The park was proclaimed without access under State mining legislation.

Wanilla Conservation Park is dominated by Sugar Gum woodland with heath understorey.

Small patches of the park are vegetated with Broombush (Melaleuca uncinata) shrubland over low shrubs and sedges.

The park is characterised by rolling hills and relatively steep gullies.

Wanilla Conservation Park is bisected by a road reserve into northern and southern sections.The conservation park is classified as an IUCN Category III protected area.