Finally, officially travelling the GOR (Great Ocean Road)

Great Ocean Road – Historical Marker at Eastern View

The Great Ocean Road was first planned towards the end of WWI to provide employment for returned soldiers and servicemen. from 1919 work proceeded in stages according to the availability of men and money. A total of the thousand
Ex servicemen worked with pick and
shovel, using the stone and natural
materials of the area.

At the time, the rugged south-west coast of Victoria was accessible only by sea or rough bush track. It was envisaged that the road would connect isolated settlements on the coast, and become a vital transport link for the timber industry and tourism. And it has certainly become a huge tourist attraction. Not surprising seeing miles and miles of beautiful of coastline.

Wonderful scenery at Bells Beach, Urquhart Buff and W.B. Godfrey Memorial beach … despite disappointing weather

Out of the world loo experience

Public toilets are an experience. But none like the ones in Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula. All fully automated (as one would expect), press button to open door, press button to close door but then … the music (sadly not able to capture on the picture) and the voice telling you have maximum 10 minutes before the doors open automatically …

Public toilets in Sorrento

Wilson’s Prom

Wilson’s Promontory (Prom as the locals say), is a peninsula that forms the southernmost part of the Australian mainland. We spent the day hiking some of the short walks (not equipped for longer over night tracks) and enjoying the scenary and wildlife. Beautiful place and a bit of wilderness

Wilson’s Prom – one of the most common marsupials is the common wombat which apparently can be found in much of the park (especially around campsites where it has been known to invade tents searching for food). Sadly, I didn’t see one 😟

Phillip Island

Left Melbourne earlier today and stopped at Phillip Island on our way to Wilson’s Promontory (or Prom as it’s know by the locals)

Met this little cheeky fellow in the Koalo Reserve on Phillip Island

Despite usually sleeping for 20 hours a day because of their low energy diet, this little fellow was quite active and kept us amused

Phillip Island lies just off Australia’s southern coast. At Summerland Beach, spectators gather daily at sunset to watch the Penguin Parade, when Little penguins come ashore in groups. Unfortunately, we had to leave before sunset to make it to Sandy Point.

Walked around the Nobbies outcrop for some great views over rock formations

Curio – Cook’s Cottage

The cottage was constructed in 1755 in the English village of Great Ayton, North Yorkshire by the parents of Captain James Cook.

In 1933 the owner of the cottage decided to sell it with a condition that the building remain in England. She was persuaded to change “England” to “the Empire”, and accepted an Australian bid of £800, by Russell Grimwade.

The cottage was deconstructed brick by brick and packed into 253 cases and 40 barrels for shipping on board the Port Dunedin from Hull. The cottage was then reconstructed and is now located in Fitzroy Gardens Melbourne

Cook’s Cottage

Melbourne, the culture capital of Australia

Traditionally acclaimed as Australia’s “cultural capital”, Melbourne has a big Art scene, plenty of museums, exhibitions and offers lots of events.

We couldn’t pass on a free concert of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the Sidney Myers Music Bowl. What better way to spend a sunny Saturday evening? Obviously being helped by a nice picnic and glass of wine.

Music in the park Aussie style, less patriotic than the English ones I have been to but still great fun
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