Great Ocean Road
The weather was not too kind for most of our drive along the Great Ocean Road. However it was still a memorable trip with a variety of things to do & see along the way from Melbourne to Adelaide.
The journey was spread over 5 days, staying in Lorne, Port Campbell, Port Fairy and Robe along the way.
All the places we stayed in were great. We particularly liked the Merri Jig Inn in Port Fairy, the oldest Inn in Victoria.
Cape Otway Light Station
Though the Twelve Apostles rocks were supposed to be the big draw on this trip, I frankly found them an overcrowded disappointment. There are only six or seven limestone stacks remaining. Over time erosion will destroy the remaining ones. What then for the tourist board? Though to be fair, there were some good photo opportunities, but again shame about the weather.
(left) We thoroughly enjoyed the Tower Hill Reserve. Set in the large crater of an extinct volcano there were a lot of animals to see including Koalas in the wild. We had a fascinating guided talk and walk – but again not from an indigenous aborigine but from a knowledgeable and enthusiastic “white” Australian.
(right) Mount Gambier Blue Lake is a vivid blue crater lake in a dormant volcano. No-one is sure why each November, the lake turns to a deep turquoise colour, gradually returning to a duller blue colour in late February to March (when we visited).
The Lighthouse (or Light Station) in Robe – and some others we noticed were a “pinched” triangular shape in cross-section. I never did figure out why.
The Obelisk in Robe was built to help mariners sailing this treacherous coast line. It was used to store rockets which were fired to distressed ships which carried lifelines and baskets for bringing passengers to shore, thus saving many lives.
Robe Light Station
Obelisk, Robe
