Wildlife

The Great Ocean Walk is home to a host of Australia’s favourite animals. Whether you’re doing the walk from start to finish or just a few of the sections you will be sure to come across loads of interesting local fauna. All you really have to do is keep your eyes open.

The Great Ocean Walk begins in Apollo Bay and you will pass by Marengo. Keep your eyes on the reef ( the rocky outcrop ) about 100 metres offshore. This is home to a permanent population of fur seals. If you have time you can kayak out to the seals and it’s well worth it to get up and close to these majestic animals. Kayaks available from Walk 91.

There are two animals however, which are high on the list of most visitors to this region – kangaroos and koalas. Koalas prefer a certain type of eucalyptus tree, not all of them are delicious! Their favourite is the local Manna Gum. This tree occurs in patches throughout the walk and you’ll often find them happily asleep in the branches. They are nocturnal. For those visitors who are not doing the walk the best place to see koalas is on the road to the Cape Otway Lightstation. Just keep your eyes open – you can’t miss them. Kangaroos can be found along the length of the entire walk. They prefer open areas so are usually easy to spot. One good place to check them out is in the Johanna Beach area. At the Johanna Beach car park you will see signs for the Great Ocean Walk. Follow these signs in a westerly direction until you come to the next valley – it’s not a long walk. There is a permanent mob of kangaroos that live here.

Penguins are also high on everyone’s list. Unlike Phillip Island it is not possible to get up really close but if you are at the 12 Apostles at the end of the day keep your eyes peeled on the shore below. You’ll see penguins returning home after a day’s fishing.

Have a look at the gallery below – these are the animals that you may come across on your travels. Lastly, in the hotter months – ALWAYS be aware that snakes are around. Again, keep your eyes open.