Day 22: Driving the Great Ocean Road

Wednesday, April 16, 2003

Jason and I reorganized our stuff for what seemed to be the 30th time, and finally head out to the Great Ocean Road in our rental car. We drive past the "surf capital of the world" and go to smaller towns with less commercialism (although they are still tourist towns). It is clear that many tourists come here because there are frequently signs to remind you "Drive on the left in Australia."

The ocean is stunning here-bright blue, huge foaming waves, and lovely beach/cliff areas. We did a couple of short walks to get better views and see some waterfalls. We ended up staying in a small cabin in the town of Apollo Bay. We had a nice evening with hot cocoa to warm ourselves up and watching the full moon rise with it partially obscured by clouds. We then went through the fish book and circled all the fish we had seen on the GBR, dozens of them in total. It was fun to go through them all again and remember everything we'd seen.

We found a really nice restaurant where we had a lovely and delicious meal. Since the service here is slower, meals are longer and more relaxing. I have also been impressed with how many places have good vegetarian food.

Rugged coast along the early part of the Great Ocean Road.

Rugged coast along the early part of the Great Ocean Road.

Jason in front of the first two of MANY sea stacks.

Jason in front of the first two of MANY sea stacks.

A spectacular bridge-like formation.

A spectacular bridge-like formation.

Inland waterfall.

Inland waterfall.

A five-inch tidepool with three lovely anemonies.

A five-inch tidepool with three lovely anemonies.

Looking over Apollo Bay.

Looking over Apollo Bay.

Cynthia at sea level.

Cynthia at sea level.