The Great Ocean Road March 17 to March 21

Koala we saw at Kennet River

The Great Ocean Road is one of the top 10 road trips in the world and has been on Mary's bucket list since she was a girl. We took off from our little farmhouse in Nathalia on Sunday, March 17 and drove to Lorne, Victoria which is a beautiful town right on the ocean. We found a historic hotel and booked a room. This trip was the first one where we had not preplanned the whole journey. We just drove until we found a great spot and then stopped.

The pier outside of our hotel. Look for the little black arrow that points to it.

We had lovely views from our room and were able to spend the evening on the veranda surrounding the hotel - a little cheese, a little wine.

The Grand Pacific Hotel

The view from our room in the morning

The next day we drove from Lorne to Apollo Bay. The scenery was unbelievable. At every turn, there was a magnificent view. We couldn't stop taking pictures.

As we drove through Apollo Bay we kept looking for the perfect place to stay. We stopped at a place called The Great Ocean View Motel. When the Inn Keeper showed us the room with a view we took it immediately.

The view from our little balcony

Our Little Room with a view

The beach, just outside of our door, was beautiful.

The next day was the big trip to The Apostles. This was the highlight of the trip. Where the ride from Lorne to Apollo Bay was filled with ocean views, the one from Apollo Bay to Port Campbell was through mountains and rainforest. When we left in the morning it was foggy and misty and we were afraid that the views might not be so good. But when we arrived at Gibson Steps just before The Apostles, it all cleared up.

Gibson Steps

We walked down to the beach and the view and experience were breathtaking.

The next stop was The Apostles which was equally as breathtaking. There were a lot of people there, even on a foggy day. It is one of the most visited places in Australia. You can see why.

The Apostles

We ate lunch in Port Campbell and then drove back to Apollo Bay. We loved the place so much that we decided to stay here for three nights. How often can you get such a beautiful view of the ocean from your bed?

We have taken so many photos, I am afraid our phones are filling up. I may need to help Mary a little with her composition and timing.

My photo of Mary

Mary's photo of me.

On Thursday it's back to our little farmhouse in Nathalia, a wedding on the weekend, and then we fly back early next week. This has been our longest vacation together and we've loved every minute.

Love walking the beach