There are heaps of cute echidnas along the Great Ocean Road. Here’s where you can spot them!
What is an echidna? An echidna (ekk-id-na) is one of the strangest little creatures in Australia.
They look like a cross between a hedgehog and an anteater that is covered in spikes and spines. They have a slender snout that can dart out rapidly. They are among some of the most fascinating wildlife along the Great Ocean Road!
Otherwise known as anteaters, these little animals are part of the platypus/anteater family! They eat ants and termites, and use their gums to grind down on their food.
Where to spot echidnas
There are heaps of places you can go and spot echidnas along the Great Ocean Road!
Check out places like…
- Great Otway National Park
- Aireys Inlet and Anglesea Heath
- Cape Otway
- Kennett River
Great Otway National Park
Go to the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk, and check out Triplet Falls near the Cape Otway Lightstation.
At the Otway Ranges, look out for rustling under the leaves and any leaves that might have been overturned. There might also be small holes in the soil – this is where the echidna may have foraged for ants and termites underneath the ground!
Aireys Inlet and Anglesea Heath
Walk around the lighthouse precinct, which sits on top of the hill at Aireys Inlet – and you might spot an echidna or two!
Alternatively, check out the walking trails around Anglesea Heath, which is a fantastic spot for birdwatching. You’ll likely spot a few kangaroos there too!
Cape Otway
The area surrounding Cape Otway is also a great spot for finding echidnas! The bushland here is denser, providing the perfect habitat for echidnas which like to burrow underneath thick bushes.
Kennet River
Best known for its koalas, the areas around Kennett River are home to a large array of wildlife. From koalas, to echidnas, to kangaroos – you’ll spot plenty of wildlife here.
Top tips for spotting echidnas:
- Go early in the day, or later on. They’re very shy creatures and they get easily startled!
- Look under the eucalyptus trees
- Try and be quiet – echidnas don’t like loud noises!
- Check amongst the low undergrowth