Let's Go Sightseeing!

You can read Parts 1, 2 & 3.

This was a hugely exciting day for me as I was going on the Great Ocean Road. Every image I’d seen of this coastal road had been drop dead stunning. I wanted to see for myself if all those images were indeed true.

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road begins less than two hours from Melbourne. It winds through terrains along the coast. It provides access to prominent landmarks, including the Twelve Apostles limestone stack formations.

The Great Ocean Road is a tourist attraction. It starts at Torquay and runs westward to finish at Allansford. It provides views over Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean. It follows the coast, with some sheer cliffs on the seaward side.

At the end of WW1, the south-west coast of Victoria was accessible only by sea or rough bush track. The survey team would progress through dense scrub at a rate of ~three kilometres a month. Workers would rest detonators on their knees during travel, because it gave the explosives the softest ride.

The annual Great Ocean Road Marathon takes place on a section of the Great Ocean Road. This section is located between Lorne and Apollo Bay. The Gran Fondo cycling event is held in September and uses the section between Lorne and Skenes Creek.

Victoria All Seasons was kind enough to give me a boxed breakfast. I was departing for my day trip quite early in the morning. AAT Kings arranged my trip to the Great Ocean Road.

AAT kings are an Australian and New Zealand coach (bus) tour operator. They offer both short and long-distance tours. I found my seat on the gigantic bus, smiled at my fellow travellers, and the drive began.

We traveled from Melbourne to Torquay, then to Bells Beach and Anglesea. We continued to Lorne, Wye River, and Cape Patton. Our journey took us to Apollo Bay, then Otway National Park, and Twelve Apostles.

We ended with a visit to Loch Ard, Port Campbell, and returned to Melbourne. I sat back to enjoy the panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline. About two hours later, we were in the quiet town of Torquay.

Torquay

Torquay is known for its beaches including one named Point Impossible Beach, funnily enough. It is well known for its surf spots and is home to the famous Rip Curl surf wear.

We were shown into Veneziano Café where we were treated to a (complimentary) Devonshire Tea. Torquay is named after its namesake in England, which is located in, you guessed it, Devon!

The Veneziano Café was an equally quiet spot and was just perfect for soaking up the winter sun. I collected my Devonshire Tea and sat down to enjoy it. Beside me, a muscular Mastiff looked as if it was enjoying its time too.

The Southern Ocean was right in front of me. I enjoyed my tea. It came with a side of piquant muffins and, of course, cream. Then, I walked towards the Ocean.

The landscape turned prettier. The Sun kept its promise of not disappearing. A path led to the Southern Ocean. I was tempted momentarily. Then I remembered that my bus would set off without me if I dilly-dallied.

I walked back to the bus. Once we started, the ensuing vistas ensured I didn’t regret not going on that path. I was, finally, travelling along the famous Great Ocean Road. Woohoo!

Just when I thought a sight couldn’t get better, a prettier one would unfold at the next turn. The colours of the Southern Ocean were mesmerising. We drove through the coastal town of Anglesea where we halted briefly for clicking photographs.

Anglesea derives its name from Anglesey, an island in North Wales. It is known for its riverbank markets. The Surf Coast Walk passes through it. As I stood on the main street, I enjoyed the nippy wind, even though the Sun shone brightly.

There were a couple of other solo women travellers on my bus. I was happy to see them. It was nice to be in their company. Each of us was mindful of the other’s space.

We began again, noting this time an ocean view home of a film star, bang on the Great Ocean Road. 20 minutes later, we were at The Memorial Arch at Eastern View.

The Memorial Arch at Eastern View

Eastern View consists of a strip of houses along the Great Ocean Road. These houses are situated between the beach and the Great Otway National Park. The Memorial Arch was built here in honour of WTB McCormick, Chairman of the Country Roads Board.

The timber log Arch, with cement and stone supports on each side, spans the Great Ocean Road. It has been rebuilt a few times. I halted to read the memorial tablet.

It commemorates McCormick. It also honors the returned servicemen of WW1 who built the Great Ocean Road and those who died in WW1. After the history lesson, I spent a few minutes getting clicked (what a blessing to have fellow solo travellers!) and then walked on a sandy path leading to the Southern Ocean.

I went till the water’s edge, the colours of which fascinated me no end. Equally interesting were the ripples and waves and the sound of the Southern Ocean! It was bright and sunny yet freezing.

I wanted to dip my toes in the ocean froth, but the low temperature deterred me.

I was confident that this was what heaven would look like. Blue. Heaven is certainly blue. I returned to the Great Ocean Road and looked at the Southern Ocean.

I actually counted the different hues of blue I saw. I spent a few more minutes watching the mighty waves crash against the black rocks. Afterward, I sat back on the bus to head to Cape Patton.

