Well, despite the dreadful weather we've had a really full and interesting day. Breakfasted in our room on the melon, croissants and jam we bought yesterday then headed out, all wrapped up against the elements. Very heavy sudden showers interspersed with drizzle and wind. We had originally planned to do the Otway treetop walk today but decided it wasn't the best of weather conditions to be on walkways above the treetops so we headed down to the Otway lighthouse...

Goodbye Melbourne in the sun, hello Great Ocean Road in the rain! Checked out of Hilton and took a taxi to the airport where we picked up a Mitsubishi SUV, our transport for the next 8 days. Headed out toward the GOR and grey skies. Landscape initially all very flat, then undulating as we approached Surf Coast Shire (as the road signs say). It is farming country. Saw cattle, sheep and llama. Every so often you pass a sign giving the day's fire risk - not surpri...