AmyHuang
Visit Australia: Happy Birthday the Great Ocean Road
Here is a special toast to the Great Ocean Road: Happy 75th Birthday!
Stretching along the south eastern coastal lines of Australia, the Great Ocean Road has been known as one of the most spectacular coastline drives around the world. This year, it turns 75 from the date of its official opening, and stands as grand as it had been when it first opened.
High cliffs, soaring surfs and rough limestone formations are the trademarks of this Victorian journey, with the Twelve Apostles Apostles being the most famous. I visited the Twelve Apostles in 2004, while on a road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide. As I stood there admiring the forces of nature, I noticed that I could only count to eight Apostles. As the stones get washed off each year, they slowly disappear, and in face, it was just a month after my visit, one of them also surrendered to the gushing waters and collapsed.
The stretch of coast where the Great Ocean Road has been built on was known for its rough coastal conditions for ships. Just near the Twelve Apostles is Loch Ard Gorge, named after the wreck of Loch Ard in 1878 as the ship tried to free away from the sharp, rough cliffs. Out of the 18 passengers and 36 crew, only two survived.
The wreck itself still lies at the bottom of Mutton Bird Island, a small limestone island now covered with nests of Mutton Birds. It is possible to dive the wreck although many of its possessions were retrieved for museums or private collection.
The Loch Ard Gorge comprises of walking tracks for those who likes to explore. Following them, for 2-3 hours, you get to learn the whole story and the location significance of the Loch Ard Gorge to the wrecks. The Blowhole on the Loch Ard Gorge is said to be haunted with purple eerie lights at night. Eleven bodies floated into the blowhole and the purple light was caused by the phosphorous matches they carried as part of the cargo.
As this part of the Great Ocean Road is most visited, it is possible to drive here as a day trip without having to spend a night on the road, however, taking your time on the road means you get to explore the less visited parts of the road at your leisure, and experience the different townships along the way.
Another option, only announced last year, is the Great Ocean Walk. Instead of driving, you can go on this spectacular walk along the coast and enjoy wildlife spotting and the surrounding national parks.
While it stands fending itself against the forces of nature, be sure to experience this part of the Australian coastlines. Besides ship wrecks and the pleasant drive, there are plenty of light houses to spot and accommodation are comfortable and friendly. Be sure to spare some time to really absorb this amazing environment.
Welcome to the Great Ocean Road
Stretching along the south eastern coastal lines of Australia, the Great Ocean Road has been known as one of the most spectacular coastline drives around the world. This year, it turns 75 from the date of its official opening, and stands as grand as it had been when it first opened.
High cliffs, soaring surfs and rough limestone formations are the trademarks of this Victorian journey, with the Twelve Apostles Apostles being the most famous. I visited the Twelve Apostles in 2004, while on a road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide. As I stood there admiring the forces of nature, I noticed that I could only count to eight Apostles. As the stones get washed off each year, they slowly disappear, and in face, it was just a month after my visit, one of them also surrendered to the gushing waters and collapsed.
The Twelve Apostles - the first one there collapsed one month after my visit
The stretch of coast where the Great Ocean Road has been built on was known for its rough coastal conditions for ships. Just near the Twelve Apostles is Loch Ard Gorge, named after the wreck of Loch Ard in 1878 as the ship tried to free away from the sharp, rough cliffs. Out of the 18 passengers and 36 crew, only two survived.
The wreck itself still lies at the bottom of Mutton Bird Island, a small limestone island now covered with nests of Mutton Birds. It is possible to dive the wreck although many of its possessions were retrieved for museums or private collection.
The haunted Blowhole, eleven bodies were washed up here
The Loch Ard Gorge comprises of walking tracks for those who likes to explore. Following them, for 2-3 hours, you get to learn the whole story and the location significance of the Loch Ard Gorge to the wrecks. The Blowhole on the Loch Ard Gorge is said to be haunted with purple eerie lights at night. Eleven bodies floated into the blowhole and the purple light was caused by the phosphorous matches they carried as part of the cargo.
The rough but beautiful coastline of the Great Ocean Road
The rough sea conditions that caused many ship wrecks along this coastline
As this part of the Great Ocean Road is most visited, it is possible to drive here as a day trip without having to spend a night on the road, however, taking your time on the road means you get to explore the less visited parts of the road at your leisure, and experience the different townships along the way.
Another option, only announced last year, is the Great Ocean Walk. Instead of driving, you can go on this spectacular walk along the coast and enjoy wildlife spotting and the surrounding national parks.
While it stands fending itself against the forces of nature, be sure to experience this part of the Australian coastlines. Besides ship wrecks and the pleasant drive, there are plenty of light houses to spot and accommodation are comfortable and friendly. Be sure to spare some time to really absorb this amazing environment.
Histeries, Mysteries and what not
Lifes little slices
Mystical Creativity
We have recetly been talkingabout next years vacation. We travel alot ut hubby can only go four weeks, so we have been planning the one withhim. I think we're heading up to maine and maybe washington. Havent been to either of those states yet. After taht, i think we have almost all of the states explored. Well besides Alaska. Thats my dream place. We plan acruise there one day.
Take care! Tammy
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I have had this trip on my "list of things to do in this lifetime," for about 12 years now, since a friend of mine drove the 'track' and recounted her tale of wonders. What touched me particularly, was how she had cried at the beauty, claiming something 'magickal' existed on this stretch of road?
In your photo's I can begin to sense some of that magick and news that the Apostles are declining in number, has added haste to my plans to also make this trip. I will step plans up to drive from Melbourne to Adelaide sooner than later I think.
The Mouth of the Murray and Kangaroo Island also appeal strongly and I could very well end up living along the Coorong, it appeals that much.
I think an Ocean Road Walk sounds like a great idea.. you can see so much more on foot.
Thanks for sharing (again), I love your tales, they comfort me and offer hope of future travel ... to a born traveller, who is temporarily "earthbound." by heavy responsibilities.
Lilla ...
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Hi Lilla, I am not sure if something really magical exist on this stretch of road but I certainly did spend a great length of time staring out into the oceans. It was as if the waters were calling.. I also know about those responsibilities.... so I understand how you feel!
Flick Wit
Michaelie