Kennett River is a small coastal settlement on the Great Ocean Road between Lorne and Apollo Bay, and one of the most reliable places in Victoria to see wild koalas. The koala walk follows Grey River Road, a turn-off from the main road, and koalas can be spotted in the gum trees along the first one to two kilometres, whether you walk or drive slowly. They rest for most of the day and become more active in the late afternoon. In spring you may see mothers with babies, and some koalas sit lower in the trees. Colourful native birds are also common in the area. The walk is free, there is a cafe at the start, and the stop suits families because it is flat and short.
How to see them
Park near the start and walk slowly, looking up into the forks of gum trees. Koalas often look like grey lumps, so scan for rounded shapes and fur rather than movement. Binoculars help a great deal. Walk quietly, keep your distance and never touch, feed or corner a koala. Wild koalas can become stressed or aggressive if handled, and the park managers strongly discourage feeding native birds because it harms their health and creates mess and noise.
Timing and expectations
Late afternoon is best for activity, but plenty of visitors find koalas around the middle of the day. The chance of seeing one is high, though there is no guarantee, and numbers in particular trees change. If you are on a day tour, the stop is usually 20 to 30 minutes. Recent improvements to Kennett River were completed in October 2026, so facilities and access should be in good order, though check conditions if you are driving from Lorne.
Fitting it in
Kennett River sits halfway along the best part of the coast drive, so it makes a natural break between Lorne and Apollo Bay. Combine it with lunch in Apollo Bay or a walk in Great Otway National Park. Drive carefully on Grey River Road, because other visitors may be looking up rather than at the road, and animals can cross at dusk.
What to expect
The experience
A free roadside walk along Grey River Road, scanning the gum trees for wild koalas.
Best time
Late afternoon is when koalas are most active, and spring may bring mothers with babies.
How long
Allow 30 to 60 minutes, longer if you walk the full one to two kilometres.
Tips
Bring binoculars, keep your distance, never touch or feed wildlife and drive slowly on Grey River Road.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and wildlife lovers who want a good chance of seeing wild koalas for free.
- Families
- Flat, short and free, and children usually love spotting koalas high in the trees.
- Couples
- Take a slow walk in the late afternoon and then have dinner in Apollo Bay.
- Pair with
- Pair it with Great Otway National Park, Lorne and Apollo Bay.
- Time needed
- Half an hour to an hour.
Good questions
Where is the koala walk?+
It is on Grey River Road at Kennett River, a turn-off from the Great Ocean Road between Lorne and Apollo Bay. Koalas are usually found within the first one to two kilometres.
Is it free?+
Yes. The walk is free, and there is a cafe near the start.
When is the best time to see koalas?+
Koalas rest most of the day and become more active in the late afternoon. In spring you may see mothers with babies.
Can I touch or feed the wildlife?+
No. Koalas are wild and can become stressed or aggressive if handled, and feeding native birds is strongly discouraged.
Will I definitely see a koala?+
The chance is high but not guaranteed. Bring binoculars and scan the forks of the gum trees slowly.
