The Great Ocean Road

Our first proper in Oz and the jet lag is finally gone although we both occasionally still feel like nodding off at random times. The weather has perked up, blue skies and warm sunshine.

The GOR was built by returning soldiers after WW1 as a tribute to their fallen comrades,  known as the “diggers” they cut from rock, bushland and forest to make the 151 Mile road.

First up the little town of Torquay, home of Rip Curl and Quick silver brands, then the road hugs the coast with stunning views of the ocean and miles and miles of beautiful beaches. After that the road goes through the lovely towns of Anglesea, Fairhaven, and Lorne. 

We stopped the night at the Sand Piper Motel at the little seaside town of Apollo beach before continuing the next day into the Great Otway National Park. The iconic 12 Apostles rock formations are lovely even in the rain. 

To stretch our legs we took a walk round the Maites Rest rainforest trail, huge ferns, massive trees well worth the detour. 

On a promise of a koala spotting we took the Cape Otway lighthouse road but they were all too busy to pop out for us. 

We had more luck at Tower Hill, a small nature reserve formed in the crater of an old volcano, spotted kangaroo and emu for the first time. 

Lovely nights stay at Port Fairy before heading to Melbourne for some dancing, wine tasting and cycling.

Port Fairey