Kennett River, located on the Great Ocean Road in Australia, is one of the best places to spot wild koalas. Many tourists consider it a must-see spot to observe these legendary animals during the Melbourne Great Ocean Road tour. When visiting Melbourne, take a trip to the Kennett River Koala Walk to see koalas up close and capture memorable moments. This attraction is highly recommended on the Great Ocean Road itinerary.
Koalas on the Great Ocean Road
Australia is known for its unique wildlife, including koalas. The Kennett River Koala Walk in Victoria is a popular spot for domestic and international tourists to see wild koalas up close. Kennett River is located along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, making it a popular spot for tourists to take a break and explore while travelling on this famous road.The Kennett River Koala Walk, or Grey River Road, is off The Great Ocean Road in Australia. It is a popular spot for observing koala bears in their natural habitat, making it a must-see destination for visitors from Melbourne or around the world.
Learn about the Kennett River Koala Walk
The Kennett River Koala Walk in Victoria is a unique location where koalas can be spotted in their natural habitat. Koalas are typically solitary creatures that spend their time at the heights of eucalyptus trees, so this area stands out as a place where they can be seen in large numbers.
The Kennett River Koala Walk is a popular tourist stop along the Great Ocean Road. Visitors have the opportunity to explore Grey River Road and observe koalas resting in the trees. Groups of tourists staring upwards are often a sign that koalas are nearby. In addition to the Kennett River koalas, visitors may spot other animals, such as wallabies, king parrots, and kookaburras.
Engaging with Wildlife
While the wildlife in Victoria may appear tame and comfortable with humans, feeding or touching them is not advisable. Tourists are not recommended animals along the Great Ocean Road, as this can disrupt their natural dietary habits and potentially lead to dependency on humans for food. This can result in changes to their survival instincts and feeding behaviours.
Visitors to the Kennet River Koala Walk are advised to observe the animals safely to enjoy their natural habitat without causing disturbances. Keeping noise levels to a minimum helps maintain a calm atmosphere for wildlife and tourists.
Directions to the Kennett River Koala Walk
The Kennet River Koala Walk is situated along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, about 170km southwest of Melbourne. The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from the capital of Victoria, with many travellers opting to make stops at various attractions along the Great Road. Kennett River is midway between Lorne and Apollo Bay, about a 35-minute drive west of Lorne. Wye River is just a short 5-minute drive away. The walk starts on Grey River Road. To find it, go to Kafe Koala and park. Look for a dirt road between the cafe and the RV park. This is where the Kennett River Koala Walk begins. Travellers can drive on Grey River Road, though it is not recommended due to the low likelihood of spotting koalas while speeding by in a car. Great Ocean Road tours departing from Melbourne, Victoria, offer the opportunity to see Kennett River koalas without needing a vehicle. These tours provide a planned itinerary for those who prefer not to drive themselves.
Guidelines for the Kennett River Koala Walk
Before visiting the Kennett River Koala Walk, it is recommended to follow specific steps to ensure a smooth experience.
- Visitors may have a better chance of spotting koala bears in the early morning or late afternoon, as they are more active during these times. Additionally, arriving early can help avoid crowds from tour buses passing through the area.
- Koalas are typically found sleeping on the fork of branches in eucalyptus trees.
- Before heading out for a walk in Victoria, check the weather and take appropriate precautions for sun protection or rain conditions.
- When observing koalas, binoculars are recommended, as smartphones and cameras can become blurred when zooming in too much.
- It is essential to avoid touching or feeding the animals to maintain a peaceful co-existence between wildlife and tourists. Wild koalas may react aggressively if they perceive a threat.
- It is recommended to bring a good camera when visiting to capture clear photos of the koalas in the trees, as most phone cameras may not be able to capture them well.
While there is no guarantee of spotting koalas on Great Ocean Road trips to Kennett River, the chances are high.
Explore more wildlife experiences nearby
Bird watching is Kennett River
The Kennett River General Store and the Kennett River Koala Walk are known for their diverse bird population, including Cockatoos, King Parrots, Eastern Rosellas, and Kookaburras. The Kennett River General sells birdseed for visitors who enjoy feeding the local birds. However, it is recommended that visitors refrain from this activity as it can disrupt the animals’ natural environment and pose a risk of injury or illness.
Kennett River and the Great Ocean Road Koala Walk are designated protected areas due to the diverse wildlife and abundant population of Koalas.
Platypus spotted at Lake Elizabeth
Lake Elizabeth is just a 1-hour drive inland from the Kennett River, Wye River Region. Visitors are encouraged to leave unnecessary items in their car and bring only a camera, water, and snacks for the 1-km hike to the lake. While visiting the lake, watch for the somewhat elusive and unique Platypus. Lake Elizabeth is a great spot for spotting platypi, especially when they are most active at dusk or dawn. The soft light over the lake also provides excellent photo opportunities.
Visitors can spot sleeping koalas in the gum trees near Lake Elizabeth, just a few kilometres north of the Kennett River Koala Walk. Koala colonies are known to frequent this area.
Joining a tour increases your chances of seeing a platypus. Otway Eco Tours offers guided dusk tours to see platypi and glow worms at Kennett River. The canoeing tours are limited to small groups to minimize environmental disruption. Make sure to book in advance to secure your spot.
Visit Cape Patton Lookout Point
Cape Patton is considered one of the top photo spots along the Great Ocean Road. It is accessible by a short 9-minute drive from Kennett River, offering a viewpoint that stands 90 meters above sea level, providing stunning views of the coastline.
Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Great Ocean Road and sometimes even glimpse Apollo Bay in the distance on clear days. Consider packing a picnic for this experience.
The Cape Patton Lookout Point features an informative plaque that offers insight into the history of the Great Ocean Road.
Experience Kennett River Beach
Kennett River Beach, located along the Great Ocean Road, is a relatively small beach at about 200 meters in length. It is one of the few patrolled beaches in the area, and its horseshoe shape makes it moderately safe for swimming as it is not fully exposed to the open ocean.
Kennett River Beach is across from Kennett River Holiday Park and offers reliable pointbreaks for surfers, including Kennett Point.
Fishing at Kennett River
Visitors to Kennett River can relax by one of the creeks and enjoy fishing for various species, such as trouts, short-finned eels, and Australian salmon. It is a peaceful activity for those seeking relaxation in the area.
Visitors may have the opportunity to see Glow Worms in Kennett River before heading back home with freshly caught fish to grill.
Watching marine life in Kennett River
Once you have set up camp at the Kennett River Foreshore Reserve, reach the cliff’s edge for a comfortable viewing spot. The coastline between Kennett River and Apollo Bay is known for its excellent whale and dolphin-watching opportunities.
From Marine, wildlife can be observed within 100 meters of the shore in front of the Holiday Park from May to October.
Visitors to Kennett River can enjoy watching Southern Right Whales, dolphins, and seals from shore, making for a memorable wildlife viewing experience.