Kennett River is on the Great Ocean Road, about 170 km southwest of Melbourne. It’s about 35 minutes from Lorne and 5 minutes further from Wye River. Kennett River has lovely walks nearby, like the Grey River Reserve, where you can see glow worms at night. You can also spot koalas, birds, and other wildlife in the trees around town. Watch out for them!
This small town offers a patrolled beach for swimming, a river for water play, a beach break, and a right-hand point for surfing. It also provides a spectacular coastline for spotting dolphins, seals, and whales from May to September. It is an ideal summer family location.
The Grey River Road is a popular spot for spotting native animals such as koalas, king parrots, rosellas, and kookaburras. It leads to the Great Otway National Park, known for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty.
Where is the Kennett River Koala Walk?
Kennett River is located along the Great Ocean Road tour, approximately halfway between Lorne and Apollo Bay. The drive from Melbourne takes around two and a half hours along a scenic route.
At Kennett River, a road leads to the Kennett River Holiday Park. Adjacent to the park is a small road on the left, where tourists often feed various colorful birds and ducks.
Despite its name, the preferred method of exploring Kennett River is by car. However, caution must be exercised due to the presence of pedestrians, wildlife, and potentially reckless individuals.
Time to observe koalas in their natural habitat
Accordingly, koalas are known for their tendency to sleep for extended periods, devoting over 20 hours per day to slumbering in elevated positions within trees. Consequently, they are pretty challenging creatures in terms of being observed in their natural habitats, and the probability of encountering an active or mobile koala is even less likely.
The optimal times to visit the Koala walk at Kennett River for a higher chance of spotting koalas in motion are early mornings and late afternoons. During these times, many koalas are active and move around for breakfast.
An additional benefit of visiting early in the morning is to avoid the influx of tourists from the buses. Kennett River is a stop on the Great Ocean Road tourist route for certain tour companies, resulting in large crowds of tourists arriving in the early afternoon.
Facts and information about Koalas
Their name is Aboriginal
They are fussy eaters
Koalas survive solely on eucalyptus leaves. They eat only about 50 out of the 700 eucalypt species in Australia. These leaves provide all the necessary nutrients, even though they are toxic. Most animals avoid these leaves to avoid getting sick, but koalas can digest them safely. They have a unique organ called a caecum that helps detoxify the chemicals in the leaves.
The babies are called Joeys
The word Joey is associated not only with Kangaroos but also with Koala Babies. Female Koalas can have one joey per year but have fewer babies as they age. When a Joey is born, they are only about 2 centimeters long and are blind, deaf, and furless. They stay in their mother’s pouch and drink her milk for 6 to 7 months until they are strong enough to venture into the world.
They sleep a lot
They’re not bears
They’re greedy things
Koalas consume up to half a kilo of Eucalyptus leaves per day, relying on them for over 90% of their water intake and nutritional needs.
Their fur suits Australia's hot weather
They wake up at night
Koalas are primarily nocturnal; during that time, they engage in activities such as tree movement, territorial behavior, breeding, and feeding.
They have two thumbs
Koalas have five digits on each front paw, just like us. However, their finger placement is different. They have two ‘thumbs’ and three straight fingers. The thumbs have separate movement from the fingers, allowing them to grip tree branches and climb well. Furthermore, their hind paws’ 2nd and 3rd digits are fused together to create a grooming claw used for their fur.
What other activities are available at Kennett River?
Stop and appreciate the view at Mount Defiance Lookout
The Mount Defiance Lookout point is approximately 10km from Wye River and conveniently located mid-way between Lorne and Wye River. This breathtaking viewpoint is regarded as one of the finest attractions along the Great Ocean Road.
When you arrive, you will enjoy coastline views and lush green cliffs. However, please note that the parking lot is small, so exercise caution when finding a spot, especially during the busy summer months.
Visit the Cumberland River Trail for a great hike
The Cumberland River Trail may be worth considering for those interested in hiking. It is 2 kilometers east of the Mount Defiance Lookouts at the Cumberland River Holiday Park.
The Cumberland River Trail is a scenic route through a lush valley with views of the Cumberland River and various waterfalls, including Cumberland Falls and Upper and Lower Kalimna Falls.
The Cumberland River Trail, which is 20.5 km long, can be challenging for advanced hikers due to its many river crossings. It is advised to exercise caution and hike with a companion if embarking on this trail.
