The Great Ocean Road was one of those iconic drives that we'd both heard so much about. Taking in glorious surfing beaches, koala filled forests and numerous small beach towns. Its one of those trips to take slowly and really relish. The road itself is fairly quiet and wide and great for crushing down.

Bells Beach is where the film Point Break was filmed, a wide and vast stretch of coastline where hardcore surfers head to hit the waves. We took the simpler option and sat on the beach, sipping hot tea and admired them from afar.

As we continued the drive hugging the coastline only one thing was on our minds..... Koalas! These famous animals were the only classic Australian wildlife we were yet to see. A small 'Koala Cafe' at the side of the road gave a hint that the animals were close. And then we got lucky! A eucalyptus tree appeared to rustle and there it was, a bundle of grey fur gave way to a big yawn, our first Koala!

And then like London buses they were everywhere. Each new tree seemed to house one of the little guys. We parked up the van at 'Bimbi Park' and were surrounded by them. Each one having a character of its own, from the slow and sleepy brown coloured ball perched up in a tree to the mother and baby venturing out along a branch in search of fresh leaves. We even managed to get up close to one as it ventured down a tree in search of food.

With our Koala needs satiated we set off north away from the coast towards Adelaide. A quick stop at the world famous and thus tourist packed 12 apostles let us snap some more pictures before getting back on the open road. We were both excited to catch up with old Oxford friends the Lawrie's and enjoy a bit of family life.