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Michelle & Jez's Adventures
GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Picked up hire car on Sunday morning and headed out of Adelaide. Quick excursion up into Adelaide hills before heading south east towards coast. Long flat drive require frequent driver changes.
Spent first night in Mount Gambier. Arrived at campsite after sundown to pitch tent in the dark. Not the best way to start a relaxing evening!! (take note aspiring campers). Basic dinner of tinned food warmed up in microwave - eughh.
Next day, early start on road into the heart of Great Ocean Road. Stayed in YHA in Port Fairy (formerly Belfast) on second night. Did not camp as storm clouds threatened. Beautiful old fishing town with port. Town was set up originally by Tasmanian Whalers. Sunset stroll around Grifiths Island was fantasic with Wallabies all round us. Walk ended in semi (read 'complete') darkness.
Early on road again for third day. Saw the best bits of the Road: Loch Ard Gorge, 12 Apostles etc. stunning. Third night stayed at Apollo Bay. Weather looked OK so camped again. Visited local pub for dinner. Good tucker and interesting locals.
Fourth day was the end of the Ocean Road. Detoured inland from apollo Bay to explore gum forests. Sadly, with no 4-wheel drive had to cut short our ambitious plans to ford rivers etc. Back to coast to cruis to Melboune. Getting tired by now so co-pilots started to sleep - bad sign. Arrival into Melbourne was a shock after our previous few weeks. It is enormous and rightly compares itself to Sydney as THE city of the south. Frantic search for accommodation, refueling hire-car before dropping it off. Then relax in huge, but basic, hostel on northern side of CBD.
First night in Melbourne was long city walk past main sites. Great city - enjoyed it much. Found hidden-away Chinese restaurant in China-Town. M knew it would be good as there were only Chinese people in there. Great meal - reminiscent of Inner Mongolia our previous summer.
Next day also in Melboune before heading north to stay with Lsa & David (Michelle's friends from South Afirca). Caught train from Melb to Shepparton on the Friday morning. Met at Shepparton by L & D. Short drive to their house.
Had fantasic time at L&D staying in wonderful house ith own billabong, paddock (with 8 sheep), orchard (apples) and of course, Charlie & Max (the most frighteningly friendly labradors in the State!!). Complete recuperation for 2 days for which we are eternally grateful - many thanks L & D.
Good feed at inery on way to airport on the Sunday afternoon before our flight to Sydney.
Now we are in Sydney staying with M's Aunt & Uncle (Marge & Simon). Lucky us, how much better is it staying in a real 'home' for a change. Thank you!
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