This is the last part of our Aussie driving trilogy. The Great Ocean Road probably is the most famous and the most beautiful stretch of coastal road in Australia. It truly is amazing: steep limestone cliffs falling into a sea of wild waves. In a few centuries, it will be completely different, as the waves keep eroding the coast thus constantly reshaping it.
For the information addicts, here's what I found on the Great Ocean Road's official website:
"The Great Ocean Road, which stretches along the South Eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Geelong and Warrnambool, is in itself the world's biggest war memorial. It was built between World War I and World War II by returned servicemen in honour of their fallen comrades. The road took 16 years to build and it was all done by hand using picks, shovels and dynamite. The main gate, a timber arch, has been rebuilt a number of times."
Now I've made you impatient so here the long awaited photos. There are lots down there, so please allow enough time otherwise you might miss something quite exceptional.
I think this is called the Grotto. I think...
The big rock on the right hand side used to be linked to the main land by an arch called "London Bridge". However, one day, the bridge fell into the water. And the funny story is: at that moment, there were two people on the newly formed island. "I say, darling, we're in a bit of a pickle now, aren't we?". Fortunately, a few hours later, a helicopter came to the rescue.
Anne and Evi on the beach.
This is forbidden and dangerous, monsieur.
I think that's the Arch but I'm not sure (because I only think it is what it is).
The 12 Apostles. They're the biggest attraction on the Great Ocean Road. When you get there, you're reminded that you really are in Australia. Why? Well nobody knows why they're called the 12 Apostles. Their former name is The Sow and Piglets and then, without anyone knowing when or why, it changed to The 12 Apostles. Like any tourist with a minimum of common sense, you'd assume there are 12 rocks in the sea, hence the name. But no. My friends, this is what I call the Aussie way. There aren't 12 rocks but someone wanted them to be called the 12 Apostles. I just love it.
A koala on the run!
That night, we camped near the Otway lighthouse.
Koala and sunset.
The next morning we decided to go back to the 12 Apostles to enjoy the morning sun (and the unexpected morning fog).
The Loch Ard Gorge, where a ship called Loch Ard sank. 2 people survived. End of story.
Some of the 12 Apostles seen from the beach down Gibson's Steps.
Back on the road!
Just in case...
After the Great Ocean Road, we drove to the Brisbane Ranges National Park where we camped for one night. On Thursday 31 January we arrived in Melbourne where we dropped Paulette at the car rental garage.
And that's it! This is the end of the road trip photo album. It was fantastic and original. I'd never done such a road trip before and I'm looking forward to the next one - in New Zealand.
Merci Paulette!
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