Nov 27 Melbourne

We.drove from Port Fairy to Melbourne, which took most of the day.  Once we were settled in to our apartment hotel we started to explore the CBD.  

Quite unexpectedly we discovered  The Regent Theatre where Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat was playing.  We talked to the box office who released house tickets for us for the performance that was starting in a mere 45 minutes.  We darted out and found a dumpling restaurant for a very quick meal.

Then we hurried back to the theatre where we found out our seats were 8 rows from the stage!  What luck for us!

The show was fun and full of energy!

Port Campbell to Port Fairy

After a very comfortable night in Port Campbell we stuck on to the west. The road turned inland so we decided to take advantage of a local festival.  One of the routes we could have followed was the gastonolic route, offering a number of locally produced products throughout the region.  As it happened there was a one day festival at which the vendors were present with their wares for purchase.

we took advantage and ate a locally produced whiskey and honey sausage; bought some organic cheese and I had a glass of local Shiraz.  It was a nice diversion from our coastline journey.  

Nevertheless after we indulged in thevlocal fare we ventured back to the coast to see more unique formations along the coast.

First up was London Bridge....which was once attached to the shore.

After this we made our way to Martyr's Bay and the Bay of Islands.  On our way we came across a Koala making its way to who knew where along the road side.  Very exciting...

He crossed the road in front of our car and amvled off into the undergrowth.

We soon came upon the Bay of Martyr's

and the Bay of Islands

Then, as we continued inland again following the road as it left the coast Paul's eagle eyes spyed a wild Koala in a tree!

We made our way to Hopkins Falls which was roaring due to unprecidented rainfall throughout the region.

We rounded out the day with a visit to Tower Hill which is the largest Maar formation inf the world. (It is a geological term).  Basically it is a huge conical shaped volcanic mount which, due to i traction with water when the lava was hot there was an explosion.  The result-high cliffs with a large lake filling the basin.  It was a lovely park like setting where we saw Emus and...another Koala high up in a tree!

Then we made it to Port Fairy and the end of the Ocean Rd. and where we found a huge beach encircled by high sand dunes!  

Apollo Bay to Port Campbell

The next leg of the Ocean Road was on the shore known as the. shipwreck coast.  The beaches were far more rugged and surfing was no longer as evident.

Our first stop was Princetown, an off-the-beaten-track stop in a very small town.  We found a dirt track and followed it as far as we could.

Then we took a walk into a marshy area and an inland backwater.

Then we were on a beach which led out to the ocean.  

it was secluded and isolated with not another sole in sight.

On our way out we were serenaded by songbirds from the dense growth on the sand dunes.

We did happen upon a group of birdwatchers, one of whom had been British Deputy High Commisioner in Montreal.  We had fun talking to him about winters in our part of the world!

Next we made our way to Gibson's steps.  These give access to a beach from which we could see the 12 apostles, sandstone formations in the ocean.  These are a famous sightseeing stop and the beach offered a different perspective of them.

The steps were precipitous and a difficult climb in both directions.

Apollo Bay to Port Campbell

At Apollo Bay the seascape changes from surfing beaches to rugged coastline with gorges and large pillars.of sandstone thrusting from the ocean forming an interesting coastline.  We stopped several times along the route to see the coastline.

We found one lovely secluded beach on the way in Princetown.  We took a walk through huge dunes that were covered in lush vegetation.

The walk took us through a marsh which let out through a gut to the ocean and a beautiful secluded beach.

 our next stop was the Gibson Steps...86 steps which lead down to a beach from which one can view the twelve apostles below. The 12 apostles are a famous Australian landmark which are viewed from above just down the road.

 Then of course we stopped at the twelve apostles themselves.  We had to fight to get in to have a good look it being a very popular spot! Many of the onlookers were in winter coats!  We were not, finding it very hot!

The twelve apostles (which only number 8 in fact) were impressive.

Then we made our way to Loch Ard Gorge...beautiful seascapes that have been sculpted by the relentless Southern Sea.

Finally we arrived in Port Campbell where we went to the beach and watched the sunset

Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is a lovely surfing town.  We were able to go to the fishermans' co-op for a delicious fish dinner which a small bird watched us eat.

We overlooked a picturesque fishing harbour during our meal...

It was very lovely.  Once we were finished we decided to take a trip out to the Cape Otway Lighthouse...a famous spot amongst Australians.  We took the 30 minute drive only to discover that the lighthouse was closed...sigh.  We took a short walk on the Great Ocean Walk trail and then called it a day.  

On our way back we were thrilled to see wild wallabies on the road side and kangaroos in the fields.  It made the trip into the lighthouse worthwhile! (A group of kangaroos is known as a mob!)

The wallabies are smaller and darker than the kangaroos and do not congregate in groups.