Cape Patton

From The Memorial Arch at Eastern View, we reached the Cape Patton Lookout Point in about 50 minutes. It is named after Major General Sir John Patton, a figure in Victoria’s early politics. It stands as a testament to the determination and vision of those who built the Great Ocean Road.

The Cape Patton Lookout Point was spectacular! It is a spot to stop & take in the views of the coast. You can see for miles out to the Southern Ocean & along the cliffs, blue waters & greenery. You shoot the sunrise or the colours of the Ocean or the cliffs; it has lots of photo ops.

Or pack a lunch, bring a blanket & sit back. Bring binoculars. The bush is full of flora and fauna. Get to the Cape Patton Lookout Point early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the golden hour. I loved reading the plaque which gave me a historical account of this point.

We continued on the Great Ocean Road, watching the interplay of colours. After 20 minutes, we were at Apollo Bay.

Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay was another scenic coastal town with white sandy beaches. We halted here for lunch. As I roamed around, I was reminded of quaint European towns, such was this little town’s beauty.

In winter to spring, southern right whales visit the Apollo Bay area. They breed and bear their calves here. The whales raise their young in the warmer, calm waters.

Apollo Bay came into limelight in the early 19^th century when sealers and whales from Sydney began to frequent it.

Apollo Bay started as a humble timber town. Its prominence rose as a tourist destination once the Great Ocean Road was constructed. It does have the notoriety, though, of being an area where shipwrecks happened.

I was so enamoured with Apollo Bay that I don’t even remember what I ate for lunch & where. But I do remember the world’s most amazing cinnamon ice cream that I had at Dooley’s Premium Ice cream.

Satiated, I slipped into my seat in the bus and awaited my next destination. Within 15 minutes, we were driving through lush tree-fern gullies and towering mountain-ash forests of the Great Otway National Park.

Great Otway National Park

The Great Otway National Park holds a range of landscapes and vegetation types. It highlights the period needed to regrow the giant trees of the past. It also shows the effort needed to reproduce the ecological complexity nearing that of the original wild forest.

Multiple parks, forests and reserves were merged to form the Great Otway National Park. It holds camping areas. It is home to a koala population. Glow worms, the larvae of small flies, can be seen at night along the stream banks and walking tracks.

Twelve Apostles

It took us about an hour to reach Twelve Apostles, the star attraction of the Great Ocean Road. The stone monoliths are, hands down, very good! On the scenic walk to the lookout, I soaked up the spectacle.

The earthy ground complemented the green trees and bushes and the blue skies absolutely symmetrically. I walked for a few minutes. Then I came across the most winning sight I’ve seen in my limited life – the Twelve Apostles!

It is possible that there were never 12 rock stacks at the Twelve Apostles. The limestone unit is called the Port Campbell Limestone. It was deposited around 15 to 5 million years ago.

The Twelve Apostles are susceptible to erosion from waves. Due to wave action eroding the cliffs, headlands are expected to become new limestone stacks in the future.

The Twelve Apostles Marine National Park stands at the same site. My glee knew no bounds at finally being here. Near & far, the stacks stood, years of wear & tear clearly etched on them.

The Twelve Apostles stood brave, proud, and tall. The Sun played hide & seek, lighting each of the stacks one by one. The clouds brought their own interesting variations.

You can also take a helicopter flight to get a bird’s eye view of the Twelve Apostles. I was just thrilled to be clicked against this joyous backdrop. I sighed for what felt like only a moment.

Then, I was back on the bus, headed to the Loch Ard Gorge.

Loch Ard Gorge

We were driving to the famous Loch Ard Gorge. Our bus driver regaled us with the amazing shipwreck story of the Loch Ard’s survival. It took us just five minutes to reach from the Twelve Apostles.

Here, the Southern Ocean makes a quiet entry inland & creates mysterious cuts in the rock. The shipwreck story goes that of the 54 passengers and crew, only two survived.

Pearce, the male survivor, climbed out of the Loch Ard Gorge. He raised an alarm for the rescue of the female survivor, Carmichael.

I’d seen this scenery only in movies till then or in pictures/ wallpapers. The beach made at Loch Ard Gorge was being used by a few tourists for dipping/ sunbathing.

For me, the beauty of the place was enough to bring a gigantic smile to my face. This was also the point from where we had to turn back for Melbourne. We stopped for a halt at Port Campbell first.

After 10 minutes, we were seated at a public park. This allowed passengers to use the restroom. They also picked up refreshments. This halt helped me process all the marvels I’d seen throughout the day.

The Great Ocean Road made me question if any artist can rival nature. The quiet towns of Port Campbell, Apollo Bay, Torquay, Lorne etc completely stole my heart.

After the bus ride of three hours, where all the passengers dozed off, I was back in Melbourne.