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Top places to see Koalas on the Great Ocean Road

Koalas are the star wildlife sighting on any Great Ocean Road adventure, and the best part is you don’t need a ticket—just patience and a keen eye. Scan the eucalyptus pockets around Kennett River, Cape Otway, and other gum‑lined turns, and you might catch these tree‑loving marsupials taking cozy naps.

By adulthood, their slow metabolism demands up to 20 hours of sleep each day, so dawn and late afternoons are your prime viewing windows.

Get close enough (binoculars help) and you’ll notice a quirky detail: Koalas are one of the few animals whose fingerprints resemble ours. Spotting them in the wild means watching real bush behaviour—joeys clinging piggy‑back and the occasional unhurried leap between branches.

Where to see Koalas

Kennett River Koala Walk

Kennett River Koala Walk

This is the most popular koala-spotting stop. Start at the general store and walk along the gravel lane. Make sure to look up at Eucalyptus trees since Koalas are often found to be sleeping cozily on the branches.

Cape Otway Lighthouse Road

Cape Otway Lighthouse Road

The drive down to the Cape Otway Lighthouse is a hotspot for koalas. Keep your eyes on the treetops along the road, especially in the afternoons. It’s one of the best areas for relaxed koala sightings in a natural habitat.

Great Otway National Park

Great Otway National Park

While not as guaranteed as Kennett River, the dense eucalyptus forests in the Great Otway National Park are natural koala habitats. Maits Rest Rainforest Walk is a beautiful, short loop walk and spotting a koala here is a lucky bonus.

Lorne to Apollo Bay Drive

Lorne to Apollo Bay Drive

This stretch is lined up with tall gum trees and occasional koalas. Pull over safely at designated stops and look for them on the trees!

More wildlife on the route

Eastern grey kangaroos
  • Eastern grey kangaroos graze open fields near Kennett River just after dawn.
  • Crimson rosellas and sulphur-crested cockatoos add colour (and noise) to most picnic areas.
  • Echidnas roam on track edges after rain; look for small conical diggings in soft soil.
  • Kookaburras and eastern spinebills often perch on car-park rails.

Timing & practical tips

Timing & practical tips
  • Best hours: Sunrise to 9am or 4pm to sunset—cooler air brings more koala movement.
  • Seasonal edge: Autumn and winter make spotting easier; the leaves thin out, and koalas move lower for the sun.
  • Drive slow: Under 40 km/h through eucalyptus trees; pull into signed bays, not roadside shoulders.
  • Stay quiet: Low voices and muted clothing keep animals relaxed. Binoculars help without needing to step closer.
  • Distance from animas: Keep five metres from koalas; twenty from kangaroos if you come across one.
  • Avoid feeding wildlife: Never feed wildlife—fines apply.

Frequently asked questions about Koala spotting on the Great Ocean Road

Can I see koalas year-round?

Yes. They’re present all seasons, but bare winter branches simply make them easier to spot.

Is it safe to get close to wild koalas?

It’s best to admire koalas from a distance. They may look cute, but they’re wild animals and can become stressed if approached. Avoid feeding them or using flash photography.

Do I need permits for these reserves?

No. Most roadside pull-outs and short trails are free.

Are binoculars essential?

Helpful but optional—some koalas sit only a few meters above ground.

What if I find an injured animal?

Stay back and phone Wildlife Victoria (1300 094 535) with location details.

Is night driving good for sightings?

No—risk of collisions rises after dark. Stick to dawn and dusk.

Can I pair koala spotting with other stops?

Yes. Koala sites sit between surf beaches, rainforest walks, and the 12 Apostles, so including them in a day trip is easy.

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