Cleland Conservation Park, Adelaide

Cleland National Park, formerly known as Cleland Conservation Park, is a protected area situated in the Adelaide Hills, approximately 22 kilometers southeast of Adelaide's city center. The park is renowned for its preservation of natural bushland, featuring iconic landmarks such as Mount Lofty Summit and Waterfall Gully.

Originally established as a conservation park on January 1, 1945, Cleland was named in honor of Sir John Burton Cleland, a distinguished naturalist, microbiologist, mycologist, and ornithologist, who was also a prominent member of the Royal Society of South Australia. Cleland dedicated much of his life to wildlife conservation following a successful career in medicine and pathology.

In November 2021, Cleland Conservation Park was merged with the adjacent Eurilla Conservation Park, leading to its elevation to the status of a national park. This upgrade reflected the area's significant conservation value, particularly its ecologically important flora and fauna. The park is now classified as an IUCN Category II protected area, with the primary goal of preserving natural biodiversity and supporting ecological processes while promoting education and recreation.

One of the key attractions within the park is Cleland Wildlife Park, a major draw for tourists. As part of the transition to national park status, a draft management plan was developed, which included provisions for the Wildlife Park. This plan, which was open to public consultation until January 2022, highlighted the need for specialized management of the Wildlife Park due to its high visitor numbers. It also proposed potential areas for tourist accommodations within the Wildlife Park, away from the animal enclosures.

The park is characterized by its extensive bushland, primarily woodland, with some open spaces where clearing has occurred. It offers a variety of walking trails, including the challenging Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty summit trail, as well as sections of the long-distance Heysen and Yurrebilla Trails. Since December 2012, many of the park's trails have been designated for shared use, allowing mountain bikers to enjoy the natural beauty alongside hikers.

Cleland National Park remains a vital natural reserve, balancing conservation efforts with opportunities for public enjoyment and education in the picturesque Adelaide Hills.