Hold A Koala Experience

During this interactive and unique experience, the koala keeper will talk to you about all things koalas, from the individual story of the koala you are holding, to the role Cleland Wildlife Park is contributing to koala conservation, and what we can do at home to help the wild populations.

Join us for the ultimate Australian meet and greet!

Tour Highlights:

·        While holding a koala, guests will experience the feel of koala fur under their hand, and 

         smell the gum leaves that the koala is eating.

·        An opportunity to speak to and ask questions directly with one of our koala keepers.

·        A professional photo of your experience.

Program Details:

Availability:           Saturdays

Session Time:       2.30pm

                              (2.00pm ticket office check in is required)

                              (2.20pm check in at the koala loft is required)

                              Failure to meet both check in times will forfeit your booking and

                              a refund will not be issued.

Number:                Maximum of 4 participants per session

Age:                      This experience is for guests aged 13 years and over

                              Children aged 13 years to 15 years must be accompanied by a paying 

                              adult   

Duration:               30 minutes        

Cost:                      $86.50

                              Price increases on 1st July annually. Bookings are charged at the 

                              applicable rate.

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.

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 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, 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.

Only paying participants may participate in the experience.

This experience is for guests aged 13 years and over. Children aged 13 years to 15 years must be accompanied by a paying adult. If a child is too small to safely hold the koala, an alternative option for their photo with a koala will be provided.

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 your experience 10 minutes prior to the start time of your booking. A late arrival will forfeit your booking, and a refund will not be issued

Koalas can be heavy. If you are unable to safely hold the weight of the koala a staff member will be required to reduce the length of time of your hold.

Prams may not be taken into this experience.

This experience is accessible by wheelchair.

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.

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