Kennett River Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Great Ocean Road featuring a sandy beach
Great Ocean Road showing waves and surfing as well as an individual male
Great Ocean Road showing mountains, rocky coastline and landscape views
Great Ocean Road featuring surfing and surf as well as an individual male
Great Ocean Road showing outdoor art
Go for a swim or a surf, spot koalas in the eucalyptus trees or explore the Great Ocean Road from this small coastal settlement on Victoria’s southern coast.

Kennett River may be small, but its riverside location along the Great Ocean Road makes it a popular destination. With a river and a bay to swim in, and a national park to explore on foot, Kennett River is a nature lover’s paradise.

Take a walk along scenic Grey River Road for a chance to spot a koala or two. These cute little marsupials sleep the vast majority of the day and can often be found dozing in the fork of a tree. Listen out for the strange grunting sound that the male koalas occasionally make and you have more chance of seeing one. Buy some bird seed before setting off to feed the friendly parrots along the way.

Grab your surfboard and head to Kennett River Beach. There are smooth surf breaks along with a calmer area that is just right for swimming. The town’s surf lifesavers regularly patrol this beach. Stroll along the beach to the rocks and take in the rolling hills of the coastline. Always keep watch on the sea, where dolphins and seals occasionally swim by. Look for the misty spray of breathing whales during the whale-watching season, which runs from May to September.

Use Kennett River as your base to explore farther afield. The Great Ocean RoadOpens in a new window offers stunning vistas in each direction with many captivating spots to stop along the way. Heading inland you will find the lush denseness of the Great Otway National ParkOpens in a new window. As well as scanning the trees with your eyes to spot koalas, make sure to look around as well. Kangaroos and other native Australian wildlife also call this protected forest home.

Spend a few days in Kennett River to really relax. The town’s caravan park has scenic camping spots and private accommodations can also be found in town or the surrounding area. If you are just passing through, stop for a picnic or grab a meal at one of Kennett River’s cafés.

Taking its hint from the koalas, the town of Kennett River is a sleepy little place that leaves lots of room for the abundance of wildlife and natural beauty that surrounds it.

Kennett River Family Caravan Park
Kennett River Family Caravan Park
2 out of 5
1-13 Great Ocean Road, Kennett River, VIC
Fully refundable
The price is AU$184 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
AU$184
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Kennet River Coastal Reserve and Wye River Coastal Reserve are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (76 reviews)
"Loved listening to the ocean at night and the serenity of the location. Lovely helpful staff. Self-contained accommodation with bathroom was a better option than glamping for us!"

Reviewed on 1 Oct. 2024

Kennett River Family Caravan Park
Mantra Lorne
Mantra Lorne
4.5 out of 5
Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, VIC
The price is AU$189 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
AU$189
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Lorne. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Liked the original charm of the property"

Reviewed on 20 Nov. 2024

Mantra Lorne
Cumberland Lorne Resort
Cumberland Lorne Resort
4.5 out of 5
150 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, VIC
The price is AU$311 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
AU$311
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Lorne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,976 reviews)
"I would like to call out the amazing housekeeping staff who were so friendly and professional. Thank you very much."

Reviewed on 9 Nov. 2024

Cumberland Lorne Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kennett River Family Caravan Park
Kennett River Family Caravan Park
2 out of 5
1-13 Great Ocean Road, Kennett River, VIC
Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Kennet River Coastal Reserve and Wye River Coastal Reserve are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (76 reviews)
"Loved listening to the ocean at night and the serenity of the location. Lovely helpful staff. Self-contained accommodation with bathroom was a better option than glamping for us!"

Reviewed on 1 Oct. 2024

Kennett River Family Caravan Park
Cumberland Lorne Resort
Cumberland Lorne Resort
4.5 out of 5
150 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, VIC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Lorne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,976 reviews)
"I would like to call out the amazing housekeeping staff who were so friendly and professional. Thank you very much."

Reviewed on 9 Nov. 2024

Cumberland Lorne Resort
Seafarers Getaway
Seafarers Getaway
4 out of 5
6080 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, VIC
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Apollo Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Skenes Creek Beachfront Park and Old ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (784 reviews)
"Loved the place."

Reviewed on 11 Nov. 2024

Seafarers Getaway
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Kennett River

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great place to stay we will be back

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Quiet pretty place with a nice beach but could do with a place to go in the evenings

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