#and 7 would be going on bushwalks and little trips into nature. i love the indoors but i also love the outdoors. especially woods &mountain

[vannidajoaneblog]

Melbourne 2019

I’ve been to Sydney, Brisbane and now off to another popular place down under. Yes, I’ve been to Australia a lot! My latest trip was in Melbourne this time. 

Sorry for the very late blog post. Fourteen days plus two more for a cancelled flight back home is not an easy trip to microblog. The best thing I can do is provide the most concise paragraph and just mesmerize you with the photos. 

Anyways, here we go!  

Tullamarine

Direct flight from Manila to Melbourne via Cebu Pacific (not highly recommended). I arrived in Tullamarine - aka Melbourne Airport (MEL). From there, I met my high school bestfriend Cindy is responsible for my trip. 

Skybus

Off to the City Centre. The most convenient way to travel between the airport is by taking the SkyBus Express Airport Transfers. It is a double-decker bus that runs for 24 hours (varying frequencies throughout the day). The journey lasts 30-45 minutes. Riding this will give you a great view of Melbourne. 

Travel Essentials

First thing’s first - get your transportation card. If Sydney has the Opal Card and Brisbane has Translink Go Card, Melbourne has Myki. It is your ticket to travel on trains, trams and buses in the City and many parts of regional Victoria. You can easily buy it at a station and top up at a huge range of shops (including all 7-Eleven stores), Myki machines and station ticket offices.

Southern Cross Station 

From the airport via Skybus, we arrived at the Southern Cross Station. This is one of Australia’s most popular destinations - all sorts of enticing things you will see - cafes, restaurants, etc. I think it is a melting pot of people coming from every nation, speaking different languages. 

It is actually the most preferred station for various distances and directions from the centre of Melbourne is just a straight-forward train ride away from here, providing perfect day trips for the savvy traveller. 

MELBOURNE’S COUNTRYSIDE

Bird Feeding - Dandenong Ranges

From the City, down to the countryside - just like any other places in Australia, I started my trip by feeding them birdies. Melbourne also offers a variety of birdwatching niches to explore. 

#BirdBite

Tesselaar Tulip Festival

Then off to somewhere I’ve never been before - Tesselaar Tulip Festival. This festival began in 1954. Held over four weeks. It offers various themed days and weekends including Turkish, Dutch, Food, Wine & Jazz and Irish along with eight days packed with school holiday fun. 

When all the tulips are in bloom, there are nearly one million tulips on display. There are 130 varieties of tulips at the farm, so you could literally spend hours ogling and taking photos of them and their kaleidoscope of colours.

Orlinda Heritage Walk

Then we passed by the charming village of Olinda found at the highest part in the Dandenong Ranges. It has craft shops, antique stores, boutiques and cafés. It is renowned for its European influence and features a selection of German- and French-style restaurants and enjoy some of the region’s local produce. 

St Paul’s Cathedral

Now off to the City the next day. First off is the St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is located at the opposite of the Federation Square, on Melbourne's busiest intersection. 

This neo-Gothic St. Paul’s Cathedral is a Melbourne landmark, built between 1880 and 1931. Designed by William Butterfield, the cathedral’s architecture is described as Gothic transitional, combining Early English and Decorative Gothic styles. Highlights include the fine polychromatic brickwork, beautifully patterned floor tiles and mosaics, banded stonework, fine timbered roof and tiled dado walls.

Graffitti

Your city trip will not be complete without going through these  alleyways where you will find awesome graffiti. Artists change it every now and then. 

In these alleyways, just say “pssssst!” and they will turn around and look at your camera.. lol!

Footy Weekend

It doesn’t take long to see how much the locals love sport in Australia, especially in Melbourne. They would even consider it as a holiday. 

Australians love a huge number of different sports, including cricket, soccer, rugby union, rugby league and basketball, but nothing quite matches their passion for Australian Rules Football. Originating in where else - Melbourne Victoria, it has spread around the country.

PINOY COMMUNITY

Sunday Church & Community Services

It was nice to be adopted by a Pinoy group for two weeks. They still carries Filipino culture and tradition even if they are in a foreign country. 

