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.

  • Great Otway National Park

    Great Otway National Park sites closed due to severe flooding

    Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding on 16 January 2026 has caused significant damage across parts of the eastern Great Otway National Park. 
     
    For public safety, the following areas are closed until further notice while assessments and clean-up works are undertaken:
     
    Closures included but are not limited to :

    Erskine falls is limited to the top viewing platform.  Access to the base of the falls and along the river track is closed.


    Roads & Tracks 
    Wye Rd
    Curtis Track
    Godfrey Track
    Jamieson Track

    Walking tracks

    St George
    Phantom falls
    Lemonade ck
    Kalimna
    Henderson
    Sheoak Falls 
    Sheoak picnic ground walking Nature Loop
    Cumberland
    Cumberland Garvey Link
    Kalimna Garvey Link
    Cora Lynn
    Erskine Falls Walking Track 
    Won Wondah

    Alternative walking tracks can be found at:
    Moggs Creek picnic area
    Distillery Creek picnic area
    Ocean Track
    Castle Rock 
    Sheoak Falls to Swallow caves
     
     
    Many roads, tracks and visitor facilities are impacted by debris, flooding and unstable conditions.  
    The Great Ocean Road has been impacted,
     
     
    Always follow safety signage and directions from response crews, and do not enter any closed areas.
    Thank you for your patience and understanding as works are undertaken to make these popular areas safe to visit again.

    Closures due to planned burning in the Lorne area

    Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in the following areas being affected from the time a burn is approved for ignition, until the area is declared safe. Ignition of the burns are scheduled from 18 March 2026 and are subject to favorable weather.

    Please adhere to all closure and advice signs in the area as planned burn activity commences.

    Check the status of current planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au

    Areas Affected:

    Allenvale Campground
    Sheoak Picnic area
    Sharps Rd
    Garvey Track
    Henderson Track

  • Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park GORCAPA)

    Aire West Camp Ground - Campsites 24 to 40 - CLOSED

    Parks Victoria operations are closely monitoring water levels within the Aire River estuary in Great Otway National Park. 

    Please be aware of the following important information:
    Estuary Closure: The Aire River mouth is  closed. Water is slowly rising in the estuary.  Any rainfall in the Aire River catchment basin, will increase water levels.  The river mouth may open naturally at any time, or may be encouraged to do so when conditions are suitable.

    Water level can be monitored here > Aire River levels @ Horden Vale 

    Impact on Campsites: Campsites 24 to 40 at the Aire West Campground are prone to high river water levels when over 1.55m. Campers setting up in low-lying areas closest the river should expect the potential for flooding.  
    Campsites 24 - 40 are CLOSED until conditions dry out. 

    Safety First: Floodwaters can be hazardous. Visitors are advised to avoid flooded areas for their safety, and comfort.

    Actions: When conditions, including tides and swell, are safe and suitable, another attempt to open the river mouth will be made.  The river may also open naturally when conditions allow.  Ongoing river mouth blockage may result in site closures.

    Water Recession: If, and/or when the river mouth opens, water levels are expected to recede quickly.

    Thank you for your cooperation. 


  • Sheoak Picnic Area (Great Otway National Park GORCAPA)

    Planned Burning Operations

    Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in the following areas being affected from the time a burn is approved for ignition, until the area is declared safe. Ignition of the burns are scheduled from 18 March 2026 and are subject to favourable weather.

    Please adhere to all closure and advice signs in the area as planned burn activity commences.

    Check the status of current planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au

    Areas Affected:

    Allenvale Campground
    Sheoak Picnic area
    Sharps Rd
    Garvey Track
    Henderson Track

    Proposed planned burning in the Lorne area

    Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in the following areas being affected from the time a burn is approved for ignition, until the area is declared safe. Ignition of the burns are scheduled from 19 March 2026 and are subject to favourable weather.
     
    Please adhere to all closure and advice signs in the area as planned burn activity commences.
     
    Check the status of current planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au
     
    Areas Affected:
     
    Allenvale Campground
    Sheoak Picnic area
    Sharps Rd
    Garvey Track
    Hendersen Track

    Planned burning proposed in the Lorne area

    Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in the following areas being affected from the time a burn is approved for ignition, until the area is declared safe. Ignition of the burns are scheduled from 18 March 2026 and are subject to favourable weather.


    Please adhere to all closure and advice signs in the area as planned burn activity commences.


    Check the status of current planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au
     
    Areas Affected:
     
    Allenvale Campground
    Sheoak Picnic area
    Sharps Rd
    Garvey Track
    Hendersen Track

    Planned burning proposed for Lorne area

    Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in the following areas being affected from the time a burn is approved for ignition, until the area is declared safe. Ignition of the burns are scheduled from Wednesday 18 March 2026 and are subject to favorable weather.

    Please adhere to all closure and advice signs in the area as planned burn activity commences.

    Check the status of current planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au

    Areas Affected:

    Allenvale Campground
    Sheoak Picnic area
    Garvey Track
    Sharps Rd
    Henderson Track


    Proposed planned burning in the Lorne area.

    Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in the following areas being affected from the time a burn is approved for ignition, until the area is declared safe. Ignition of the burns are scheduled from 19 March 2026 and are subject to favorable weather.


    Please adhere to all closure and advice signs in the area as planned burn activity commences.


    Check the status of current planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au
     
    Areas Affected:
     
    Allenvale Campground
    Sheoak Picnic area
    Sharps Rd
    Garvey Track
    Hendersen Track

    Proposed planned burning in Lorne area

    Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in the following areas being affected from the time a burn is approved for ignition, until the area is declared safe. Ignition of the burns are scheduled from 18 March 2026 and are subject to favourable weather.


    Please adhere to all closure and advice signs in the area as planned burn activity commences.


    Check the status of current planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au
     
    Areas Affected:
     
    Allenvale Campground
    Sheoak Picnic area
    Sharps Rd
    Garvey Track
    Hendersen Track

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Great Ocean Walk destination car parking at the Twelve Apostles visitor center during summer & Peak Visitation periods

    During the busy peak visitation period at the Twelve Apostles precinct (from summer through to early autumn including school holidays, public holidays, long weekends & busy peak visitation weekends concluding after Chinese New Year / Easter), due to the sheer volume of visitors onsite, a traffic management program is in place to maximize public safety & ensure visitor experience. If you are planning to park your vehicle at the Twelve Apostles before walking the Great Ocean Walk (or sections of it including section 8) during this period, please communicate this information to onsite traffic control staff at the entrance & they will do their best to accommodate your vehicle in the main carpark. This will avoid your car remaining in the overflow carpark area which needs to be cleared and locked each night. Similarly, if you arrive at the Twelve Apostles to park your car at a time when traffic control are not onsite, or setting up, please park your vehicle in the main carpark area. Your assistance is greatly appreciated! 

 
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