Koalas, platypus and the Great Ocean Road

Airey's Inlet-Great Ocean Road
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We headed west to explore the Otway ranges and Great Ocean Road which winds its way spectacularly from Torquay to Port Campbell. Crashing surf, forested hillsides and impressive limestone stacks and arches, constantly battered by the Southern Ocean, have been our companions this week.

We have been really lucky with wildlife encounters including sleepy koalas right above our heads on a coastal walk from Apollo bay to Shelly Beach and a canoe trip on Lake Elizabeth where we saw the elusive duck-billed platypus paddling and diving in the tranquil water as the sun set.

View from Teddy's Lookout, Lorne
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Near Port Campbell the coastal features include the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard gorge and London Bridge-impressive stacks, gulleys and islands which have been the final resting place of many ships in the past.

Another relaxing weekend  with friends, where amazingly  we spotted two humpback whales playing off the  shore at Point Lonsdale.

Next week we are heading for Australia's most southerly point on the mainland...Wilson's Promontory.