Fratelli

But then we ate at an Italian restaurant :) Your trip will never be complete without a trip to an Italian restaurant here. Melbourne has a big Italian influence. 

Frankston Pier

Frankston Pier has always been a popular fishing destination along Port Phillip Bay. The pier offers a good range of fishing species for anglers all year round. You just have to deal with the birds and the crows. 

Lexie

Coming from Dubai is another best friend. This trip is sort of a reunion after the last one we had in Dubai. We just like meeting up in different parts of the world. Sleep over in her place is the first agenda :)

Grilld

Back to the city. Just along the Southern Cross station, you will find Grilld. It is a self-proclaimed 'gourmet burger' franchise Grill'd rolled into hipster laneways and streets across the country. If you want a change from the usual KFC, Hungry Jacks or Maccas, Grilld offers hand-crafted burgers made with high quality ingredients and interesting flavour combinations.

Grocery

Before sleeping over at Lexie’s, we did some grocers. Of course my fave Honey Soy Chicken Chips. 

Just Chill Indoors

Taking a break from all the traveling and sightseeing.  It is so nice to just have a chill day and have a movie marathon and do some laundry. 

Deakin University

The main reason why we came to Melbourne - to witness my HS bestfriend walk on stage and graduate at Deakin University. Stage bestfriends. It was an experience witnessing a graduation in a foreign country. Best part is the post-ceremony function :)

Great Ocean Road Arch

Off to the Twelve Apostles. Our first stop was the Memorial Arch, which is located just past the city of Torquay. The arch is a symbolic monument as it represents the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. Not only that, but the Memorial Arch also represents a piece of history. It pays homage to the soldiers who survived World War I and built the Great Ocean Road. If you’re an avid history geek, there are actually a handful of plaques on-site which you can read up on. 

Oorla Lodge Forrest

Because we arrived almost night time, we had to stop over at the Oorla-Lodge Forrest. It is situated at quiet residential street. Surrounding the area are cool waterfalls, lakes, dams and rivers. We just spent the night chilling at the lounge room over a wood fire and did movie marathon.

Platypi Chocolate Factory

The next day, in Victoria's Otway region,  we visited was the Platypi Chocolate in Forrest. It is located on the township mountain bike and walking trailhead, Platypi Chocolate is a great place to break a trip, finish a walk or ride or start a leisurely day. You can sit amongst the trees and enjoy a hot chocolate that comes with a little theatre; sip a wine or an iced chocolate while listening to the birds sing; look for a real life echidna from the balcony while munching a honeycomb-filled chocolate variety.

Stevensons Falls Walk

There is a lot of bushwalking you can do in AU and one of them is walking towards Stevenson’s Falls. These falls are located at the end of a gravel road approx 6 kms from Barramunga. The valley has a campground available from the day picnic area. You can have the 500metre walk on a graded trail.

Port Campbell National Park

The Port Campbell National Park is a national park in the south-western district of Victoria, Australia. It features an array of sheer cliffs overlooking offshore islets, rock stacks, gorges, arches, and blow-holes. As part of the Shipwreck Coast, it hosts several tourist attractions; including The Twelve Apostles, the London Arch (formerly London Bridge), Loch Ard Gorge, the Gibson Steps, and The Grotto.

Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles were formed by erosion. Their proximity to one another has made the site a popular tourist attraction. The harsh and extreme weather conditions from the Southern Ocean gradually eroded the soft limestone to form caves in the cliffs, which then become arches that eventually collapse, leaving rock stacks. These massive limestone structures tower 45 metres above the ocean and were formed some 20 million years ago as the sea gradually eroded the soft craggy limestone cliffs.

Though the view from the promontory by the Twelve Apostles never included twelve stacks. Seven of the original eight stacks remain standing at the Twelve Apostles viewpoint, after one collapsed in July 2005.

Loch Ard Gorge

Loch Ard Gorge is amazing and only a few minutes drive west of The Twelve Apostles. It was one of the most stunning beaches on the Great Ocean Road

Loch Ard Gorge is named after the ship Loch Ard, which ran aground on nearby Muttonbird Island at the end of a three-month journey from England to Melbourne.

