Wildlife & Nature
Koalas, kangaroos and botanic gardens
The best wildlife & nature in Stirling
Hand-feed kangaroos, meet koalas and platypus, and explore cool-climate botanic gardens that blaze with colour each autumn.
The Adelaide Hills is one of the easiest places in Australia to get close to native wildlife, with open-range parks, fenced sanctuaries and conservation reserves all within a short drive of the city. The cool, forested ranges are home to wild koalas, kangaroos, echidnas and an abundance of birdlife, and several parks let you walk right among the animals.
The headline experience is Cleland Wildlife Park on the slopes of Mount Lofty, where free-roaming kangaroos and emus wander the paths and you can book to hold a koala. Near Mylor, Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary has brought platypus, bettongs and bandicoots back from the brink behind a feral-proof fence. For gardens and gentler nature, the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden dazzles with rhododendrons and autumn colour.
Koalas turn up in the gums on many bushwalks, especially around Aldgate, so keep your eyes on the canopy. Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot animals on the move.
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5 places
Cleland Wildlife Park
$$Hand-feed kangaroos and meet koalas in the bush
An open-range wildlife park on the slopes of Mount Lofty where you can walk among free-roaming kangaroos and emus and (by booking) hold a koala.
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
FreeCool-climate gardens that blaze with autumn colour
A spectacular cool-climate botanic garden on the slopes below Mount Lofty, famous for rhododendrons, a tranquil lower lake and dazzling autumn foliage.
Mount Lofty Summit
FreeThe Hills' most famous view over Adelaide
The highest point of the Mount Lofty Ranges, with a panoramic lookout over the Adelaide plains and coast, a visitor centre, cafe and trailheads.
Woorabinda Bushland Reserves
A lake and 34 hectares of bushland hidden a short stroll from Stirling's main street.
Wotton Park / Stirling Gardens
$Stirling's avenue of autumn colour
The leafy public gardens and exotic plantings around Stirling, celebrated for their spectacular autumn colour each April and May.