Great Ocean Road VIC

Dearest Intrepid Reader,

We have traveled far, 14 081 kilometres. We are at Torquay not that far from Melbourne, at the end of the Great Ocean Road. We are looking out over Bass Straight at the end of a wonderful day.

There was very light rain as we set off from Warrnambool about 0830. Some may even just call it mist. We started in the wet weather gear but we had it off by about the third stop, and the day ended up with the sun occasionally appearing.

The Great Ocean Road starts in Allansford and ends in Torquay.

We have ridden this road before, on one of our return trips from Tasmania. That time we road from Torquay. This time we rode from the Allansford end. It is one of those pieces of road that should be done both ways.

The road is 240 kms long and is National Heritage listed.

It was built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932.

It is dedicated to the Soldiers who died in World War 1 and is the world’s largest war memorial.

This sculpture is at the Torquay end. The sculpture depicts two returned soldiers working on the road. During the construction some soldiers lost their lives due to the gruelling work of building the road by hand.

It is only two lanes, one in each direction and the speed limit Varys from 50 to 100kms. The towns along the way are Port Campbell, Apollo Bay, Lorne and Anglesea.

Bay of Martyrs

The Grotto

London Bridge

When John was about ten, he walked right to the end of London Bridge, on an outing with his parents. His Dad reminded him of this when the final piece fell down in 1990.

Razorback - This was my favourite.

Twelve Apostles

There has been a new lookout built which gives a spectacular view. It has just glass at the end which provides clear uninterrupted views, which can make you a little bit weak in the knees. There is a walk way under the road to the best vantage point.

Gibson Steps Beach

I had seen the people on the beach from the 12 Apostles Lookout, and I had seen the sign. Jenny quickly agreed to walk down with me and we set off at a cracking pace. We did not want to keep John and the MOTH waiting to long.

We quickly had to start removing layers. I had to take off, my neck muff, my leather jacket, my heated vest, my thermal, a skivy and my merino gloves and then carry all of that. Jenny about the same. We really wanted to get down to that beach. It was a lovely walk. Little lambs and wattle made it so sweet and fragrant.

Then we came to the steps.

Gibson’s steps were originally carved by the local Kirrae Whurrong people as a way to the beach. Later on a a local settler Hugh Gibson, maintained the steps and opened them for others to use. They were popularly used by fishermen and seafarers who needed to access the beach for work.

It is quite a climb down and up especially when carrying a whole wardrobe of clothes.

Did I mention we both had two pairs of pants on. I had jeans and tights and two pairs of socks. Jenny had tights and leathers. Talk about boot camp. Oh and we had our bike riding boots on, they are so perfect for walking in sand!

We both felt it to be well worth all the effort when we arrived at the beach. To be at the bottom of the limestone cliffs is amazing.

The boys were patiently waiting when we returned 45 minutes later. We were not game to tell them we found out after we walked there we could have driven down there from the 12 Apostles and then just done the steps. We feel that should have been written on the sign.

But then we would have missed out on the lambs and the wattle. I think they did notice as we passed Gibson Steps car park as we head off to Apollo Bay.

We had Brunch at Port Campbell, the view was not quite as good as last time as major work is occurring along the waterfront.

Community of the Road

We have had so many photos taken of us and our rides today, you would think we were, the prodigal 13th apostle returning to the Great Ocean Road.

Some, try to take sneaky pictures, others come up for a chat, and well others they just get on your bike.

Now the following only occurred, due to a communication breakdown, for no one sits on the front of the MOTHs Harley’s ( yes he has a couple) except, him.

Now the MOTH and I need to brush up on our languages other than English, (LOTE) and this man, could have done with a bit more English tuition. He gestured to the MOTH for a photo of the Harley.

And the MOTH agreed!

He then placed his wife near the bike, and then she just slid on so quick. She indicated to throw her leg over, and the MOTH went pale and successfully made gestures to get her off.

It could have been an international incident.

While I was distracted this young man got on the Lovliness. Again communication was difficult. They kept saying long, long. I said yes she is long. They said no, no. Then pointed at me and said long. I was very confused then they pointed at the number plate and said long long. They meant we had come a long way. I agreed, but there was no way to get through we really had come the long way around. Anyway it’s lovely people get joy from our rides. Just as we do. That’s not quite what the MOTH said. It’s just that this is a family blog.

The End of the Great Ocean Road.

It’s a great road to ride. We were slowed down a couple of times by very slow drivers. It’s much better if you can accelerate out of the curves.

The scenery is beautiful. Not just the coast line, as you go through some forestry as well.

We had been to Cape Otway Lighthouse, built in 1848, it is the oldest lighthouse on mainland Australia. So we did not go there this time, however that is a must see if you come this way.

This is the MOTH demonstrating they have huge potholes in Victoria as well as other states. We had to throw him a rope ladder to get him out.

We had dinner just down the road at a bowls club. We ended up having to run there, as it started raining as we walked. It was cold and dark and raining. We made it, Jenny and I still managed to look absolutely fabulous despite the day we had.

My Mountain Design coat did not even look wet. I totally recommend that coat, it’s wind proof as well, does not crease and folds up small.

We have done 21 000 steps today, and not so many kilometres.

As you ride out to find the way,

the way will appear.

Until Next time

MOTH and LOL