Take the stairs down to the beach and sit in wonder. And there are three easy walks you can take to discover the area and getting viewpoints.

The London Arch (Bridge)

London Arch was formed by a gradual process of erosion, and originally was a complete double-span and was attached to the mainland.

The arch closer to the shoreline collapsed unexpectedly in 1990 leaving two tourists stranded on the outer part until they were rescued by a helicopter. Prior to the collapse, the arch was known as London Bridge because of its similarity to its namesake.

The Grotto

The Grotto is perhaps the most enchanting of all the rock formations in this part of Australia. Part-blowhole, part-archway, part-cave, it offers a peaceful place to enjoy the sea views and soak in the wonderful things nature is capable of.

Standing about halfway up the cliff from the sea level, the geological formation is reachable via a decked staircase that leads down from the viewing platform at the top. You can either view the wonder from above, or head down and explore it at eye-level.

Inside, the Grotto is filled with smooth boulders and serene rock pools that have been carved out of the limestone. For the best view, look into the Grotto from the lower viewing platform, where you can see the horizon, the pools, and the jutting rock formations in one go.

San Remo Coastal Circuit

San Remo is the gateway to Phillip Island, a lively seaside town where fishing and dining options abound and pelicans keep watch along the foreshore. Yes, it was my first time to see some Pelicans. The town of San Remo sits at the end of the bridge connecting Phillip Island to the mainland. 

If you love yourself some good ol’ fish and chips, San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op serves up some of the best fish and chips in the area. We bought some before heading over to Phillip Island. 

Phillip Island

Located a few hours from the city, Phillip Island is a weekend hot spot for locals looking to enjoy some beach time. The island is renowned for the nightly penguin parade (when thousands of penguins return from the sea to nest), its koala sanctuary, and the huge seal colony that lives offshore. The island can be visited as a day trip, but due to infrequent buses, I would recommend spending at least a night here!

Panny’s Chocolate Factory

Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate is a series of experiences, each dedicated to another facet of the story of chocolate. Visitors embark on a self guided exploration of the wonders that come from the humble cocoa bean.

There are machines with buttons to push and levers to pull, games of skill, lots of chocolate exhibitions and attractions and a unique hands-on chocolate making device where you create your own chocolate masterpiece that travels along a conveyor belt and is delivered to you, ready to eat. You can learn everything about chocolate making from the bean to the bar and watch Panny’s creations being made by our chocolatiers. 

On top of all this, you can produce your very own extraordinary chocolate bar with Panny’s Amazing Chocolate Machine and fill it with the weirdest and wackiest tastes you’re ever likely to find.

Philip Island Koala Conservation Sanctuary

A trip to the land down under can’t possibly be complete without seeing some koalas. Just a 15-minute drive away from Churchill Island is Phillip Island’s very own Koala Reserve. Here, you can get up close to and observe the koalas in their natural habitat, the Australian bushland. Along these boardwalks, you will have exceptional views and exclusive photo opportunities with the koalas. Not only that, but if you’re lucky, you might even get to spot some adorable wallabies and native birds!

 The Noobies :)

The Nobbies is a must visit. Next to the Nobbies centre is a boardwalk. It is a short and easy walk with only a few steps and you are welcomed with some amazing views of Point Grant, Seal Rocks and Bass Straight… From the spectacular view of the boardwalk, you will see nesting penguins in the natural sea bird gardens. 

Offshore from The Nobbies are Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest Australian Fur Seal colony, so drop a coin into the viewing binoculars and see how many you can spot.

Watching the waves pound against the 50 million year old dark basalt rocks is simply mesmerising and a bold reminder of how formidable Mother Nature really is spectacular!

Melbourne CBD 

Back to the City to see more of Melbourne’s Sights and Sounds. First, a drop by to the Post Office to deliver something and the rest.. Just walking around. Here’s more: 

The City Circle Tram

More than just a means of free transportation, the City Circle Tram provides “hop-on, hop-off” service between Melbourne’s sightseeing attractions, including Federation Square, the Old Treasury Building, Parliament House, and the Princess Theater. There’s a running recorded commentary as you pass or stop at a place of historical, cultural, or architectural significance.

