One of the things I was most excited about when planning our Australian road trip was the chance to take the kids to see koalas in the wild. There’s something pretty special about spotting Australia’s iconic little marsupial sitting high up in a gum tree, especially when you’re traveling with kids who are discovering these animals outside of books and TV.
If you’re planning a trip along the Great Ocean Road in Australia, you’re in luck. This stretch of coastline isn’t just famous for its dramatic ocean views, the Twelve Apostles and winding coastal roads. It’s also home to loads of wild koalas, and there are a couple of places worth adding to your itinerary if you’re hoping to spot one.
During our Adelaide-to-Melbourne road trip with our two young girls, we included a stop at Kennett River to look for koalas. Here’s where to look, what to expect and how to make koala spotting part of your own Great Ocean Road adventure.
Where can you see wild koalas on the Great Ocean Road?
The two main places I’d look at when planning a Great Ocean Road koala-spotting stop are Kennett River and Cape Otway. Both are known for wild koalas living among the eucalyptus trees.
The good news is that you don’t necessarily need to book an expensive wildlife experience to have a chance of seeing one. You can look for koalas in their natural habitat as you travel through the region, provided you do so safely and respectfully.
Just remember that these are wild animals, not zoo residents. You might spot several on your visit, or you might not see any at all.
1. Kennett River: One of the best places to look for wild koalas
If you’re driving the Great Ocean Road between Lorne and Apollo Bay, put Kennett River on your list.
This little coastal settlement is well known for its wildlife, particularly koalas living in the eucalyptus trees around the area. It’s a popular stop for travellers hoping to spot Australian wildlife without having to stray too far from the main coastal route.
What makes Kennett River worth visiting?
- It’s conveniently located along the Great Ocean Road.
- You can look for koalas in the trees around the village and surrounding forest.
- It’s an easy stop to add to a family road trip.
- You may also see colourful native birds while you’re there.
The trick is to slow down, look up and take your time. Koalas can blend surprisingly well into the branches, and they’re often sitting much higher in the trees than you’d expect.
Don’t just look at eye level. Scan the forks of the branches and the thicker sections of eucalyptus trees, keeping an eye out for a rounded grey shape tucked among the leaves.
Visiting Kennett River with kids
For families traveling with little ones, Kennett River can be a lovely break from the car. Rather than treating it as a quick dash to see a koala, allow time to stop, look around and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
It’s also a good opportunity to get the kids involved. Ask them to look for round ears, grey fur and little faces peeking through the branches.
Make sure you park in designated spaces and keep children close to you, especially near roads. Kennett River is a small community, and wildlife spotting can attract plenty of visitors.
My tip: Don’t assume a crowd means it’s safe to stop wherever you are. Find legal parking and enjoy any sightings from a safe viewing spot.
2. Cape Otway: Look for koalas among the eucalyptus trees
Another area to consider is Cape Otway, further along the Great Ocean Road towards the Twelve Apostles.
The Otways are known for their native wildlife, and koalas can be found in the eucalyptus forests around Cape Otway. The drive towards the Cape Otway Lightstation takes you through an area where it’s worth keeping your eyes on the trees.
This can be a great addition to your itinerary if you’re already exploring the western end of the Great Ocean Road.
Rather than rushing straight to the lighthouse, take your time traveling through the surrounding forest and watch for wildlife from safe stopping places.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Koalas can be difficult to spot, even when they’re nearby.
- Never stop in a dangerous location or block traffic to get a closer look.
- Use designated parking areas and follow any local signs.
- Check current access and road conditions before setting off.
You don’t have to see a koala for this part of the drive to be worthwhile. The forest scenery is beautiful in its own right, and it gives you another opportunity to experience the natural side of the Great Ocean Road.
What is the best time to see wild koalas?
There isn’t a guaranteed time to see a wild koala, but patience is your friend.
Koalas spend much of their time resting in trees, so don’t expect them to be moving around like the animals you might see at a wildlife park. They can be sitting quietly among the leaves, making them surprisingly easy to miss.
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Take your time. Give yourself more than five minutes to scan the trees. Once you know what you’re looking for, you may start noticing shapes you would otherwise have missed.
Look up. Koalas spend most of their time in trees, and their grey fur can blend into the branches.
Keep your eyes open as you drive. The wider Great Ocean Road and Otways region has wild koalas in several areas, so don’t assume your only chance is at one designated stop. We saw a few in trees on the side of the road!!
