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. 

Changes to Great Ocean Road parks and campsites

From 1 July 2026, some parks and campsites along the Great Ocean Road will be managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA). Visit the GORCAPA website to see which parks GORCAPA manage.

This change is part of the transition of land management responsibilities to GORCAPA, helping support a dedicated and localised approach to managing the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.

 

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.

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

    Aire West Campground – Partial Seasonal Closure

    Visitors are advised that sites 17–40 at Aire West Campground in Great Otway National Park are temporarily closed from 29 May to 25 September 2026 due to seasonal conditions.

    What to expect:
    Sites 17–40 are closed and unavailable for camping or vehicle access during this period
    Remaining sites may still be accessible, subject to conditions

    Important information:
    The closure period may be extended if conditions remain too wet to safely support camping and vehicle access
    Visitors are asked to follow any on-site signage and avoid closed areas to prevent damage to the campground and ensure safety.
    The Great Ocean Walk hike in camp site is not impacted.
    Entering into or camping within closed areas is subject to National Park regulations

    We appreciate your cooperation in helping protect the park during these conditions.

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

    Aire East Campground – Seasonal Closure

    Aire East Campground in Great Otway National Park will be closed from 29 May to 25 September 2026 as part of the annual seasonal winter closure.

    This closure is necessary to protect the campground and access tracks during periods of wet weather, when conditions are highly susceptible to damage from vehicle use and camping activity.

    What to expect:
    No visitor or vehicle access to the campground during the closure period.
    Campground and toilet facilities will be unavailable.

    Important information:
    The closure period may be extended if conditions remain too wet to safely support vehicle access and camping.
    Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and consider alternative campgrounds.
    Entering into or camping within closed areas is subject to National Park regulations

    We appreciate your cooperation in helping protect the park environment during this time.

  • Great Otway National Park

    Wye Road Closure

    Due to recent storm and flood damage, Wye Road will remain closed until the end of winter to allow for road maintenance and repair works.

 
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