Apollo Bay - The Great Otway National Park

April 11th
The rain that started last night was still falling when we woke up, but never fear our canvas haven was waterproof and snug!  Decided breakfast and coffee downtown was a good idea in what was now persistent drizzle.  Unfortunately so did everyone else, as this is the second week of Victoria's school holidays. After the amazing coastal scenery of yesterday, we opted for something different today and immersed ourselves in the rainforest of the Great Otway National Park.  Our sightseeing began with a scenic drive of 20 - 30 km/hr switch backs as we climbed from the coast into the ranges.  Off the bitumen and into the mud, the Hilux got dirty! We stopped in at Beauchamp Falls, but annoyingly the walk trail was closed. (Don't you hate it when they don't tell you this before you go to the effort of driving in?) The next track was open however, and the weather cleared.  A steep but beautiful walk took us to Hopetoun Falls.  Being on the floor of a rainforest is majestic and eerie all at the same time.  Also we were in places that tourist coaches and caravans did not venture, so for much of today we had our surroundings all to ourselves. 

Lots of walking through the rainforest



Hopetoun Falls

We then went to the Otway Fly, a 2 km rainforest walk with 600 m of treetop walk.  I made it to the top of the Spiral Tower, but could not make myself walk out to the end of the cantilever even though Mike assured me the welds were good!

Prehistoric walk

Tree top walk from the top of the spiral tower

Tree top walk looking down from the top of the Spiral Tower

 We followed this up with another 2.4 km walk trail to Triplet Falls. 

Panorama of Triplet Falls

Then headed to the Cape Otway Lighthouse to find that it had shut in front of our noses.  Not happy, especially when all the advertising says it is open until 5pm.  The positive for this section of road however, was that we saw Koalas in the wild for the first time!!!  It is funny.  Could not spot a Koala at first, but then once we spotted one we couldn't stop seeing them!!!



First Koala!





Finished the day with more walking through Mait's Rest, another amazing rainforest.




Mait's Rest

April 12th
After spending two nights in Apollo Bay we continued our drive along the Great Ocean Road.  This section of road is right on the ocean.  Stopped at Kennett River to see some more Koalas and called in at many scenic lookouts including Sheoak Falls. 

Great Ocean Road

Sheoak Falls - only a dribble

Had lunch in Lorne and then decided to head for a free bush camp at the northern end of the Great Otway National Park.  With a Tom tom and a couple of map books you would think it would be hard to get lost, but NO!  Had a great unplanned tour through some beautiful farming country and did a complete circle without finding the camp spot.  Persistence eventually did pay off however, and it was worth the effort.  While I put the camp kitchen to work Mike got out the drone.  His flying skills are improving but the wildlife was not impressed.  The roos took off never to be seen again.



Hammond Road camp

 

 

Hammond Road camp