Wye to Kennett River Walk

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Wye to Kennett River Walk

Great Otway National Park

A beautiful coastal walk following the Great Ocean Road through sections of forest between Kennett River and Wye River townships. Enjoy coastal views to Cape Otway and over Bass Straight while hugging the steep edge of the Otway Ranges and treading the line between forest and ocean.

This undulating 4.6km coastal track with steps and creek crossings links the townships of Wye River and Kennett River. High points of the track offer views through tall eucalypts to the Southern Ocean beyond. Learn about the history of the area through storyboards and listen for birdlife as you walk through forest above the Great Ocean Road. 

Commencing at the Wye River hotel and winding through the streets of the township, the trail begins at the top of Morely Avenue. A meandering track with some challenging steep sections, this walk follows the coastline above the Great Ocean Road before descending into Kennett River. 

Kennett - Wye River is located in Great Otway National Park 15 minutes east of Lorne. The coastal and forest setting is less developed than nearby Lorne providing a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. There are a small number of areas to camp, walk or take in the sites along the Great Ocean Road. Facilities in this area are more basic. 

 

Wildlife

 
Echidnas
Koalas
Kangaroos
Wallabies

How to get there

Wye to Kennett River Walk

Great Otway National Park is south of Melbourne via Geelong (Great Ocean Road, B100) or Colac (inland routes C155 or C164). Western approach is via Port Campbell along the Great Ocean Road (B100).  A daily bus service between Geelong, Lorne and Apollo Bay connects with train services to Melbourne. 

Wye to Kennett River Walk

Need to know

Wye to Kennett River Walk

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Kalimna Tramline link walk and Upper Kalimna is closed

    The Kalimna Tramline link walk is closed due to damage to a pedestrian bridge. Walkers can still access the Lower Kalimna Waterfall via the Kalimna Falls Walking Track, which starts at Sheoak Picnic Area. Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice.


    Great Ocean Walk Trail Advisory: Echidna & Long-nosed Bandicoot Activity

    Important Safety Alert – Great Ocean Walk > Trail Conditions
    Recent observations in Great Otway National Park have recorded a significant increase in digging activity by both short-beaked echidnas and long-nosed bandicoots—themselves ecosystem engineers—resulting in numerous diggings and burrows along the entire Great Ocean Walk. These excavations create trip hazards, especially in low-light conditions during dawn and dusk when both species are most active.

    Safety Recommendations
    • Remain vigilant for fresh soil disturbances, shallow holes, and uneven ground surfaces.
    • Wear sturdy hiking boots with ankle support to reduce injury risk.
    • Carry a torch or headlamp for early starts or late finishes to spot potential hazards. 
    Protected Wildlife Notice
    • Echidnas and long-nosed bandicoots are fully protected native wildlife. 
    • It is illegal to disturb, harass, handle, injure, or remove them—or any part of their habitat—from the wild.
    • Do not approach, touch, chase, corner, or attempt to move these animals.
    • Keep a respectful distance and allow wildlife to move away naturally.
    • If you encounter an injured or orphaned animal, do not intervene directly.
    Ecosystem Importance
    • Echidnas move up to 200 m³ of soil annually through their digging behavior, promoting soil health and biodiversity.
    • Long-nosed bandicoots create shallow foraging pits that aid seed germination and nutrient cycling, further enhancing ecosystem function.
    Reporting & Contacts
    For any wildlife concerns or to report animal incidents or injured wildlife, contact 
    Parks Victoria on 131963 or visit the 
    Conservation Regulator on 136186 or online at https://www.vic.gov.au/conservation-regulator.

    Please stay on designated tracks to protect native vegetation and minimize disturbance to habitat.

    Attachments: GONP Spring 2025 (349KB)

  • Cora Lynn Cascades Walk (Great Otway National Park)

    Cora Lynn Cascades Walking Track Closure

    Cora Lynn Cascades walking track is currently closed due to damaged infrastructure. Please note this closure will affect you if you plan to walk from Allenvale through to Erskine falls and vice versa. 

  • Melba Gully Day Visitor Area (Great Otway National Park)

    Melba Gully Closure

    Melba Gully will be closed until further notice due to a recent tree fall.

  • Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

    Maits Rest Carpark- bus access

    Maits Rest Carpark is suitable for small coaster buses only. Large buses or coaches are advised to use Melba Gully walk track near Lavers Hill.

  • Lake Elizabeth Campground (Great Otway National Park)

    Lake Elizabeth Campground Upgrade Information

    Lake Elizabeth Campground and the associated campground car park will be closed from: Tuesday 27th January 2026 to Tuesday 31st March 2026. We ask visitors to stay clear of the campground and campground carpark which will have signed closures in place. 

    As you plan for your holidays please do not attempt to book the Lake Elizabeth campground from Tuesday 27th January - Tuesday 31st March 2026.
     
    The closure is for enhancing the camping experience and these renovations have been funded by the Victorian Government’s Victoria’s Great Outdoors program. Victoria’s Great Outdoors is a $106.6 million investment by the Victorian Government into better campgrounds, walking trails, 4WD tracks and visitor facilities across Victoria’s parks and state forests.
     
    All other areas at Lake Elizabeth will remain open, including ablutions, day use areas, walk to and around the lake.

 
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