Koala Close-up

Koalas are one of the most recognisable and beloved Australian animals, known around the world for their unique charm and cuddly appearance. The team at Cleland Wildlife Park are deeply passionate about koala conservation and sharing these incredible animals with visitors, in a respectful and memorable way.

What is the Koala Close-up?
This special experience offers you the chance to get up-close with one of our resident koalas. You'll meet both a koala and a knowledgeable koala keeper who will share fascinating facts about these iconic marsupials. During this experience you will have the opportunity to gently feel the koala’s soft fur, and take your own photo standing right next to the koala.

Please note that the Koala Close-up is one of our most popular experiences and operates as a line-up system. While we do our best to accommodate everyone, we cannot guarantee availability for all visitors. We recommend arriving early to avoid disappointment!

This experience takes place daily from 11am to 12.00pm.

Want to guarantee one-on-one time with a koala and its keeper? Why not book Meet a Koala experience? This is perfect for ages 6 years and above.

Important Notice: The Koala close-up experience will 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.