Flinders Street 

Right along the route of the free City Circle train and across the street from Flinders Street Station lies Federation Square. This open square also serves up stellar people-watching. I like to take lunch here and just watch the city go by. Below the square on the river are also a number of restaurants and outdoor bars.

Brunetti

State Library of Victoria

Originally built in 1856, the State Library of Victoria is a historic institution that sees 8 million visitors a year. The library has grown into an event space that’s a source of pride for city residents. There is always a queue of people ready to pounce on the open desks. The famous central rotunda with its octagonal shape, original dark wood furniture, and book-lined walls is definitely something not to miss.

Just fixing my baggage

The highlight of my trip was when my flight was canceled. I had to stay in Melbourne for a couple of days more. It was stressful but I just tried to enjoy the free accommodation and food. Anyways, cant really rely on Cebu Pac when it comes to long haul flights, I decided to book Qantas Air on my way back to Manila. 

Between all the various day trips and the plethora of activities in the city, you won’t find yourself short on things to do while you’re visiting Melbourne. 

[shannrussell-blog1]

The word camping means very different things to different people. For some, it’s a hiking bag with the very basics for survival and a few days out in the bushwalking different trails. For others, it’s towing a giant 5th wheeler caravan behind their American dual cab with satellite TV, coffee machine, diesel heater and all of the rest of the camping luxuries many people have in their home.

Camping has changed a lot over the last couple of decades, and I firmly believe there is no reason why you should be roughing it. Yep, things might not be as easy and simple as when you are at home, but you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable or like you are missing out.

It’s funny when you mention camping to various people – some jump with enthusiasm and others look at you with a ‘are you mad’ look. Horses for courses I say, some people love camping and others don’t. The unfortunate thing though, is that often those who don’t enjoy it have had a bad experience or roughed it in the past and have been put off.

We’ve refined our campsite setup over time to be comfortable and easy to use. 

I’ll make a bold statement here – if you have good quality gear, and you use it correctly when camping, there’s no roughing it involved. I promise. Like everything, initially there’s an adjustment period where you learn what gear to get and how to use it, but take your time and you’ll have an enjoyable experience.

We live in a country where camping options are just about unlimited, and you can camp in some of the most incredible places in the world. There’s a reason why so many tourists flock here, and many of them choose to travel around and camp.

There are so many different things today that can make your camping super comfortable, but let’s break them down into the important factors.

The gear we use allows us to camp comfortably wherever we are. 

What do you need to camp comfortably?

1. A good night’s sleep

It doesn’t matter where you are, a good night’s sleep is a must for an enjoyable day. When camping, it’s especially important, as you are often in bed for longer. A lot of people will go to bed early and get up early following the sun.

In order to get a good night’s sleep, you need to be comfortable, warm and dry. That means a mattress and pillow that you enjoy laying on, the right bedding for the temperature and a tent, swag, camper trailer or caravan that is going to keep you dry. I’ve had some truly awful sleeps when camping in the past, and it all comes down to gear that just wasn’t up to scratch.

If you are looking at making your camping more enjoyable and don’t always get a good night’s sleep, one of the best upgrades you can do is upgrade your sleeping equipment.

The best upgrade I did was swapping out my camping mattress to a Blackwolf Mega Deluxe, followed closely by ditching the sleeping bag and moving into a camper trailer with a queen innerspring mattress, sheets and doona.

In our camper trailer, we sleep on a very comfy innerspring mattress. 

2. A comfortable place to sit

Camping chairs have come in leaps and bounds. While some of the old fold out chairs worked, they weren’t the most enjoyable things to use! Today though, you can get everything from recliners to moon chairs and even chairs that have inbuilt warmers.

Seriously, Explore Planet Earth are selling their USB powered Lava Heated Chair. You can laugh all you want, but on a cold night when there is a fire ban you won’t be laughing when you are the one with a heated chair!

It makes a huge difference to your comfort levels if you can sit on a quality chair. 

3. Physical comfort and entertainment

Throughout the day, you’ve got to be comfortable, and have something to do. Australia has a lot of places that get extremely cold, or extremely hot. Having the right clothing and activities planned to match the temperature is a smart move. I’ve been camping when it’s freezing and misjudged the clothing to bring, and it isn’t much fun.

