Australian Adventure: Exploring the Great Ocean Road and Granden National Park
A Coastal Drive to Remember: Cruising the Great Ocean Road
Our Australian adventure began with a scenic drive along the renowned Great Ocean Road. Waking up to spectacular views, though not quite at sunrise as planned, set the tone for an incredible day. The sun-drenched landscapes offered a vibrant contrast to the moody weather of previous days, revealing the stunning orange hues of the cliffs and coastline. A stop at the iconic London Bridge rock formation provided a fascinating glimpse into history, as we learned about its collapse in the 1980s from a local couple.
Continuing along the Great Ocean Road, we stopped at various viewpoints, each offering unique perspectives of the dramatic coastline. The vibrant colors of the ocean and cliffs, ranging from deep blues and greens to striking oranges, were truly captivating. A simple coffee break with leftover pizza, enjoyed against the backdrop of the ocean, became a cherished memory.
Wildlife Encounters at Tower Hill: A Haven for Australian Fauna
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve proved to be an absolute highlight of our trip. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by emus and the sight of an active koala enjoying a meal. The reserve is a haven for Australian wildlife, and we were amazed by the sheer number of koalas in the area, some even venturing onto the ground! The emus, surprisingly comfortable around people, provided endless entertainment as they curiously investigated our belongings.
Tower Hill offers a variety of hiking trails, and we chose the Lava Tongue Boardwalk, hoping to spot an echidna. Our patience was rewarded when a shy echidna emerged from the bushes, providing a thrilling encounter with this unique Australian creature. The reserve, situated within an extinct volcano crater, added another layer of intrigue to our wildlife exploration.
Granden National Park: Majestic Landscapes and Cozy Cabins
After a two-hour drive, we arrived at Hall's Gap, the heart of Granden National Park. Our cozy two-bedroom cabin, a steal at $60 USD per couple per night, provided the perfect base for our explorations. The park's diverse landscapes, a stark contrast to the rainforests we had previously explored, promised new adventures.
A quick trip to the local tavern for dinner resulted in a delicious, albeit pricey, meal of lamb shank sandwiches. The abundance of kangaroos, now a common sight, continued to delight us. As the day drew to a close, we reflected on the incredible experiences and looked forward to the hikes planned for the following day.
Hiking to Pinnacle Peak: Breathtaking Views and Birdwatching Delights
The next morning, we embarked on a hike to Pinnacle Lookout. The sounds of birds, which had serenaded us throughout the night, created a magical atmosphere. The rocky, dry terrain presented a different challenge compared to our previous rainforest hikes. Along the way, we spotted another echidna and marveled at the unique rock formations.
Reaching the Pinnacle Lookout rewarded us with breathtaking panoramic views. The expansive vista was truly awe-inspiring, and we took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The descent provided a playful opportunity to surprise Sammy with a playful scare, adding a touch of fun to our hike.
MacKenzie Falls and Farewell to Australia
Our final stop in Granden National Park was MacKenzie Falls, a powerful waterfall that flows year-round. Although swimming was prohibited, the cool breeze from the falls provided a welcome respite from the heat. A chance encounter with a stump-tailed lizard added another unique wildlife sighting to our list.
As we prepared to depart for New Zealand, we raised a toast to Australia, expressing our gratitude for the warm hospitality and unforgettable experiences. This incredible journey, filled with stunning scenery, fascinating wildlife, and cherished moments, marked the end of our Australian adventure.
