- Phillip Island
- Torquay to Apollo Bay
- The Twelve Apostles and more
Left Apollo Bay and headed for the hills. Drove through the Otway Ranges to Beech Forest. Great little tree lined road winding across the ranges. Amazed at the height of the trees and how straight they were – seemed determined to reach the sunlight no matter what! Turned off towards Beauchamp Falls – lots of logging happening on the way. Big JCB’s doing their thing. The walk to the falls was tiring but beautiful. Little bridges, steep inclines, Deppeler Creek bubbling along, lots of steps leading up to the fall only to be re-negotiated down again. Met a lovely couple on the walk – Lynda and Kevin – joined them for morning tea in their motorhome. Always nice to meet people on the way. It was great to visit the forest – but made our way back to the Great Ocean Road to continue our journey. Just mixing it up a little!
Our next section of the Great Ocean Road is famous for its limestone stacks – sitting out in the sea, close to the cliffs. Our first stop was Gibsons Steps – lovely views of the coast. Then on to the very famous Twelve Apostles. There were originally twelve limestone stacks standing to attention along this bay – but not any more. They crash into the sea after a while – relentless waves, seeping rainwater and pervasive winds all take their toll. New stacks are always being formed. Archways appear in little peninsulas or on larger stacks – the arch eventually collapses – a new stack is born. Lots of tourists at this stop – lookouts packed with visitors. Next stop was the very unusual Razorback – a huge limestone stack with lots of bumpy formations along its ridge. Also views of Wreck Beach – lots of shipwrecks along this section of coast. Then back in the car – short drive to the Muttonbird Island turn off. More walking and yet another lookout – lovely views of the island and back towards Wreck Beach. Archways everywhere! An interesting afternoon – lots of walking, lots of driving on little side roads, lots of parking in carparks. All worth it!
We briefly left the coast as we headed for Portland – cutting across some beautiful farmland. Then back again to the Great Ocean Road. Not so scenic anymore but still a pleasant drive. Booked into the Mac’s Hotel for the night – plenty of places to stay in Portland – biggest problem is choosing which one! Headed off the next morning for Adelaide. Let TomTom have her way – passed through the Coonawarra grape growing area, picnic lunch near Tintinara, arrived at son Ben’s house late afternoon. Tired but looking forward to our stay. Lots of family to catch up with!! Lots of cuddles with grandchildren.
Lots of love
Di and Reg
This entry was posted in Australia- Adelaide
- Beauchamp Falls
- Coonawarra
- Gibsons Steps
- Great Ocean Road
- limestone stacks
- Portland
- Razorback
- Twelve Apostles