Chasing the elusive (for us) image of the Twelve Apostles at sunset, we planned another Great Ocean Road trip. This would be my second trip down there this year. The first was a complete washout (literally, as it had rained all weekend – see Wye River post). So, for this trip, we booked three nights in Apollo Bay and one at Warnambool and set off with our first stop at Teddy’s Lookout in Lorne.

Teddys Lookout

The view from the lookout was tremendous but required a walk to the lower lookout as some idiot had burnt the top lookout almost to the ground, and it was roped off. From Lorne, we drove to Apollo Bay and collected our keys. We had a lovely house right on the Great Ocean Road with a great view and easy access to the beach across the road.

We had planned to walk to Lower Kalimna Falls, but the troops mutinied partway into the walk, and we turned back about 700 metres into the hike. I was rewarded with an accommodating Kookaburra, though.

Maits Rest

The next day was a walk around Maits Rest, an 800-metre walk through the cool temperate rainforest of tree fern gullies and towering 300-year-old trees. A wooden boardwalk has been built over most of the walk to protect the ecosystem.

Cape Otway Lightstation

After Maits Rest, we drove to the Cape Otway Lightstation. The Cape Otway Lightstation is the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia. It’s been casting its light out to sea since 1848 over the towering sea cliffs where the Southern Ocean and Bass Straight intersect.

Gibsons Steps

On the third day, the good weather gods had deserted us as we set off early, heading down to Gibsons Steps  – 84 steps along the cliff face, allowing access to the beach. The limestone stacks are impressive up close.

We followed this by stopping at The Twelve Apostles, The Arch, and the Loch Arch Gorge. The weather wasn’t as lovely as the day before, overcast and windy but not cold. The wind coming off the waves was kicking up massive spray along the coast.

Loch Ard Gorge

The gorge is named after a ship that foundered there in 1878. Bound for Melbourne, it hit reefs, and only two of the 54 onboard survived. The Loch Ard wreck still lies at Mutton Bird Island’s base.

After numerous stops, the troops rebelled again, stayed in the car, and played on their iPads and iPhones while we continued taking photos. That night, the last stop was Warrnambool Motel (very comfy, highly recommended) and a yummy dinner at ‘Images.’

The following day, the sun shone again, and we headed out to Hopkins Falls before starting the drive home. Stopped briefly at Inverleigh for lunch. Great little bluestone pub with super yummy food, we enjoyed a lovely meal in the beer garden (shhh, don’t tell them we used the table number as a very effective swatter on the wasps hanging around)  before heading back to Melbourne.

Did we get the shot of the apostles we were after? No, not with that weather, as luck would have it was beautiful and sunny either side of the day we went. And a whiteout on the day we were there, but we are planning another trip down to Apollo Bay, just an overnighter when we know the weather will be good for two days.