Likewise, hot weather can be extremely unpleasant if you don’t have the ability to sit under some shade or cool off in a water source. Lucky for us, we have one of the biggest coastlines in the world and plenty of stunning freshwater bodies.

Before you head off, make sure you find out what is in the area that you can go and see, or do to stay entertained. A lazy day around camp is great from time to time, but you’ll probably get bored of it after that!

It’s great to camp near freshwater to cool off in – you’ll stay comfy and entertained. 

4. Ease of use

I mentioned earlier that camping can be a bit more awkward, and that’s just the nature of it – you are going back to basics. You can’t take everything with you that makes life easy at home.

Having

Make sure your setup is easy to use, so everyday tasks aren’t as difficult as they need to be. 

5. The right gear

With all the amazing camping gear on the market today, I have a lot of respect for those who did it tough in the years gone by. Fridges, 12V lighting, diesel heaters, electric blankets, inverters, super-fast gas burners and quick pitch tents make camping insanely easy today.

Whilst it can be expensive to set up, it practically guarantees an easy and amazing camping trip!

Quality 12V lighting is an investment, but very worthwhile. 

6. Great food

I’ll let you in on a little secret… food when camping always tastes better. If you make a meal that would be tasty at home, you’ll love it when away. Cooking on a fire is one of the best things you’ll ever do, with some truly delicious food.

Not only do you want it to taste good though, but it should have some nutritional value too. Packet Mee Goreng might taste okay every now and again, but it’s not the healthiest thing for you over and over, and you’ll soon get tired of it. Keep it simple, healthy (relatively!) quick to make and limit the number of dishes you need to cook it.

Who’s roughing it when you eat a meal of freshly caught Crayfish?

7. Good hygiene

Don’t go camping without ensuring you are going to be hygienic. This means a way to cook, wash your dishes, drink clean water and go to the toilet without spreading bugs around while you do it.

This is usually as simple as taking quality drinking water with you, having the ability to boil water, knowing how to go to the toilet in the bush and taking soap or hand disinfectant that’s easy to access.

You can get very ill from poor hygienic practices, and if this happens when camping it’s not the nicest place to be.

There are lots of campgrounds that have toilets now, which makes hygiene easier. 

8. Camper trailers and caravans – the most comfortable camping you’ll do

A lot of people new to the camping game start off with a tent or swag. Don’t get me wrong, you can be incredibly comfortable in both with the right setup, but there is a reason so many people are buying camper trailers and caravans. They have everything you need, all packed into one unit.

Obviously, these come with some compromises too, like size, weight and cost, but in terms of comfortable camping, it’s about as good as it gets.

Despite the extra weight and size, a caravan or camper trailer has everything you need. 

9. The right location and weather

It’s hugely important to pick the right camping destination and ensure it suits the weather. Australia’s coastline can be absolutely magnificent, or it can be blowing a gale, raining and miserable. Aim to be prepared for the weather you are going to, or pick a location that ensures the weather is going to be mild.

If there’s a way to make your camping trip unenjoyable, it’s staying somewhere unprepared for the weather that comes your way.

Choose your spot based on the weather conditions to ensure a comfy stay. 

10. Being able to relax

Camping is all about getting away from the hustle and bustle and taking some time to relax. There’s no better place to do it than the thousands of camping locations within Australia. Sit back with a drink, soak up the views and enjoy the company of your friends and family.

The fact that you aren’t busy running around trying to get things done at home is going to make your camping trip far more enjoyable right from day dot.

Take the time to relax and enjoy the experience. 

My comfortable camping setup

Like many people, I started off with a cheap swag and not much else, then slowly upgraded. I now head away with the family in a well setup 4WD and camper trailer.

Compared to many out there it’s a fairly simple setup, but it allows us to camp easily and in comfort, even with a 2-year-old boy. It’s taken many years to refine and set up this way, but I love it.

  Who’s got their camping setup nailed, so you can head away easily and comfortably?

The post Why Camping Shouldn’t Be Roughing It appeared first on Snowys Blog.

