A yellow brick road
Our 243 kilometre traverse of the Great Ocean Road in the south of Victoria was definitely something we were looking forward to. We regarded it as a kind of a gateway where we leave the East behind and start our journey to the West. The weather was wet but expected for this time of year, however our spirits remained high as there is so much to take on board along this National Heritage Listed and ultra scenic stretch of road. If you are interested in the tragedy of shipwrecks this stretch of coastline is littered with the names of ships that have floundered here and their tragic stories where loss of life can make heroes of the brave. One story to note is that of the ill fated Loch Ard which struck a reef off Mutton Bird Island on the 1st June 1878 just near Port Campbell. Only 2 survived and part of the cargo that washed ashore was a rare piece of Minton Ware in the form of a fabulous Peacock. I highly reccomend you research this fascinating story further!
Another draw card in the form of natural beauty and wonder which see bus loads of tourists flood in every day are those of the 12 Appostles, London Bridge, the Grotto and the many other Limestone formations that adorne this rugged stretch of coastline. Our experience framed these geological marvels with brooding skyies but pictures we have seen of them in brilliant light confirms they are just as amazing when ever you choose to visit them!
Spread along this journey are several towns with their own stories of how they came to be. Commercial fishing, whaling and the regions timber industries of the day are at their backbone but have given way to day trippers from Melbourne and tourists from all over the globe.
