Friday, May 27, 2011

Little Smedley's Tour of The Great Ocean Road!!


 

Every great road trip has to have a mascot, don't you think?  We rescued Smedley from a Tourist Info Gift Shop in Melbourne... and knew he'd be the perfect tour guide along
The Great Ocean Road. 


 

It was just two days really.... with a stop over in Lorne.  But with the help of an event driver during the press junket, we got the scoop on how to tackle such a major road trip in 48 hours. 

 

We had rain, sun, clouds, ocean, cliffs, forests, a kangaroo, snacks, shopping, a best buddy, and amazing vistas. The perfect road trip.


The highway decorations from Melbourne....





I could chart the whole thing for you... or just show you the amazing photos....
   I think I'll do the latter...




There were many stops, and many surprises... always something to look at....






 And the Aussie's take their signage very seriously...




A reststop area... painted with Aboriginal art... love it... 







Driving along coastal cliffs... there's bound to be a lighthouse or two...


Smedley said it was definitely worth stopping... and he was right...


 

A lovely housey cottage along the road to the lighthouse...


 

Wow, right?  

 

Back on the road with our trusty navigator, Smedley...


 

We stopped at a summery campsite along some bluffs....


 

We arrived at the township for the night.... and it was time to take a load off, after 5 hours of driving...


 

Smedley says real Aussies don't drink Fosters.  They drink CROWN.   We agree, it's a better choice. 

 

Is this the strangest sand pattern ever?  
 No actually... the camera is sitting on top of the weathered picnic table...



 

We agreed.

 

Loved the bouquet like trees along the ocean 

 

Smedley introduced me to the BEST CANDY BAR I'VE EVER HAD.  Imagine a Mounds candy bar... flavored with cherry & coconut.  Sigh. 


 

We stopped for the night.  Even Little Smedley had a comfy bed.


 

Flowers are extraordinary in Australia... 


 

By far the biggest attraction on The Great Ocean Road are...

 

Oceany crags jutting up out of the splashing waves... 
there used to be 12 of them, thus the name.
I think there are only 8 now.  
But I was so busy gaping at the views, I didn't think to count!




 

"DIE"  
(they don't kid around)



 I loved the foliage and blooms...




It was a short walk from the visitor's center.... 


Oh, it's not so high up....



Oh.... wait...


 

Too windy and high for Little Smedley.  
He stowed away inside my coat....


 

What's that way out there... some sort of promontory...?  Are those people? (YES)




Yes.  People.  Way out on the tip.

 

Journey out had some stunning views and photo ops...


 

Who is that lime-green chap with Smedley?


 

Just wow.








Looking back at the cliffside we'd started on....



Next stop... quaint town with yummy food?  Absolutely!





It was time to head back to Melbourne... long drive. 


But a beautiful drive... !


Smedley would like to thank you all for letting him 
give you all a brief tour of an amazing road trip!

~Shephard :)

*       *       *

Anyone interested in seeing 
our other adventures in Austrlia, 
click on these:
 




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5:23 PM |

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