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.


    Night closures of park tracks in Great Otway National Park for conservation work

    Parks Victoria  will be conducting conservation shooting programs at night throughout the Great Otway National Park between April and June 30th 2025.  To ensure the safety of park visitors and staff, track closures will occur at night around shooting operation areas.
    Campgrounds and campground access will remain open, as will most visitor sites.  Track closures will be temporary and should not cause too much inconvenience for park visitors.  Should you require more information, please email westregiondcp@parks.vic.gov.au or call Parks Victoria on 13 19 63.

  • 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. 

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

    Aire East campground- Temporary Closure

    The Aire River East campground will be temporarily closed from June 1st until October 30th 2025 due to wet conditions.
    Alternative camping is available at the Aire west campground or Johanna Beach campground.

    Seasonal Closure Notification – Aire East Campground

    Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 October 2025

    Aire East Campground will be fully closed over the winter period and into early spring, due to consistently wet ground conditions. The closure is in place to ensure visitor safety, comfort, and to prevent damage to the campground’s grassed surfaces.

    This closure is in line with Parks Victoria’s commitment to sustainable park management and will remain in effect until 30 October 2025.

    Camping in closed areas is not permitted under the National Park Regulations 2024.

    We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to explore alternative camping locations in the region during this time.

    Closure may be extended if the campground has not dried out.

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

    Seasonal Partial Closure Notification – Aire West Campground

    Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 September 2025

    Due to wet and muddy ground conditions during the cooler months, Sites 17 to 40 at Aire West Campground will be closed from 1 June to 30 September 2025. Extended closure may be required to ensure conditions are suitable for opening.

    Sites 1 to 16 will remain open, subject to suitable dry conditions. Campers are advised to check the latest updates before travelling.

    Note: The Great Ocean Walk hike-in campground at Aire West is not affected and remains open year-round.

    These closures help protect campground surfaces and ensure safe, comfortable camping experiences. Camping in closed areas is not permitted and is subject to National Park Regulations 2024.

    We thank you for your cooperation and commitment to caring for the park.

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

    Halls Ridge Rd - Seasonally CLOSED

    • Halls Ridge Rd in the Great Otway National Park is seasonally closed from late May 2025 until re-opening in Spring 2025.
    • Aire Crossing camp ground can be accessed via Phillips Tk and Aire Crossing Tk to the north.
    • Closed areas of the National Park are subject to National Park Regulations.

  • Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

    Maits Rest walk closure

    Maits Rest is temporarily closed due to tree fall damage to the track. Alternative walking is available at Melba Gully near Lavers Hill.

    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.

  • Urquhart Bluff Day Visitor Area (Great Otway National Park)

    Urquhart Bluff Day Visitor Area carpark and access road closure

    Parks Victoria will be conducting essential and urgent road repair works on the access road to the Urquhart Bluff Day Visitor Area on Thursday, June 12th 2025.

    Access to the day visitor area will be closed to vehicle traffic from the Great Ocean Road entrance for the day (8:00am to 4:00pm).
    Visitors will still be able to access the area via the Surf Coast Walk and the beach.

    We apologise for the short notice and/or any inconvenience caused.


 
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