As the sunsets on the first week of my adventure I begin to write everything I have been upto this week.
I began on Thursday the 4th of January 2024 and set out along the Great Ocean Road. This has always been one of my favourite experiences even since we moved to Australia almost 11 years ago. The views are just incredible and I feel grateful to live so close to it every time I drive along the road. I got to make some new stops this time and had to miss some favourites due to busy tourists. This was the longest I've driven ever in one go and I collapsed once I arrived at my campsite.
I stopped in Lorne for a lovely walk along the beach as its one of my favourite places. I then had to skip the Koalas due to zero parking spaces I then stopped at Carisbrook Falls for a short 10 minute walk to a Waterfall, I then tried to get up to a new lookout but unfortunately my van was not equipped for such a steep road. I then drove passed the Otways and stopped at Johanna a very famous surf beach. I enjoyed the beach for a while until I hit the road again, I then arrived at the 1w apostles. Always very busy but a must do along the Great Ocean Road. I then enjoyed some of the stops after including London Bridge and the great ship.
I then completed the Great Ocean Road for I believe my first time ever and got to my campsite.
It was a lovely little campsite and perfect for my first night. Early to bed and to rise for another day on the road tomorrow.
Today I set out along Warrambool and to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. I don't think I'd ever heard of this place before. I did two walks, one to a high lookout point of the surrounding areas and another alone a lake and I saw a Koala at a watering hole which was really cool as Koalas aren't always that active!
I then did a few stops at beaches until I got to Port Fairy where I enjoyed the town and some of my lunch. I then did the big drive across the border to South Australia! I stopped just outside of Mount Gambier and enjoyed a big oval as a campsite. I had another early night after my big adventurous day.
I woke up this morning to a lovely sunrise just outside my van. I then set out along the road a short way to Mount Gambier where I enjoyed the Blue Lake, it's a beautiful big blue lake that is the local towns main water source. I did the full walk around the edge of the lake which was very hot in 33°. To cool down I headed to the Kilsby sinkhole where I got a short tour of the sink-hole and then had a 45 minute snorkelling experience in the sink-hole and cave. It was a very cool plunge in and it was raining during the experience but I loved it. The water was lovely and clear to see all around. There was a little Turtle but unfortunately I didn't see it in or out of the water... very unlucky!
I then went back to Mount Gambier to see some more views despite the rain and heavy clouds before retreating to Lake Leake for my evening camp ground. Unfortunately a lack of showers on my journey and my trip in the sinkhole meant a very cold shower from the shower head of my van outside in the rain. It was a very interesting experience but I must get used to these cold showers!
Today I decided to have a relaxing morning around Lake Leake, the forecast was rain bit surprisingly non appeared. I decided at lunch to head back to Mount Gambier and do the cave garden and Umperton Sinkhole, I ended up arriving at the same time as a bride who was beginning her walk down the sinkhole as her aisle. I got to watch and experience that along side the wedding guests and take in the amazing scenery. After that I headed by to Lake Leake for a relaxing evening.
Monday the 8th-
This morning I headed out for a big day setting out to Kingston known for Larry the Lobster.
I stopped at the South end for some quick walks and view points. I the headed to Beachport to of course enjoy the beach, views on penguin Island and Bowmans scenic drive.
I then headed onto Robe which is a beautiful little beach side town. The houses look very nice!! I enjoyed the coastal track with the Oblisk and old goal ruins which I found really interesting as a history lover.
As well as a lovely viewpoint of the whole of robe. I also got to enjoy a very cold shower at the public bathrooms to avoid using all my water.
I then drove to Kingston where I chose my spot for two nights and enjoyed an early evening.
I embarked on a lovely walk to Larry the Lobster this morning and then decided to hit the information centre to grab the brochure on the Historical trail of Kingston. Unfortunately this meant revisiting the same walk I had done this morning to Larry but enjoyed learning about the history of the town. I then had a relaxing lunch and early afternoon before deciding to have a nice long walk along the beach. Another early evening for a big hiking day tomorrow!
Finally it's Wednesday! I cannot believe a week tomorrow I embarked on my journey and here I am in South Australia! I had an early rise this morning to pack up my van and head off to the Coorong National Park, the place in which the movie and book Storm Boy was set. Before arriving at the national park I stopped at the Granites a beautiful beach between the national park and Kingston. I decided to have ago at one of these driving beaches which unfortunately led to of course me being Bogged. So I had to get a lovely gentlemen's help to tow me out of the sand where I could then leave and never return to a beach in my van again... lesson learnt!
I then got to the Coorong National Park where I did the Chinaman's well walk which taught me all about the Chinese settlers during the Gold rush. I then enjoyed a lovely lake walk where I was hopefully for some wildlife and saw non. However I did see a snake on my way out whilst in my van. I then carried onto Jack's Point to see some Pelicans and Long beach where I saw even more.
I then finished in Narrung where I am enjoying my beautiful sunset where the sky has turned pink and purple before hitting the hay for another big day tomorrow.
After a week on the road I have done 1,376 Kms and achieved the first part of my journey.
Tomorrow I hit the Fleurieu Pennisula the beautiful coast and beaches before I get into Adelaide and the Adeliade Hills.
I have taken my time so far but definitely hope I can fit loads more in on my remaining 3 weeks!
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