And into Victoria we drove…
Being into the extreme sport of crochet, I could see that Victoria was going to be a state at the cutting edge, when I noticed “guerilla crochet” on the drainpipe at our first lunch stop – Port Fairy. This is the graffiti of the craft world – textile art applied to ordinary structures without permission – Grandma defying authority! Go Victoria.
Next it was on to nature’s own display of coastal beauty – the Great Ocean Road. The sand coloured rock sculptures, the crisp blue ocean, stories of shipwreck and surfing make this stretch a unique and stunning journey. The colours, while more subdued than outback, were marvellous hues of sky, sea and sand. The kids did so well – in and out of the car every few kilometres to see yet another rock formation…
The Bay of Islands…
At the Bay of Martyrs we could see the same view from a different angle. I always love a sparkling sea.
This stretch of road from Warnambool to Geelong draws thousands each year (…or perhaps day). Some of the lookouts off the road are fenced, signposted and filled with the latest busload of sightseers. Since Michael and I visited 11 years ago, an entirely new “interpretive centre” and kiosk has sprung up at the 12 apostles and a new underpass has been constructed under the highway! We were a little overwhelmed by people sometimes. We hoped the Bay of Islands crowd would skip a few of the smaller lookouts…
axo1000 reflects on the beauty of being alone
On to the Grotto.. where there were few tourists, but enough to take a family picture!
London Bridge did actually fall down in the 90’s – leaving 2 tourists stranded for a couple of hours before they were airlifted to safety. The one remaining arch is still spectacular.
After a night in Port Campbell, it was on to Loch Ard Gorge. In 1878, travelling from Scotland with a cargo of people, pianos and crockery! amongst other things, the Loch Ard was enveloped by a fog off the coast of Victoria. The Captain kept watch on deck all night, but when morning came and the fog lifted, the ship was thrown upon the treacherous rocks of what is now known as Loch Ard Gorge. It splintered on impact and was sunk with all hands…
Site of the wreck.
…except for 2 survivors, who were washed into this narrow cove. Tom went for help and a nearby stockman helped him to carry 18 year old Eva, up to the nearby station, where they were both revived, and Tom was declared a hero.
A narrow cove..
BloggiE keeping watch
Not many of the drowned were recovered, but those who were, are buried in the cemetery at Loch Ard Gorge. BloggiE and axo1000 wept for them…
At the 12 Apostles, we loved watching the waves roll in past the tall sandstone sentries.
After a picnic at Gibson’s steps we made our way to Cape Otway National Park for the night. On the way, the tourists were out of their cars, cameras focussed on the trees. We looked up to see…koalas…just sleeping there. It was wonderful to see them in the wild. Later at our campsite, we saw a mother and baby together.
And finally, after months of stalking small birds, a Superb Fairy Wren just strolled into our campsite waiting to be photographed. Hooray!!
On the last day of our Great Ocean Road adventure, the track hugged the coastal hills. The view out to sea was lovely and the rocks and hills made for a spectacular drive. Well done Spike, towing on that narrow, winding road, avoiding oncoming buses and caravans.
…and assistance.
A Tale of Ten Cities 