Wye to Kennett River Walk (Great Otway National Park)

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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.

How to get there

Wye to Kennett River Walk (Great Otway National Park)

Need to know

Wye to Kennett River Walk (Great Otway National Park)

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

  • No fires permitted
  • No motorbikes/trailbikes
  • No drones without a permit
  • No firearms allowed
  • No bicycles
  • No camping
  • No dogs allowed
  • No horses
  • No vehicles

Warnings

  • Other warnings
    • No mobile phone reception
    • Trees may fall take care
    • Limbs may fall take care
  • Animals and pests
    • Snakes
  • Water hazards
    • Rough Surf
  • Terrain hazards
    • Slippery surface
    • Uneven ground

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

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.

Delayneys Track Closed

Delayneys Track is closed until further notice.

Erskine Falls Lower Lookout Closed

Erskine Falls lower lookout is closed until further notice. Access to the base of the waterfall is no longer open due to unsafe conditions. Erskine Falls can be viewed from the top lookout which looks across to the top of the falls. Straw Falls is also inaccessible from the Erskine Falls carpark due to this closure. Erskine Falls walking track is still open from the Lorne township up to the base of Erskine Falls. 

Sharps Campground permanently closed

Permanently closed due to environmental and safety risks. 

Bird Track Closed Due to Landslip

Bird Track is closed for public safety due to a landslip undermining part of the track. Repairs are planned and due to be completed in early 2024. 

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.

Melba Gully - Large bus access

Melba Gully Walk Track and picnic area is accessible for large coaches. Toilet facilities are available on site

Lifejackets Required For Rock Fishers from March 1, 2022

A two-year trial of new laws that require rock fishers to wear a lifejacket at high-risk locations will commence on 1 March 2022.
 
For Great Otway National Park this includes:
  • Artillery Rocks, west of Lorne
  • The rock platform opposite Sheoak Falls, south of Lorne

This factsheet includes maps of the affected areas.
 
Fines apply if you don’t wear a lifejacket at these sites.
 
To find out more, visit Victorian Fisheries Authority 

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