Day 49 - The Great Ocean Road

Another early start; these tour companies really want you to get your money’s worth! Our first port of call was Reeds Lookout where we should’ve been able to see for miles around, unfortunately it was very misty and cold so we didn’t stick around for a long time.

Then we finally made a move from the lookout, with no toilet, and Danny was forced to make use of a bush toilet/ lavo-tree… but that’s another story!

We then arrived at the place of our next big walk, The Pinnacle. This walk was tough with lots of rocks and steep bits but when we made it to the top we were rewarded with the usual great views. The mist had cleared by this point and we could see for miles; there was a bit of rock jutting out which had barriers so you could safely walk to the tip and get the best views, including below!

We then made our way to the Great Ocean Road where we would be driving along for most of this tour.

Our first stop was at the Bay of Islands, the sun had come out and made this place look amazing, really great for pictures and we could’ve easily stayed here all day to take in the views.

Next was the Bay of Martyrs which was a similar place but with access to the beach, though the tide was coming in and so a lot of the group got wetter than expected!

We moved on to the London Bridge – so called due to its, former, resemblance of the English icon. This place shows how the limestone pillars in the waters are formed as: the water gradually creates arches in the stone until the bridging section collapses leaving only a stack of stone.

We made our way to where we’d be staying the night, Port Campbell, and our newly built accommodation which was rather impressive (basically a hostel but before loads of travellers have had chance to weather its appearance!)

Next was tea, and a much more filling one than yesterday, before we made a quick stop at the Gibson Steps before the sun set. This place was lovely and, as most of the Great Ocean Road so far, offered gorgeous views.

We then went to watch the sunset at the Twelve Apostles (more limestone stacks) though, unfortunately the sun ended up setting behind a thick cloud and so spoiled the lighting a little. Again, great scenery and some of us (the ones not afraid of some cold) lingered around awhile longer until the penguins returned from their day’s hunting. It was very dark by then so we couldn’t get great photos but it was nice to watch and you could hear all the baby penguins calling out for their dinner!

After this we made our way back to try and get another early night.