Wildlife & Koala Spotting
One of the best places in Victoria for wild encounters — koalas at Kennett River and Cape Otway, kangaroos at Anglesea, seals at Marengo and winter whales out west.
Wildlife & Koala Spotting
The Great Ocean Road is one of the best places in Victoria to see wildlife in the wild. Koalas doze in the gums at Cape Otway and Kennett River, kangaroos graze the Anglesea golf course, fur seals haul out at Marengo, and in winter whales cruise the west coast. Add king parrots, echidnas and glow-worms in the Otways, and it’s a full wildlife trail. Here’s where and when to look.
Wildlife Highlights
Koalas at Kennett River
Grey River Road and the Cape Otway gums are the coast’s best koala spots.
Kangaroos at Anglesea
Resident kangaroos on the golf course and in coastal reserves at dawn and dusk.
Whales off Warrnambool
Southern right whales at Logans Beach in winter and spring (sightings vary).
Seals & Birds
Fur seals at Marengo, king parrots at Kennett River, and seabirds along the coast.
Wildlife Tips
- Kennett River (Grey River Road) and Cape Otway gums are the top koala spots
- Look up — koalas rest high in the manna gums; go early or late
- Whales are seasonal (roughly May–Oct) off Warrnambool — sightings vary
- Never feed wildlife, including the Kennett River king parrots
- Drive slowly at dawn and dusk — wildlife crosses coast and Otway roads
- For koala towns and the lighthouse, see Apollo Bay & Cape Otway
Wildlife & Koala Spotting — FAQ
Where can you see koalas on the Great Ocean Road?
Wild koalas are often seen in the manna gums at Cape Otway (along Lighthouse Road) and at Kennett River, between Lorne and Apollo Bay — also famous for wild king parrots. Look up, keep your distance and drive slowly.
Where is the best koala spotting?
Kennett River’s Grey River Road and the Cape Otway gums are the two most reliable spots. Dawn and late afternoon are best, when koalas move and birds are active.
Can you see whales?
Yes — southern right whales visit the west coast in winter and spring (roughly May–October), with a viewing platform over a nursery at Logans Beach near Warrnambool. Sightings vary.
What other wildlife is there?
Kangaroos (famously on the Anglesea golf course), echidnas, wallabies, fur seals at Marengo near Apollo Bay, and rich birdlife including king parrots, cockatoos and seabirds.
How do you view wildlife responsibly?
Keep your distance, never feed wild animals (including the Kennett River parrots), and drive slowly at dawn and dusk when wildlife crosses the roads.
The Great Ocean Road, Planned Around You
The Twelve Apostles, the surf coast, the Otway rainforest and the wildlife — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry