Cleland National Park

Cleland National Park is a protected area in Australia.

Cleland National Park at a Glance

Location
Red Centre & Outback South Australia, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-34.972446, 138.694890
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Cleland National Park

Nearest airport: Wertaloona Airport (YWEO), 485 km away.

Weather & Climate in Cleland National Park

The warmest temperatures in Cleland National Park occur in January, averaging 19.8°C (up to 26.4°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 8.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in March with average rainfall of 24.3mm. Average humidity: 67.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 19.8°C (rainfall: 63.1mm)
  • February: 18.6°C (rainfall: 27.1mm)
  • March: 17.4°C (rainfall: 24.3mm)
  • April: 14.0°C (rainfall: 58.9mm)
  • May: 11.1°C (rainfall: 76.8mm)
  • June: 9.3°C (rainfall: 135.8mm)
  • July: 8.6°C (rainfall: 102.4mm)
  • August: 9.8°C (rainfall: 100.9mm)
  • September: 11.6°C (rainfall: 72.6mm)
  • October: 13.2°C (rainfall: 83.3mm)
  • November: 15.8°C (rainfall: 74.4mm)
  • December: 17.5°C (rainfall: 37.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Cleland National Park

The best months to visit Cleland National Park are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 19.83°C, rainfall 63.1mm, sunshine 12 hrs, humidity 62%
  • February: Great, temperature 18.58°C, rainfall 27.1mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 63.4%
  • March: Great, temperature 17.42°C, rainfall 24.3mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 67.3%
  • April: Good, temperature 14°C, rainfall 58.9mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 74.1%
  • May: Poor, temperature 11.08°C, rainfall 76.8mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 77.9%
  • June: Poor, temperature 9.33°C, rainfall 135.8mm, sunshine 6.3 hrs, humidity 84.4%
  • July: Poor, temperature 8.56°C, rainfall 102.4mm, sunshine 7.3 hrs, humidity 83.1%
  • August: Poor, temperature 9.82°C, rainfall 100.9mm, sunshine 8.1 hrs, humidity 81%
  • September: Good, temperature 11.63°C, rainfall 72.6mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 74%
  • October: Good, temperature 13.17°C, rainfall 83.3mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 72.1%
  • November: Good, temperature 15.8°C, rainfall 74.4mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 68%
  • December: Great, temperature 17.46°C, rainfall 37mm, sunshine 12.3 hrs, humidity 63.7%

Wildlife in Cleland National Park

Home to 69 recorded species including 27 waterbirds, 15 birds of prey, 14 tropical birds, 8 iconic birds, 2 small mammals, 2 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Cleland National Park

Based on average temperature of 13.9°C, typical conditions, humidity 73%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 14°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Cleland National Park

49 safari lodges available.

Other

budget

mid-range

$ 114.00

luxury

Similar Parks in Red Centre & Outback South Australia

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Australia

Travel advisory for Australia

Cleland National Park FAQs

What kind of wildlife encounters can I expect at Cleland National Park, and is it a traditional 'safari' experience?

Cleland offers immersive encounters with native Australian wildlife like kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies in large, open enclosures. Unlike an African safari, you'll primarily explore on foot, with opportunities for direct interaction such as hand-feeding kangaroos and holding koalas under supervision, rather than viewing animals from a vehicle.

What's the best time of year to visit Cleland National Park for optimal wildlife viewing and comfortable conditions?

The ideal time to visit Cleland National Park is during spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May) when the weather is mild and pleasant for walking the trails. During these seasons, animals are often more active, and you might see young joeys emerging from pouches.

Are there any unique safety considerations or special preparations needed for visiting Cleland National Park, especially regarding animal interactions?

While interactions with animals like kangaroos are generally safe, it's crucial to follow all park ranger instructions, especially regarding feeding and approaching wildlife. Remember to wear sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and stay hydrated, as you'll be exploring outdoor trails.

What are the typical costs associated with a visit to Cleland National Park, beyond just the entry fee, and are there options for enhanced experiences?

Beyond the general admission fee, Cleland offers additional paid experiences such as koala holding photos and private animal encounters. These unique opportunities allow for closer interaction with specific species and can significantly enhance your visit, so budget accordingly if you wish to participate.

How accessible is Cleland National Park from Adelaide, and what transportation options are recommended for visitors without a car?

Cleland National Park is conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from Adelaide city centre in the Adelaide Hills. For visitors without a car, public transport options like buses are available, or you can opt for a taxi, ride-share service, or join one of the many organized tour buses that include Cleland in their itinerary.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.