When Is the Best Time
Koalas are in abundance in the Great Otway National Park. They are often spotted along Lighthouse Road. Another good spot is along the Great Ocean Road. Koalas start being active from the afternoon onwards. During the day, you may see them resting on a branch in the tree.
However, they sleep around 20 hours each day. To increase your chance of an unforgettable sighting, stay at least one night in the National Park or along the Great Ocean Road. Do you like to know the exact spots for koala watching? Continue reading and check out the Google Maps Links below for an awesome experience.
Weather
Lots of precipitation throughout the year deep in the heart of the Great Otway National Park. Warmer and "drier" conditions from November to April; however, rain can always occur. Winter is the wettest season. For detailed weather information for each season, check out my Great Ocean Road Guide - 3 Days Itinerary.
Bimbi Park - Standard Cabin with shared bathroom
There are not many opportunities to choose from if you plan to stay in the Cape Otway National Park. Check out the link for the few types of accommodations via booking.com in the Otway. We'd chosen a Standard Cabin with a shared bathroom at Bimbi Park all others were fully booked already.
Don't miss out on my entire Great Ocean Road Guide - 3 Days Itinerary - Top Tips - Where to Stay
Recommended Reading
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Whether you want to snap photos of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge, drive the Great Ocean Road, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, or explore the rugged Outback, I can highly recommend the 3rd edition of Fodor’s Essential Australia guidebook. It is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time. |
These are my recommended tours via GetYourGuide with 24 hours advance cancellation policy. Thx for booking via my website! With your support, I am able to provide all information first-hand. Tour prices are at no extra cost!
Best Months to Visit
Location and Tips
A koala bear sighting at Cape Otway is almost guaranteed if you stay here. If you just pass by, you may spot one or two with a little luck. We spent several nights in the Otway National Park to observe koala bears and for hiking. We spotted them sleeping each morning and feeding on the eucalyptus tree leaves from late afternoon onwards.
We also saw hundreds of kangaroos grazing and two males boxing in the afternoon. Many day-trippers visit the Great Otway. Their chance of seeing koalas feeding and moving is less high. Most of the tourists had already left Cape Otway when these cute furballs wake up. There is much to explore in this area, like the Cape Otway Lighthouse, Maits Rest, Rainbow Waterfall or Wreck Beach.
- As already mentioned, along the lighthouse road, we always spotted koala bears; sometimes plenty of and sometimes just one. (Google Maps Link)
- Another spot along the Great Ocean Road is the Kennett River. We already spotted one when driving along the Great Ocean Road and more on the Kennett River Nature Walk. During midday, the koala bear was resting on the way back we saw several feeding on leaves at dusk. There are mossies around; take precautions. (Google Maps Link)
- The koalas in Victoria weigh much more, up to 14 kg than their relatives further north.
- They get roughly 15 years old in the wild.
- These cute guys have a porch and are closely related to wombats.
- Koala's preferred diet is eucalyptus which has a high water content but few nutrients. The reason is that they only drink water occasionally.
- They sleep on average 20 hours a day because digesting eucalyptus leaves takes their energy.
- Feeding on 2.5 pounds of leaves each day.
- The koala baby is called a cub.
- The cub stays up to 8 months in the porch but starts leaving it at about 56 months.
- They are listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss. They are protected but not their food and eucalyptus trees.
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