If you’ve ever driven down the Great Ocean Road, chances are you’ve passed through Kennett River – a small coastal town nestled between Lorne and Apollo Bay. While it’s a popular stop known for its koala sightings and native birds, Kennett River gets a bad rap for its facilities – or lack thereof. When tour buses and large groups descend, this small town feels the pressure.
To support the region’s growing visitor numbers, Colac Otway Shire Council secured funding in 2020 through the Geelong City Deal to improve tourism infrastructure in Kennett River. Now, the long-awaited $3.69 million ‘Improvements to Tourism Infrastructure’ project is finally underway. The project’s Precinct Plan covers public land, including the Kennett River Caravan Park and the Kafe Koala car park, extending right down to the river.
Aimed at supporting tourism while preserving the natural beauty of the area, the project will deliver these upgrades:
- A new public toilet block (with two accessible toilets) and an upgraded wastewater treatment plant in the Kennett River Caravan Park to be used by the public and caravan park residents alike.
- An upgraded wastewater treatment plant to serve both the public and residents of the caravan park.
- Road and car park upgrades, including designated parking bays for various vehicles (excluding large tour coaches).
- Revitalised public spaces along the service road, riverbank and in front of Kafe Koala.
- Purpose-built pathways and pedestrian crossings to safely connect key parts of the area.
This news comes off the back of other major upgrades slated for the region, including a multi-million dollar revamp to Apollo Bay's waterfront area and a massive redevelopment of Point Grey in Lorne – which will include a new angling club, better walking paths and better public dining areas. Yep, there certainly is a lot happening down along the Great Ocean Road at the moment.
Once completed, Kennett River will be more welcoming and accessible for everyone – from day-trippers and campers to international tourists – all who’d love to visit this charming town.
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