Top Things to do in Great Ocean Road
Things to do in Great Ocean Road, Victoria: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
Discover the best top things to do in Great Ocean Road, Australia including The Arches Marine Sactuary, Loch Ard Gorge, Wildlife Wonders, Kennet River Koala Walk, Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park, Colac Bird Reserve, Coogoorah Park Nature Reserve, Gibsons Steps, Thunder point Coastal Reserve, Point Addis Marine National Park.
Restaurants in Great Ocean Road
1. The Arches Marine Sactuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Loch Ard Gorge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 985 reviews
Reviewed By ogerkan - New York City, United States
Large site, with 3-4 walking trails to various lookout points all easily accessible from the parking lot We found the this section of the drive, near Port Campbell, to be the best part of the drive. Part of the shipwreck tour sections of the drive.
3. Wildlife Wonders
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Immerse yourself in the wilds of the Otways at Wildlife Wonders on the Great Ocean Road, just 5km west of Apollo Bay. Enjoy a guided walk through the Otways bushland taking in the spectacular views across the ocean. A truly beautiful experience that will take your breath away. Wildlife Wonders directly supports the environment with 100% of profits invested in vital research and conservation projects to save threatened species.
Reviewed By tamalitac2019 - Upolu, Samoa
What a wonderful experience here in this beautiful, natural place. Tour was amazing (thank you Yoanis) & very informative???????? I recommend this to everyone & perhaps try do this tour in the rain, nature will sing out loud and ecosystem feels alive. Spotted 8 koalas on this wet day...A.M.A.Z.I.N.G
4. Kennet River Koala Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
Reviewed By AzarulF
We've read numerous reviews/advices from TA and other website on this place so we decided to give it a go. From Kennet River Holiday park, go right at the back where there is a small unpaved road (Grey River Road). Roughly 50 meters from the Holiday Park you'll see lots of tourist attracted to all the colorful birds. The birds are really friendly and not afraid of people so you can take pictures with them, they'll land on your hands, shoulders, heads etc. Continue up the road (by car or by foot) further away from the crowd, and start to look up the trees. You should be able to spot koalas up the eucalyptus trees lazily eating the leaves etc. You should spend some time here so can see them in their natural habitat and it's free!! It's also peaceful and tranquil here with only the sound of the breeze.
5. Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
The Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park offers a unique opportunity to experience Australian Wildlife in an interactive and natural way. Take the time to hand-feed our friendly kangaroos, wallabies, emu and deer in our large petting section. Then take a walk around the sanctuary to observe more animals in a free range environment.The park is located 20 minutes from the Twelve Apostles. Allocate at least 30 minutes for your visit.Admission prices:adults $22.00, Concession $17.00, Child $10.00, Family $55.00
Reviewed By kendraschreiner - Aloha, United States
This was a fantastic full-day tour. It was a small group of 11 with Lizzy as our guide. She was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The drive was fantastic. We saw koalas in their natural habitat, had a beautiful walk in a rain forest and coffee and cookies in the national park. This was all capped off by going to see the 12 Apostles and Shipwreck Beach. This was amazing!
6. Colac Bird Reserve
7. Coogoorah Park Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By BeckandSteven - Melbourne, Australia
Encompassing the Anglesea River the Coogoorah Park Nature Reserve is a precious wetlands where the ample birdlife, flora & fauna create a thoroughly delightful environment which my husband & I found to be both invigorating & refreshing. [ Playgrounds & Bike Paths & BBQ's Oh My ! ]: Dirt pathways of various lengths track throughout which are made to be shared between joggers, bushwalkers & bike riders. Two loop options are included & colour coded signposts can be found at strategic points to assist visitors with following the specific length of trail they have chosen. Helping to make this marvellous Nature Reserve even more amazing is the excellent playground, picnic & BBQ facilities that are included within its boundary. This superb area is known as the 'Inverlochy Playground' & you will find more details via its own written review. Parking & entry are both free & public toilets are nearby. Fishing is permitted from set platforms with rules & measurements engraved into metal plaques to help ensure that necessary Conservation requirements are adhered to. Canoeing along the Anglesea River is one of many popular activities in the immediate area & this is also a fantastic way in which to experience Coogoorah Park. [ A Very Important Matter for All to Please Consider ]: On the day of our visit my husband & I were appalled to pass at least three separate families all whom were allowing their dogs to run about freely, interfering with the quite enjoyment of other visitors to the park. In fact one of the dogs ran right past us, headlong straight into the river and went for the ducks that were innocently resting near the edge. Not only was I splashed with water & nearly knocked over but the wildlife was clearly distressed & the fragile river ecosystem unnecessarily disturbed. Fortunately the ducks escaped however the dogs owner indicated that he couldn't have cared less about my safety nor the lives of the countless animals for whom the park is home. Strict guidelines apply when it comes to Dogs being permitted into parks, wetlands & conservation areas all along the Great Ocean Road & this is one of those areas where dogs must be on a leash. Signage makes this requirement clear & the Surf Coast Shire appear to have made efforts to ensure that all applicable information sources outline what is required of persons whom may wish to take their domestic pets with them into specific areas. [Summary]: Overall the terrain is mostly flat & whilst I do struggle with mobility issues, I found that as the walkways are well maintained & clear of hazards I was able to enjoy a stroll with my husband. Persons with need of mobility aids, wheelchair access & and those whom wish to take along a pram should find the going quite manageable. We were thrilled by the large variety of birdlife we saw & it was such a joy to watch them flit & dart about. In one particular section we were treated to Butterflies dancing by us & the ducks simply sunning themselves upon the rocks in the river was also such a lovely sight. All in all the Coogoorah Park Nature Reserve is a wonderful place where one could easily spend a whole day. Whether you take your own provisions for a BBQ or pick up a delicious lunch at the nearby Anglesea Bakery, whether you decide to take along your bicycles or prefer a kayak we are sure that you will enjoy all that the park has on offer! Thank you for reading this review we hope that it has been helpful. Please also refer to the photographs as they form a part of the review. *** One last kindly & respectful reminder to please show consideration for fellow visitors to the park & please do your part to protect our fragile ecosystem & wildlife by adhering to a simple request. Please ensure your dogs are leashed at all times. Thank you.
8. Gibsons Steps
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 327 reviews
Reviewed By beno2028 - Warilla, Australia
The Gibson steps have a gate approximately 100 metre down the stair case which was locked on our visit and as it is only safe to assess the beach at low tide and in good weather I can only assume this was down for safety reasons. However you can still get a good view despite the gate closure
9. Thunder point Coastal Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By sm05060
This is where the locals go to either sit in their cars or get out onto the viewing platform to view the sunset. Also a great spot to take a walk along the designated paths. A beautiful and natural place
