endearing appearance and distinctive charm. At Cleland Wildlife Park, we’re renowned for our exceptional koala experiences. Every day, we offer guests the chance to connect with these inquisitive marsupials through unique and informative encounters, guided by our passionate and knowledgeable keepers.

During the Exclusive Private Koala Hold Experience, enjoy a rare and unforgettable opportunity to spend one-on-one time with one of Australia’s most iconic animals — the koala. This exclusive encounter allows you to interact closely with a koala and its dedicated keeper, perfect for capturing stunning photos without the interruption of other visitors.

What’s Included:

  • Private koala holding session: Enjoy exclusive, personal time holding a koala, away from the usual crowds.
  • Professional photograph: Capture this magical moment with a professional photo, presented to you in a souvenir wallet to take home.
  • 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: $447.00 (one-person, additional person/s $86.50 each)

Time: 10.30am

Maximum number per booking 6 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.

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 Wildlife Park staff.

Participants may be asked to leave the experience at any time at the discretion of staff. Cleland Wildlife Park 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.

Only guests aged 13 years and over are permitted to hold a koala.

Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Maximum number of guests for this experience is 6.

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.

During your koala hold experience, you will be required to wear a specific jacket that our team will provide for you.