Adelaide to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road
Happy Christmas!
Another early start saw us arrive back in Adelaide at midday to collect our hire car. As the temperatures hit 40 degrees we chose (sensibly) to stay in the relative comfort or at least bearable environment of our air conditioned car and get as far as we could (and yes, we do know it has been snowing at home!)
Our first night was spent in the pretty seaside town of Robe where we stayed in one of the nicest YHA hostels of the trip so far. It was a large converted house which reminded us in many ways of Bawdsey (where we got married).
The next day saw a sharp change in the weather (the temperature didn't get above 14 degrees all day) and this time we stayed mostly in the car because it rained non stop. We even had to have the heating on at times. That night we stopped in Warrnambool where the Great Ocean Road begins - though this seems to vary depending on which leaflet you read.
Between Warrnambool and our next stop the road was disappointedly away from the sea but had numerous stop off points from which magnificent coastal scenery and geographical formations could be easily reached. These were each impressive, but the constant getting in and out of the car and the coach loads of tourists we encountered at some of the sites did spoil the experience slightly.
Arriving in Apollo Bay we booked ourselves into the LP recommended Ecohouse YHA. This was by far the best hostel we have stayed in, we were beginning to feel a bit spoilt. Good size rooms with large windows and 2 huge lounges and kitchens (it might be slightly sad that it has come to this, but the difference a nice place to stay can make is huge!)
From Apollo Bay the Great Ocean Road really is along the ocean which made for some impressive views out to sea. After a brief (and unsuccessful) stop at the surf shop outlets in Torquay we arrived in Geelong, just outside Melbourne.
In Geelong we decided to spend our Xmas present from Mum & Dad and splashed out on a Spa Cabin at the local campsite. It might not sound that good, but we had a proper kitchen, terrace and a spa bath to boot so we were very happy. Thanks Mum & Dad!!
Next stop Melbourne for Christmas where we'll stay with Annie & Mark and their children Paris and Oscar for Christmas…