Wild Koalas
     Along the Great Ocean Road is arguably the best place in the World to see wild Koalas.  Sadly the reason for being able to see them as easily is due to over population and reduced habitat from the vast amounts of developments in the area.

Places to see them are:

Kennett River: Head up Grey River Road in town.  Stop and get out of your car and look around.  They are also in the township due to killing many of the trees along the road from over browsing.  Please respect the local town people and do not walk on their property. 

Between Kennett River and Wongarra: A few minutes out of Kennett River along the Great Ocean Road heading towards Apollo Bay you will pass a sign Sausage Gully.  After passing the sign their is a parking area to the left.  Park here and walk into the forest.  Koalas everywhere.  Co-ordinates are 38°41'19.56" S and 143°50'14.89"E.

Cape Otway:  Head down toward the lighthouse.  Once the trees get smaller you will see areas where previous people had pulled over.  Look around.  You can normally find at least 4 Koalas in one tree.

Tower Hill:  The Tower Hill Game Reserve also has an abundance of Koalas.  Located out of Warrnambool towards Port Fairy.  Also has other wildlife.

    Wild Koalas at Cape Otway.  Can you find them all?
     Please remember these are wild animals.  Do not harass them by yelling, throwing  rocks and sticks or shaking branches.  If they are low to the ground do not touch them.  In hot weather they come to the ground to cool down.  They also walk on the ground to different food sources.  Harassing them and making them climb up the trees is not good for their well being.    

     While spotting for Koalas, take note of the trees.  Many are dying.  This is due to high Koala populations.  Ideally we should have to look for 5 - 10 minutes to find 1-2 Koalas.  When you can stop your car and count 15 - 20 in 5 minutes there is a problem with overpopulation.  Because of their status for Australian Tourism they are very hard to manage correctly. 

          

© Fauna Australia Wildlife Retreat 2009