Friday, April 23, 2010

Apollo Bay to Port Fairy
























































Fairly early start on what is alleged to be the most photographed section of the great ocean road. We were heading for an hotel in Port Fairy. Our first stop was the famous 12 apostles. These are sandstone pillars of rock dotted just out to sea stood like sentries guarding the coast. They were quite a spectacle but again a busy touristy spot. After the obligatory photoshoot we headed off down the road. Another couple of stops at more scenic turnouts, more photos and pleasant vistas they were too.

We finally came to the big town of Warrnambool which was just before the Tower Hill area which we were going. Tower Hill is as I said a volcanic crater where wildlife has returned and man has not put it there. There is a tourist drive in and around the crater and several walks from various points around the drive. Best of all the whole thing is free, imagine that in the UK!!

As soon as we drove into the crater we saw lots of “big red” kangaroos so we stopped to take a few pix. As we stopped we also noticed a couple of emus wandering around. We took some ‘roo pix and the emus were getting closer so we retreated to the safety of the car. The emus – which I might add – are quite tall birds were walking around the car. We sat and had a brew watching the goings on and noticed that the ‘roos had also sneaked up on us and were watching us from quite close above. All things here were obviously undisturbed by the presence of people. We moved on and parked near the visitor centre. We then set off to do a walk but went to the loo first, or at least we tried to as it was surrounded by emus. After the loos we set off into the crater walk passing more ‘roos, emus and lots of other pretty birds as we went. It really was quite a spectacle.
After our interlude with the wildlife we headed on to Port Fairy and our digs for the night. A splendid room in an historic hotel, it was OK. We had a walk into town for a beer and some grub before bed, interesting little town.

Today is the end of the Great Ocean Road. Up away and onto Kingston South East tomorrow via the shipwreck coast.

We have to say that the Great Ocean Road is a very pretty drive with some stunning beaches and viewpoints along the way. It didn’t really live up to the hype it was given to us by so many, sorry guys.

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