Great Times on the Great Ocean Road!

Sunday, March 9, 2014 – 2:50 p.m. Victoria time (in a train to Wandin)

By Teressa Jackson

As the Great Ocean Road, something we were all very much hoping to see, wasn’t on our agenda otherwise, we took full advantage of our Saturday “off” and scheduled a trip with a local tour company. We were picked up bright and early at the Geelong Train Station and off we went. Our first stop was the town of Torquay, which is a major surfing destination. I enjoyed seeing all the young tow-headed children participating in “surf school” there.

We continued on to the official gates of the Great Ocean Road, which was constructed by soldiers returning from World War I in an effort to provide much-needed employment opportunities for them. Continuing on again, we stopped at a pier where we saw seals in the crystal turquoise water. There were many people out and about as it is “Labour Day weekend” here.

We detoured inland a bit, visiting the brilliantly green Otway rainforest with lots of palm ferns, moss, and gigantic eucalyptus trees. After a twenty-minute hike through the woods, we were off again to dine at the oldest lighthouse on the Great Ocean Road. It was windy at the top, but the views were breathtaking. The sun started to break through the clouds, making the ocean’s color pop, and warming us up a bit as well.

Peter, our guide, provided lots of engaging commentary as we wound round the coast to one of the day’s biggest highlights, the Twelve Apostles. These rock formations were formed by the powerfully crashing waves, and they stand majestically against the steep red and beige cliffs along the shore. It was obvious by the crowds that this is one of Australia’s major tourist attractions.

It was a little difficult to believe, but Peter assured us that the next stop was even better – and he was right. Loch Ard Gorge should probably just be renamed to Loch Ard Gorgeous! There were more formations similar to the Twelve Apostles, but far fewer crowds. They were just as breathtaking, if not moreso, but they had a special bonus. After admiring them from above, we were able to descend steps to a beach majestically framed by steep cliffs, several of which featured caves and stalactites. Peter and one of our fellow travelers took a swim in the powerfully crashing waves and we sunk our toes in the sand. It was a perfect way to end an amazing day.

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