A wet and windy weekend in Lorne was not going to deter my intention to see the Twelve Apostles.
For many years we had been regular visitors to Melbourne and had often made the trip to Lorne to enjoy our friend’s hospitality but never had we gone further than this. The wedding we were here for didn’t start until four o’clock so there was plenty of time for a quick trip to Victoria’s number one tourist attraction. The locals thought we were mad but off we went- it was now or never!
Even though the clouds were dark and threatening, the views along the Great Ocean Road were stunning. The road twists and turns along the coast before disappearing inland, then emerging again just before the turn off to the car park for the Twelve Apostles.
It doesn’t matter how many photos you have seen of the Twelve Apostles, they are even better in reality. The first view that you see is the most spectacular…even on an overcast day!
The world’s tallest limestone stacks stand close to the cliff that hugs the coast. Only eight remain but don’t try to count them as some are hidden behind the rocky headland and others have disintegrated. Waves create caves in the headland, arches form and then collapse leaving behind these ancient pinnacles.
The walkway leads you to another viewing platform where you can see the eastern view as well.
Not far from here is Loch Ard Gorge, named after the ship, the Loch Ard, that sunk in 1878 with only two survivors. Walk around the cliff top to enjoy many more stunning views. The latest collapse was in 2009 when the Island Archway lost the arch connecting the two pillars.
The clock was ticking and it was time to head home. After leaving the coast, the drive takes you through the beautiful Great Otway National Park. Ferns start to appear and the vegetation slowly gives way to rainforest. The Otways receive Victorias highest rainfall so it is no surprise to see this temperate rain forest flourish.
Stop at Maits Rest and take the thirty minute rainforest walk. I was only allowed a ten minute stop but it was enough to know we had to return. A beautiful wonderland awaits under the canopy of the incredibly tall trees.
Another stop you must make is at Kennett’s River where in Grey’s Road opposite the Koala Cove General Store, you can often see koalas sleeping in the gum trees. This little one was well hidden so look closely and you will usually find one of  these beautiful creatures still enjoying  their natural habitat.
Next trip, we plan to spend a couple of nights at Port Campbell so we can watch the sun set over the Twelve Apostles and have a whole day to explore the coast. This will then give us time to enjoy a leisurely drive back along the Great Ocean Road with a stop at Maits Rest to walk through the rainforest of the Great Otway National Park. Can’t wait!!
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Lovely pictures as usual!
Thanks Sarah. I’d love to go back when the sun is shining!
Isn’t this the most stunning area??? We do have some very dramatic scenery in Australia. Even on a not so good day this looks fabulous. My heart breaks when I think of the poor returned soldiers who were set to work on that road after WWWI. They needed a bit of comfort and care not tough conditions and probably miserable weather, but they did a wonderful job.
I couldn’t believe how stunning the 12 Apostles were. Australia certainly has some amazing scenery. I didn’t realize the returned soldiers had worked on the road. Thanks for mentioning it, Debra. It was certainly an incredible accomplishment.
I’d love to go here again. I went on a whirlwind tour once, but we barely had time to take it in. Your photos have again reminded me of a place which just has to be revisited. Beautiful.
This was a very quick trip too Jo. I didn’t realize there was so much to do in the area. We’ll definately be going back!
Wow, that’s some dramatic scenery there. Sometimes, a cloudy day makes for much better photos. These pics are great. Would love to see the twelve apostles in real life.
Julia
The scenery is stunning Julia and worthy of a visit! There is so much more to see than just the 12 Apostles. You just have to allow enough time to do everything in the area!
A lovely piece of Australiana. Thank you.
Thanks Jan. It’s certainly worth the drive if you are ever in Victoria!