[drsreekarh]

When I was planning my itinerary for down under, I browsed many blogs and travel websites and one thing came up constantly. And that was ‘Do the great ocean drive’. I kinda wondered if they were making a big deal out of a road along the beach. I mean, I had been on such roads before and they were pretty good, but why was this great? I wondered. It was especially stranger given the penchant of the Australians to prefix everything ‘GREAT’. don’t get me wrong some of them are great, like the great barrier reef, but not all are,,, great!

But anyway I planned to include it in my trip and drive down to see what was so great about it! We were two families of with two four-year-olds. So travel sickness was an issue. So we hired a Kluger and set out to verify the apparent greatness of this ocean road.

Officially, the Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and finishes at Allansford. Torquay is  100 kilometers from Melbourne via Geelong along the M1 then join the B100 to Torquay. The Great Ocean Road follows the B100 for 243 kilometers through to Allansford which is just 10 minutes from Warrnambool. The B100, replaces the old State road 100, which was the original Great Ocean road designation. You can then return the 256 kilometers to Melbourne via the A1 and M1. So we officially entered the great ocean road after an hour and 15 mins from Melbourne when we reached Torquay.

Map from tourstogo.com.au

Must See and Dos on the Great Ocean Road:

1. Torquay: This is the home of Bells Beach and birthplace of iconic surf brands Rip Curl and Quicksilver. It is the surfing and beach worship capital. Visit over Easter and see the world’s best surfers compete in the mighty Rip Curl Pro. Its a great location for families to splash about on one of the beaches. If you prefer the action of the surging surf, nearby Jan Juc is a little wilder, and experienced surfers can tackle the big swells of Bells Beach. This world-famous beach is the venue for the Rip Curl Pro, one of the most sought-after titles on the World Championship Tour. There is also Capture the Surf World Surfing Museum with pictures and hands-on displays. Stroll along sandy beaches beneath towering cliffs or take fine views of the coast from vantage points along the Surf Coast Walk. It would make an ideal first pit stop!

2. Apollo Bay: Stop into the beautiful village of Apollo Bay located at the foothills of the Otways. The surrounding areas are covered by rainforests full of waterfalls, ferns, and crystal clear streams. Ans as along the coast, here too you can swim, dive, surf and paddle out in the pristine coastal waters. Take a dip at the beach, climb aboard a surfboard or kayak, and get up close to local seal colonies.

Fishing is an important local industry so seafood is always on the menu at the local cafes and restaurants. Take a drive into the Otways to find mainland Australia’s oldest lighthouse. Walk through the nearby rainforest and wander past plunging waterfalls and lush ferns.

  3. Port Campbell: It is a popular tourist destination primarily because it is so closely surrounded by some of the Great Ocean Road’s most famous and scenic coastal attractions. A few minutes drive away is the rocky (but broken) platform of London Bridge, the Loch Ard Gorge, Gibsons Steps, and the most celebrated of all Great Ocean Road attractions, the Twelve Apostles. The coastline around the Port Campbell area consists of steep, rocky cliffs with pristine sandy white beaches in bays at the base of many of these cliffs.

The Port Campbell commercial centre is based around the tree-lined strip of Lord Street and features cafes, restaurants and specialty shops, catering well for visitors. Located right in the town centre is Port Campbell Bay which is an inlet of water surrounded by the Port Campbell National Park and it includes an attractive foreshore area, a calm sandy beach swimming area, and a jetty. For spectacular views across the bay, along the coast and over the town itself, take the Discovery Walk. Either climb up the steps from the beach at Port Campbell Bay and enjoy the view from the walking track along the cliff top, or alternatively access to the Discovery Walk and the Town Lookout can be reached via a car park on the Great Ocean Road to the west of town.

  4. 12 Apostles: Drive the short distance to the towering 12 Apostles, the dramatic limestone stacks that have made the region famous. This is the Mona Lisa of the great ocean road, its the Tendulkar of rocky beaches, its the Trump of bad decisions and er… let me stop with the puns:)

Most people who set out on this road treat the 12  Apostles as the destination and the drive back. Its that fittingly climactic end to the journey. I will leave my puns here and let you take a look at the photo below and see why those bad puns now make more sense!

