Great Ocean Road: Rain, Hail or Shine
Over the last few weeks I’ve been absent from the blog and I’m usually the last to admit that sometimes life just gets in the way, but this time- it definitely did! The past two weeks I’ve been gallivanting around the other end of Australia, to give this enormous country I live in- a bit of lovin’.
So, amongst other places I visited, the Great Ocean Road had been something on the bucket list for quite a while. 665km of some of Australia’s most iconic and beautiful coastal line– it was guaranteed to be a memorable, incredible and fascinating road trip. Plus, after all that rainy and cold weather in Europe- I was keen to be blessed with some of the sunshine and warm weather Australia is so famous for. Right?! Unfortunately no. We were caught out at the worst time, and had unbelievably windy, rainy and cold weather. But, I think this is all the more proof, that the Great Ocean Road is indefinitely stunning!
Port Campbell Natioanl Park- along the Great Ocean Road
It’s hard to imagine what it would even look like in the sunshine, but the wintery weather offered an attraction of its own. Seeing the waves crashing so hard, attacking the limestone shore was an incredible sight. It was also quite the sight to see the Australian country side a bright green, rather than a dusty shade of yellow- like its usual self!
Unheard of Greenery
Unfortunately, due to the weather, we did it in a slightly shorter time but still managed to squeeze most things in. So….What’s the best things to see?
1. Just Go to the Coast
It’s kind of hard to ‘miss’ the beauty of the Great Ocean Road, when it’s right beside the road. Honestly, just make your way there and don’t stress about missing particular land marks- it’s all well sign-posted and even as you drive, the view is unbeatable!
Our first pull over sign-posted “Scenic Lookout” …. Accurate!
2. Tower Hill State Game Reserve
Close to the very start of the Great Ocean Road (or end, if starting in Melbourne), not far from Warnambool and Port Fairy, there’s a reserve off the main coastal road that was created from a volcanie erruption. As it’s located in a massive crater, the lush wildlife that exists beyond its walls is possible see from the road- but is definitely a short detour worth making!
View from the top of the reserve out to the coastal road
The park is teeming with wildlife and there’s a bunch of short walks you can take around through different ecosystems. We stopped for a few hours and spotted kangaroos, koalas and even wild emus- a novelty, even for the Australian!
3. London Bridge, The Grotto and the entire of Port Campbell National Park
Port Campbell National Park
Okay obviously it may be hard to see the entire Port Campbell National Park, but basically you should definitely step off at every side road that says “view point” or “scenic lookout” because let me assure you- it will be a bloody good scenic lookout… and they just kept getting more impressive!
London Bridge
The Grotto
4. Lorne
A precious little seaside town we stopped for lunch. Unfortunately, I was starving and wet and therefore did not feel any desire to whip out my camera and take a few snaps. This one you may just have to take my word for it- and stop by on your way through!
5. The “Twelve” Apostles
To be honest, despite being the most famous, they’re definitely not the most impressive. Potentially that’s because we had the worst weather ever that day (no exaggeration) and there really is no longer 12… it depends upon where you stand on how many you see. It’s clear to see why though- the waves were so wild and vicious it’s no surprise the limestone is eroding so quickly. Never the less, what’s a Great Ocean Road trip without a pit stop at the twelve apostles! When the weather is better you can also get closer to them by going down on to the beach below, following the signs of Gibson’s Steps.
Four of the Twelve Apostle in All Their Rainy Glory
Amongst these things, there were plenty more places to stop in at and things to see and do. I definitely wanted to check out Cheese World, in Allansford (how does that not sound amazing?!) We probably would have taken much longer had the weather been better! But whether there’s rain, hail or shine predicted for the forecast, don’t let that stop you from visiting the beautiful Great Ocean Road. It really is titled Great for a reason.
Besides, clouds always make for a stunning sunset!
Beautiful photos! I can’t wait to see the Great Ocean Road!
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Love the pics
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