Pros & cons
PROS
- Short, signed stroll to a peaceful rainforest-valley viewpoint
- Glow worms near the picnic area after dark
- Koalas often spotted along Grey River Road on the way in
CONS
- No toilets on site; nearest are back in Kennett River
- Unsealed road can be muddy and slow after rain; parking is limited
Overview
Grey River Lookout is a short signed detour from the Grey River Picnic Area that delivers calm views over a ferny valley and the creek below. It’s a mellow, nature-first stop that pairs perfectly with the koala-rich drive up Grey River Road.
What You'll See
- Forested valley and river views from the lookout.
- Regular wildlife: king parrots, rosellas and kookaburras; occasional wallabies.
- Glow worms along the creek near the picnic area after dark (let your eyes adjust and keep lights low).
- Koalas are often spotted along the first 1–2 km of Grey River Road.
Getting There
From the Great Ocean Road at Kennett River, turn onto Grey River Road. The first section is sealed before turning to gravel; allow about 15 minutes to reach the picnic area. Park, cross the small bridge, and follow the “Lookout” sign.
Facilities & Rules
Expect basics. There are picnic tables and wood‑fired BBQs (bring your own wood), but no toilets at the site—use facilities back in Kennett River. Parking is limited and phone coverage can be patchy. Day‑use only: no dogs, no camping, no firearms. Pack out your rubbish.
Wildlife & Night Magic
Late afternoon is particularly good for koala spotting on the drive up. After dark, the creekside banks near the picnic area host a noted glow‑worm display—use a red light and avoid shining bright white beams directly at them.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light and more active wildlife. Dusk is prime for glow worms (give your eyes 5 minutes to adjust). It’s typically quiet by day, with more visitors drifting in around nightfall for the glow worms.
Where it is
-38.6598, 143.8160Tips for Grey River Lookout
- 01From Kennett River, allow about 15 minutes up Grey River Road; the last stretch is gravel.
- 02Park at the picnic area, cross the little bridge, and follow the “Lookout” sign.
- 03Bring your own firewood if you plan to use the wood‑fired BBQs, and pack out rubbish.
- 04Come at dusk with a red light to see glow worms by the creek and keep torches dim.
- 05Scan the first 1–2 km of Grey River Road late afternoon for wild koalas.
Amenities
Near Grey River Lookout
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayGrey River CampgroundFerny creek picnic spot with glow worms after dark
2.2 mi awayCarisbrook FallsQuick roadside walk to a tall cascade viewed across a ravineTrailhead · Parking
2.4 mi awayCape Patton LookoutRoadside perch with big ocean views and winter whale chancesPullout · Parking
2.5 mi awayKennett River Koala WalkEasy roadside stroll for wild koalas and colorful parrotsParking · Restroom
8.5 mi awayLake Elizabeth WalkRiverside stroll to a drowned valley lake with real platypus chancesEasy · 1.2 mi · 45 min
10 mi awayKalimna Falls WalkShaded creek stroll to a walk behind waterfall near LorneEasy · 3.5 mi · 2 hr
10 mi awaySheoak Picnic Ground – The CanyonFerny waterfall ramble into a mossy slot canyon near Lorne.Moderate · 5.3 mi · 3 hr
10 mi awaySheoak Picnic Ground Nature WalkShort ferny loop with a suspension bridge from Lorne's picnic hubEasy · 0.8 mi · 45 min