Be patient. A sighting is never guaranteed, so enjoy the scenery and other wildlife along the way too.
Tips for spotting wild koalas with young children
Travelling the Great Ocean Road with preschoolers and toddlers requires a slightly different approach. You can’t always rush from one attraction to the next, and wildlife spotting is no exception.
Here are a few things that can make the experience easier for families.
Make it a game
Before you arrive, explain that koalas live in trees and can be tricky to spot. Challenge the kids to look for grey shapes, round ears and branches that seem to have something tucked into them.
Even if you don’t find a koala straight away, it gives them something fun to focus on.
Allow extra time
Little legs, snack breaks and toilet stops can turn a quick wildlife stop into a longer visit. Build a bit of flexibility into your itinerary rather than trying to squeeze koala spotting into an already packed day.
Bring binoculars if you have them
Koalas can be high up in the trees, and binoculars can help you see them without needing to get closer. They’re also handy for looking at birds and other wildlife along the way.
Keep a respectful distance
Wild koalas aren’t there for us to touch, feed or pose with. Never try to get close enough for a selfie, and don’t call out, chase or disturb an animal to make it move.
The best wildlife encounters happen when the animals can carry on doing their own thing.
Are wild koala sightings guaranteed?
No! Although Kennett River and Cape Otway are recognised places to look for koalas, they’re wild animals living in their natural habitat.
You may be lucky enough, like us, to spot lots straight away, or you may spend time scanning the trees without finding any. Their presence and visibility can vary, so it’s best to treat koala spotting as a bonus rather than the only reason for visiting.
If seeing a koala is an absolute must on your Australian holiday, you could also look into a reputable wildlife sanctuary or guided wildlife experience in the region. These offer a different experience from spotting a wild koala, so check what each experience involves before booking.
How to add koala spotting to your Great Ocean Road itinerary
If you’re planning to drive between Adelaide and Melbourne, Kennett River and Cape Otway can fit naturally into the Great Ocean Road portion of your trip.
Kennett River sits between Lorne and Apollo Bay, making it a convenient wildlife stop as you travel along the coast. Cape Otway is further along the route and can be incorporated into a day exploring the Otways and the surrounding attractions.
I’d avoid trying to squeeze every attraction into one day, especially with young children. Choose the stops that interest your family most, leave room for unexpected discoveries and remember that the journey is part of the adventure.
If you’re planning the same kind of trip we did, have a read of my complete guide to driving the Great Ocean Road with preschoolers: our Adelaide-to-Melbourne itinerary. I’ve shared our route, accommodation stops and family-friendly attractions to help you plan your own adventure.
Final thoughts: Is koala spotting on the Great Ocean Road worth it?
Absolutely! If seeing Australian wildlife in its natural habitat is on your bucket list, Kennett River and Cape Otway are two places worth considering when planning your Great Ocean Road road trip.
There’s no guarantee you’ll spot a koala, but that’s part of the fun of looking for wild animals. Take your time, look carefully through the eucalyptus trees and enjoy the experience rather than racing to tick off a sighting.
And if you’re traveling with kids, it can be a lovely way to introduce them to Australian wildlife beyond the usual tourist attractions.
Happy koala spotting!
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see wild koalas on the Great Ocean Road?
Kennett River and Cape Otway are two well-known places to look for wild koalas along the Great Ocean Road. Both have eucalyptus trees that provide habitat for koalas, but sightings are never guaranteed.
Can you see koalas at Kennett River for free?
You can look for wild koalas in the Kennett River area without booking a paid wildlife encounter. Make sure you use legal parking and respect local signs, residents and wildlife.
Are the koalas on the Great Ocean Road wild?
Yes, koalas can be found living in the wild throughout parts of the Great Ocean Road and Otways region. Seeing one in its natural habitat is different from visiting a wildlife park or sanctuary.
What time of day is best for spotting koalas?
Koalas spend much of their time resting, so they can be difficult to spot at any time. Allow time to scan the trees patiently, and remember that there is no guaranteed time or location for a sighting.
Can you see wild koalas on the Great Ocean Road with toddlers?
Yes, koala spotting can be a fun family activity. Choose safe stopping places, supervise children closely around roads and keep a respectful distance from any animals you see.
How do you spot a koala in a eucalyptus tree?
Look for a rounded grey shape, fluffy ears and a body tucked into a branch. Koalas often sit high in the trees, so scan the forks of branches and use binoculars if you have them. Never approach or disturb a koala to get a better view
