Port Campbell, Victoria, Australia
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
We rented a car to travel the Great Ocean Road, touted to be the most beautiful of Australian coastal roads and we think, probably , one of the most beautiful drives in the world. The days we were out were stormy-the sun peeking through evil, dark clouds; some rain (though most heavily at night) and strong, gale-force winds. We still got some beautiful pictures and the weather made the wave action that much more dramatic. There were few towns along the route, fewer stores and restaurants in between which was surprising to us. The first major town (early on the ride) was Lorne. This is where one would want to go for the huge and beautiful beaches and the comforts a town has to offer. Around Port Campbell, where we stayed in a hotel overlooking a small bay, there was one tiny grocery store, lots of hotel/motels/lodges, a very few cafes (none opening for breakfast except a little bakery at 8 am!) This is the “View” area and where the 12 Apostles are located. The views are breathtaking! The Great Road was the highlight, this time, of mainland Australia. We also drove into the countryside for some wine and cheese tasting. The Aussies are ever gracious and fun to talk to. Although we saw lots of signs for wildlife (and some roadkill) we saw none on this leg of our trip.