You can observe the birds in Kennett River
At the Kennett River General Store and along the Kennett River Koala Walk, various species of colorful birds can be observed. This includes Cockatoos, King Parrots, Eastern Rosellas, and Kookaburras, which visitors widely enjoy.
The Kennett River General store sells birdseed for visitors who want an up-close experience with the birds. However, it is advised not to participate in this activity as it can disrupt the animals’ natural habitat and potentially harm them.
Kennett River and the Great Ocean Road Koala Walk are protected sites due to the diverse wildlife and high population of koalas.
Platypus are at Lake Elizabeth
Lake Elizabeth is about an hour’s drive inland from the Kennett River, Wye River Region. Once you arrive, leave your belongings except your camera, water, and snacks in the car. Then, you can take a 1-km hike that connects the parking lot to Lake Elizabeth.
When you arrive at the lake, take some time to relax and keep an eye out for the elusive and peculiar inhabitant of the lake, the Platypus.
To increase your chances of spotting platypus swimming beneath the lake’s surface, visit Lake Elizabeth at dusk or dawn. The natural lighting over the lake provides excellent photo opportunities, and the platypus are most active during this time.
When walking towards the lake, be sure not to miss the opportunity to search for sleeping koalas among the gum trees. Lake Elizabeth is located just a few kilometers north of the Kennett River Koala Walk and serves as another habitat for these marsupials.
If you want to spot a platypus, take a tour. Otway Eco Tours offers guided dusk tours to see the Glow Worms of Kennett River and responsible platypus watching. They limit the group size on platypus’s canoeing tours to minimize disturbance. Make sure to book in advance to avoid any disappointment.
Visit Cape Patton Lookout Point
Cape Patton is considered one of the top photo opportunities along the Great Ocean Road. It can be accessed within a short 9-minute drive from Kennett River. The viewpoint sits at an elevation of 90 meters and offers stunning coastline views.
On clear days, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Great Ocean Road and even glimpse Apollo Bay in the distance. Don’t forget to bring a picnic with you.
The Cape Patton Lookout Point has an informative plaque that offers unique insights into the history of the Great Ocean Road.
Visitors are welcome to enjoy Kennett River Beach
Kennett River Beach, located along the Great Ocean Road, is a small, patrolled beach that spans approximately 200 meters. Due to its horseshoe shape, the beach is moderately safe for swimming as it is sheltered from open ocean exposure.
Kennett River Beach is directly in front of the Kennett River Holiday Park. Several dependable points break out front, including Kennett Point, which is excellent for surfers.
Watching marine life in Kennett River
Once you have reserved your spot at the Kennett River Foreshore Reserve camping site, get to the cliff’s edge and settle in. The coastline between Kennett River and Apollo Bay is highly regarded for its excellent whale and dolphin watching opportunities.
From May to October, the marine wildlife can approach as close as 100 meters to the shore in front of the Holiday Park.
If fishing in Kennett River is not enjoyable, there are additional opportunities to observe wildlife. Bring binoculars and enjoy the sights of Southern Right Whales, dolphins, and seals leaping out of the water at sunset. This is just one of the activities available in Kennett River and can be enjoyed while holding a glass of wine.
Kennett River offers camping options
When considering the area, it is commonly associated with camping or staying at one of the holiday parks in Kennett River. The Kennett River Family Caravan Park and BIG4 Wye River are conveniently near the beach and provide camping sites and self-contained units.
The Kennett River Family Caravan Park offers units with ocean views and amenities such as a BBQ area and on-site tennis courts. It is conveniently located near local hiking trails, and wildlife, such as koalas and native birds, can occasionally be seen on the property.
The BIG4 Wye River offers a range of self-contained units and amenities for families, including an inflatable jumping pillow, a children’s playground, and a games room. It is situated along the river with scenic views.
Accommodation in Kennett River
Kennett River offers a range of accommodation options, including Airbnb and holiday homes. Some popular choices in Kennett River are listed below.
Cape Wye is a beachfront holiday home on a hillside and offers floor-to-ceiling windows, providing stunning sea views. It can accommodate up to 10+ people, making it an ideal option for a family vacation or a friend getaway. The property also features a spacious deck with ocean views and a fireplace for cozy winter evenings in Kennett River.
Sea Ranch is a seafront accommodation option in Kennett River. The holiday home is well-equipped and has modern and minimalist furnishings. It can accommodate up to 10+ guests, allowing them to enjoy the view.
Wye’s Choice is a suitable option for large groups. It has a rustic atmosphere and a spacious deck surrounded by greenery, offering ocean views. Moreover, this house is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companions.
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