Start at the visitor’s center for a bit of history and then follow the boardwalk to the 12 Apostles as they slowly reveal themselves. Created by constant erosion of the limestone cliffs of the mainland beginning 10–20 million years ago, the stormy Southern Ocean and blasting winds gradually eroded the softer limestone, forming caves in the cliffs.

The caves eventually became arches and when they collapsed rock stacks up to 45 meters high were left isolated from the shore. View the 12 Apostles at sunrise and sunset as they change color from dark and foreboding in shadow to brilliant sandy yellow under a full sun.

Loch Ard Gorge, site of a 19th-century shipwreck ‘Loch Ard’, as well as the Island Archway and London Bridge are other highlights in the area. The Island Archway collapsed in 2009, highlighting the fragile and ever-changing nature of Victoria’s coastline.

5. Camperdown: When you go back to Melbourne via the picturesque inland route, you will discover this cute little town located on the world’s third largest volcanic plain. The region’s lush pastures are home to dairy farms producing mouth-watering cheeses. For an indulgent afternoon, settle in for a refreshing ale and gourmet lunch at Camperdown’s many restaurants. If time permits to try and climb to the top of Mt Leura and Mt Sugarloaf and take in 360-degree views of the coastal ranges and rolling western plains. Volcanic activity has shaped much of the surrounding landscape, leaving a legacy of cones, lakes, and craters to explore. (Pic from exploreaustralia.net.au)

6. Colac: Set on the doorstep of the Great Otway National Park, Colac is a lively regional center close to some of Victoria’s most-loved natural attractions. The Great Otway National Park is filled with its towering trees and dense fern glades. Camp out under the stars, bushwalk to cascading waterfalls and stunning beaches, or head to the calm waters and eerie landscapes of Lake Elizabeth in search of the elusive platypus.

Enjoy a little retail therapy while wandering the streets of Colac. Browse country gift shops and specialty stores, stock up at community markets and cool off in the beautiful botanic gardens. Hit the road and sample the region’s best fresh produce, wines, beers and gourmet treats along the Otway Harvest Trail.

7. The Drive itself: Driving on the great ocean road is truly an experience in itself. Lined by lush hills on one side and the turquoise ocean on the other with gently meandering roads and the cool breeze; it could hardly get better. Take a look at the video and see for yourself. It surely is one of those places where the drive itself is the destination!

  Practical Tips and info:

You need an English language license to hire a car here. My Indian license worked just fine

Many people try to drive all along the road in one day, especially day-trippers coming from Melbourne. Of course, it’s possible, but this way you’ll miss most of the fabulous highlights

Plan to spend three or four days doing the drive – this will cut out a lot of extended time behind the wheel and give you the hours to linger wherever you feel the urge

The Great Ocean Road is not only made for driving. You should definitely take some walks during your trip. Of course, walking on the main road isn’t the smartest idea, but luckily there’s a variety of paths in the surroundings.

All along the road, you’ll find plenty of hotels, but most of them are located in Torquay, Lorne, and Apollo Bay. For more of an authentic experience, stop in some small villages. Keep in mind it’s a famous route and it’s better to book a place in advance, especially if you’re going to travel during the high season.

Since almost everything is by the water, it does get very windy so bring a jacket definitely!

Australia Visa for Indians: Indians need a visa to get into Australia. I applied through VFS Global. It was pretty straightforward.

What I Saw: Mad Max, the 1979 version was shot on the great ocean roads.  You do get glimpses of the vast expanses of the countryside all through the movie (YouTube link).

What I Read: Seeking stories of Australia’s Great Ocean Road, a young writer stumbles across a manual from a minor player in the road’s history, FB Herschell. It is a volume unremarkable in every way, save for the surprising portrait of its author that can be read between its lines: a vision of a man who writes with uncanny poetry about sand. And as he continues to mine the archive of FB Herschell – engineer, historian, philosopher – it is not the subject, but the man who begins to fascinate. A man whose private revolution among the streets of Paris in May 1968 begins to change the way he views life, love, and the coastal landscape into which he was born…

        Great Ocean Drive When I was planning my itinerary for down under, I browsed many blogs and travel websites and one thing came up constantly.