Roo Poo

When we check into the Hall's Gap campsite in the Grampian mountains the woman at reception warns us that kangaroos wander right through the site at dawn & dusk. We don't see the roos themselves at first but there's plenty of evidence of their presence. Not so pleasant to sit around when you want to enjoy your tea. There are no pooper scoopers around so Paul improvises with a branch.

The Grampian Mountains

After leaving the great ocean road we have a detour via the Grampian mountains before we cross the border into South Australia. The mountains are so imposing compared to the surrounding landscape which is almost entirely flat. We get a good view of them from miles away. The location of our campsite is amazing. The mountains just springing up all around us make us feel like tiny dots on the landscape.

Port Fairy

We just had to go to Port Fairy really. it's got such an adorable name & it's a lot like an Aussie Whitby crossed with Glastonbury. We arrive a few days before the beginning of the annual folk music festival which is hugely popular here. We'd loved to have stayed but the tickets are all sold out so we just enjoy strolling around the port instead.

The Twelve Apostles

The twelve apostles are pieces of rock which have become separated from the mainland by years of coastal erosion & are now jutting up freely in the sea.

Otway Flywalk

The Otway Flywalk is a series of metal pathways built high up over the Otway national park which gives you a birds-eye view of the beautiful forest. Part of the walkway is not supported from the ground and waves around while you walk on it for that extra frisson of excitement.

Where's the Platypus?

We've been told that you can see a platypus or two on Lake Elizabeth at dusk so decide to drive out there. I'm not sure that the scale of our map is exactly right as what should've been a pretty straight forward 45 minute drive turns out to be several hours on a windy dirt track surrounded by deep forest. It's almost dark by the time we arrive. We don't spot any wildlife & neither do the kayak group that has the same plan. We do get this lovely photo of the lake though.

Even More Great Ocean Road

These views are over Lorne, a beautiful little coastal town. We see that there is a free wine tasting evening on at the local community centre & never being the sort of people to turn down a free drink we decide to stay on. We meet some lovely people at the tasting & have a good chat with some of the community workers about the challenges of working in such a tiny place. Sometimes Australia does seem to make you feel as though you've travelled back in time once you get outside the major cities.