We started our Great Australian Adventure with a bus tour of the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles. The road was a make-work project for 3,000 unemployed men who returned from fighting in the First World War. It’s wonderfully scenic, hugging the coastline on the surfing stretch of land west of Melbourne.
There was a fascinating playground in our first stop. The climbing structures had sea themes. The metal structure resembled a whale’s ribcage and the apparatus on the ground were sea creatures, including this octopus.
In the forested section of the highway, our guide/driver was determined that we see a koala. There weren’t any in our scheduled viewing area, so he (and we) was elated when he spotted this guy on the side of the highway. He’s sleeping in an oddly contorted position, so I’m guessing he’s comfortable. I say “he” because solo koalas are usually male.
Our first stop in the wild part of the coast was at the Loch Ard Gorge. Here we saw a razorback ridge.
Then, as sunset approached, we reached our destination. It lived up to expectations.
We were glad someone else was driving. We both dozed off on the way back to Melbourne.
Juliette Knits 