Discover more about Wye River, one of our Otway Coast Hamlets.
Slightly bigger than its closest neighbours, Wye River is another of the smaller townships spanning the length of the Great Ocean Road known as the Otway Coast Hamlets. Wye River hosts a beach side caravan park, a large number of holiday homes, a general store and the popular Wye Beach Hotel. Wye Beach Hotel serves up one of the best pub views in Australia. Wye River is a relaxing base away from the bustling townships of Lorne and Apollo Bay to explore the hinterland, enjoy the surf beaches or just sit and watch the world go by. The beach and river offer safer ocean swimming and some consistent peaks for surfers.
There is an abundance of wildlife to be spotted in the surrounding Great Otway National Park, including swamp wallabies, possums, grey kangaroos and koalas. Of course bird watching is also a spectacular pastime in Wye River, with varieties such as the Gang Gang, Rosellas, Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo, King Parrots and many more.
If you find injured wildlife in our region, please seek advice from Wildlife Victoria. You can call their emergency response line on (03) 8400 7300 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Please do not feed birds while in our region. Feeding native birds is strongly discouraged as it can lead to health problems or even death for the birds, as well as issues such as colony overpopulation and mess and noise for communities.
Wye River and Separation Creek sit about 1 km apart on the Great Ocean Road past Lorne (155 km west of Melbourne). They both have steep hills with houses situated on dramatic sites giving spectacular views. These two beautiful tranquil retreats provide a serene alternative to the hustle and bustle of bigger towns on the coast and each sits on its own attractive small bay with sandy beaches. Both towns are about 15 mins drive to Lorne and 35 mins drive to Apollo Bay, close enough to be able to enjoy a latte at any number of great cafes while staying in a haven without the summer crowds. Staying at Wye River or Separation Creek you have the best of both worlds.
Wye River beach is dotted with rocks and rock pools at low tide making it a great place for beach combing and fishing. At low tide take a walk along the beach between Wye River and Separation Creek to see some incredible rock formations created from ancient volcanic activity and find a private sandy beach to have all to yourself.
Many visitors vote the coast drive from Lorne to Apollo Bay via Wye River and Separation Creek as the most spectacular part of the Great Ocean Road as the high cliffs soar above the waves crashing on the rocks below. There are many scenic lookouts to stop including the birds eye views of Mt Defiance and Cape Patton Lookouts.
Wye River and Separation Creek both have spectacular wildlife including koalas, kangaroos and echidnas and many different birds. King parrots, rosellas, finches, cockatoos, magpies and kookaburras are a daily sight.
If you find injured wildlife in our region, please seek advice from Wildlife Victoria. You can call their emergency response line on (03) 8400 7300 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Feeding native birds is strongly discouraged as it can lead to health problems or even death for the birds, and issues such as, colony over population and mess and noise for communities.
Wye River has the famous Wye Beach Hotel (featured many times in The Age and Getaway) as well as the Wye General cafe for great food and holiday supplies. In summer a kiosk operates from the store.
There are a number of breaks at Wye River – head out to the point for larger waves or for beginners just stick to the main beach.
The beautiful beaches of Wye River and Separation Creek are patrolled during the summer holiday season. Wye River has a long established Surf Lifesaving Club which patrols the beach from the end of November to the end of March. Check the Wye River SLSC site for details.
There are two campgrounds in Wye River. The Wye River Foreshore Campground is on the beach side of the Great Ocean Road by the Surf Lifesaving Club and perfect for those wanting to step directly from their bcampsite onto the sand. This park operates seasonally from November through to April. For all the amenities of a larger holiday Park, The Wye River BIG 4 offers camping and cabin accommodation in a beautiful river setting. A jumping pillow and peddle karts add to the family fun.
Holiday homes are scattered around Wye River and you’ll find all types of accommodations from basic beach shacks to absolute luxury for that special occasion (or just because) – there’s something for everyone.
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
