Kennett River
ENGAGEMENT REPORT
This is Eastern Maar Country.
We work closely with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation to conserve and protect Cultural values in Kennett River.
In collaboration with Parks Victoria, we asked Licenced Tour Operators visiting Kennett River to complete an online survey so we could understand how tourism operators utilise the Kennett River precinct and its potential impact on local infrastructure.
The survey collected feedback from licensed tour operators regarding their experience when visiting Kennett River and the data collected will be incorporated into the Improvements to Tourism Infrastructure at Kennett River Project.
The survey period was from 16 May 2024, to 22 July 2024 with a total of 15 contributors.
Licenced tour operators were engaged via email promotions from Parks Victoria and on the ground promotion, via flyers handed to operators, at Kennett River.
We thank all licenced tour operators who completed the survey and shared this valuable insight.
KEY FINDINGS
The following data was extracted* from the survey responses to provide an understanding of licenced tour operator access, movement, and general use within the precinct.
TOUR OPERATIONS
Majority (73%) of respondents operate buses with 40 seats or less.
A smaller percentage (13%) operate buses with more than 40 seats.
*This summary is based on the aggregated data and individual responses received from the Licensed Tour Operator survey on tourism infrastructure improvements at Kennett River.
*Please note that throughout the survey, respondents had the option to select more than one answer for some questions.
FREQUENCY
46% of respondents stop daily.
TIME OF VISIT:
10am - 11am
11am - 12pm
12pm - 3pm
13% stop 5 or more times per month.
REASONS FOR STOPPING:
Stopped to see wildlife
Stopped to use the toilet
Stopped for food and drink Driver rest break
64% stay for 15 to 30 minutes. 21% stay for 30 to 45 minutes.
UNIQUE ASPECTS OF KENNETT RIVER:
92% noted the presence of wildlife.
20% stop 4 or less times per month.
Photo opportunities were highlighted by 21%.
KEY SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
• Designated bus drop-off zone and toilet upgrades
• Improved parking
• Improved vehicle access.
TRAFFIC AND PARKING:
Traffic and parking were rated poorly, with an average score of less than 40% satisfaction rate.
Over 90% found parking bays for buses insufficient.
65% stated that signage was unclear.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS WHEN PARKING IS UNAVAILABLE:
Some (40%) let passengers off the bus and then look for parking.
Approximately half of responders wait in the same position until passengers are ready to get back on.
Majority (over 80%) mentioned congestion as a significant issue.
45% park across the Great Ocean Road near the river or beach.
(100%),
Engagement with Local Businesses:
Majority (73%) of tour operators completing the survey engage with businesses in Kennett River such as Kafe Koala.
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Parking Solutions: Operators recommended a designated drop-off/pick-up zone and more clear signage to help avoid parking in no stopping zones.
Infrastructure Improvements: Suggestions included DDA accessible facilities and better wayfinding information.
The feedback indicates a strong preference for better infrastructure, particularly relating to parking and toilet facilities to enhance the experience for tour operators and their guests at Kennett River.
Improved signage and designated bus zones are critical to address congestion and parking issues for vehicles entering the precinct.
The Sustainable Visitation Management Strategy (SVMS) will explore identify carrying capacities, community tolerances, and visitation patterns. It will recommend control mechanisms to mitigate overcrowding impacts and enhance the value visitors bring to the region.
The SVMS will also encompass provisions for managing bus visitation, including day-trip buses, and we will continue to engage with our Great Ocean Road communities to help shape this work.
Ultimately, the SVMS will determine the suitability of Kennett River as a location for busses of various sizes.
GET IN TOUCH
For more information about the project or to provide additional input, community members are encouraged to contact the project team at: haveyoursay@greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au.