Anticipating an extraordinary day in Australia, excitement surged through me as I set out on a mission to unveil a hidden treasure. With the sun casting its first light at 7 am, I reached out to Liam, my guide through the uncharted, ensuring my presence by 8:45 am. Overcoming fatigue, I reluctantly left the comfort of my bed at 7:50 am, diving into a flurry of morning rituals. By 8:05 am, I bid farewell to the hostel, armed solely with Google Maps, ready to decipher the enigmas of Victoria.
Breakfast in Geelong: Fueling Up for the Journey
At approximately 8:50 am, I reached Liam’s residence, and without delay, we embarked on our journey. Guiding me to the highway, Liam steered the way towards Geelong. After a scenic 30-40 minute drive, we reached Geelong, where Liam needed to grab breakfast, and I had to procure ice for the cooler. Eager to satisfy my hunger, I accompanied Liam. Parking in the city center near a bustling mall, our adventure took an unexpected turn when Liam handed me a thoughtful gift—a Geelong Australian football team scarf for the Cats.
As I revisit and update this blog, even in 2023, I continue to wear this scarf every winter, attracting plenty of attention during my rides on Dutch public transport. Its distinctive charm never fails to turn heads. The surprise continued as I learned I’d be joining Liam and his friends for a game on the upcoming Monday. Our mall exploration led us to a Subway, where both of us indulged in foot-long subs, fueling ourselves for the day ahead.
The delightful flavor of the Subway sandwich once again pleased my taste buds. Following our meal, we headed to Coles Supermarket, where I stocked up on duct tape, snacks, ice, and bread. Returning to the car, we initially thought parking was free for two hours, only to discover the need for a ticket. Fortunately, luck was on our side—no police notice adorned the windscreen.
Scenic Overlooks
As we drove off, we faithfully followed the directions uttered by the familiar Dutch-speaking GPS woman, a source of amusement for me. Liam, enjoying my choice of music, engaged in lively conversations. During our journey, he enlightened me on Australian slang, teaching me phrases like ‘Mackers’ for McDonald’s and ‘chuck a uey,’ signifying a U-turn at the nearest opportunity. Fun times indeed!
After an hour-long drive, we reached the coast and decided to pull over at the first lookout that caught our eye. Stepping out, we took a leisurely stroll along the beach, capturing the scenic beauty through photographs.
We left quickly and continued our way. A few moments later we passed the Great Ocean Road sign, before I knew it we drove past the parking area with 90 kilometers per hour. ‘Fuck, I wanna make some pictures, too late now, do it on the way back I guess?’, I said. ‘Just pull over here, we walk back to the sign’, Liam said. I pulled over and parked the car.
‘The beginning of another adventure’, I pondered silently. The sign of the Great Ocean Road had a meaningful significance for me. I had come across it in online images while planning this journey. Oh, the joy of envisioning myself here, and now, experiencing it all—a profound sense of achievement washed over me. I could vividly imagine the landscapes and interconnected roads that this sign symbolized, another fragment of the world awaiting my exploration. It was a surreal feeling. After lingering for 10 minutes, we resumed our journey towards the east.
Traffic Jams and Tourist Games
Approximately 20 minutes later, we made a subsequent stop. This marked the true initiation of the Great Ocean Road, characterized by winding roads and a reduced maximum speed from 100 to 80 kilometers per hour.
We departed swiftly and pressed on. Another 30 minutes down the road, we found ourselves stuck in a traffic jam near a small town. The congestion took me by surprise; I anticipated the Easter holiday rush, given the popularity of camping in the area of the Great Ocean Road, but not a significant traffic delay. I remarked to Liam, “I believe this is my first unexpected traffic jam in Australia; in the Netherlands, these are quite common.” Liam, armed with my camera, seized the opportunity to capture the surroundings. As we inched through the traffic, he zoomed in, playfully spying on fellow travelers.
We found ourselves ensnared in traffic for roughly 20 minutes, gradually progressing toward the next town. Upon reaching it, the source of the traffic jam became apparent: the town boasted around three roundabouts. Navigating through the town, we resumed our eastward journey, still facing a considerable distance to cover before reaching the Twelve Apostles. About 30 minutes later, we made a pit stop at another lookout for a refreshing drink and a brief break. While relieving myself across the Great Ocean Road, a passing car honked, adding a humorous note to the situation. Little did I know, several hours later, I would reciprocate the gesture when I spotted a gentleman relieving himself in a forest.
After a stretch of driving, we arrived at the larger town of Apollo Bay, presenting a picturesque scene. Intrigued by the surroundings, I made a brief stop at the visitor information office for a necessary break. Meanwhile, Liam stayed in the car, engrossed in an Australian football match on the radio. Post my quick restroom break, I ventured into the office to gather maps and information. The friendly attendant shared insights about the national parks and available free camping areas. She also mentioned a delightful lookout over Apollo Bay, just a short 3-minute drive away. The moment she mentioned it, I was eager to visit—I have a soft spot for elevated views, especially when they are easily accessible and offer solitude.
Sheep, Views, and the Joy of High Places
Returning to the car, I informed Liam of my desire to catch a glimpse of the ocean from a nearby trail adjacent to the car park. True to his Aussie spirit, Liam joined me barefoot. During our stroll, I outlined my plan for the remainder of the day: our priority was to locate the camping area before it filled up with other tourists. While the camping was complimentary, the bustling scene meant timing was crucial. We aimed to secure a spot promptly. Tomorrow held the promise of an early visit to the Twelve Apostles.
I went back to the car and told Liam I wanted to see the ocean from a small path that was here right next to the car park. Liam joined me on his bare feet. A real Aussie indeed. While walking I told Liam my plan for the rest of the day: We would go and find the camping area first, before all spots would be taken by other tourists. The camping was free, but since it was busy we had to get there in time. Tomorrow we would see the Twelve Apostles, as early as possible.
While the view from our current vantage point was pleasant, the prospect of an even more breathtaking scene awaited us atop the mountain the girl had mentioned earlier. Handing the map to Liam, I took the wheel and directed us back towards the direction we came from, near the entrance of Apollo Bay. Negotiating a left turn, we ascended a steep incline. I couldn’t help but relish the moment the digital fuel consumption surged from 10 liters to 40 liters per 100 kilometers as we climbed the crest.
Ten minutes later, we parked the car and commenced our journey along the path. The lookout, situated on private property, turned out to be a farm with sheep. Liam, initially walking barefoot, soon regretted his choice as the muddy path took its toll on his feet. After about 10 minutes, we reached the lookout, and the panoramic view was nothing short of spectacular. Despite the cloudy weather, intermittent bursts of sunlight enhanced the beauty of my photographs.
Spectacular vistas! This spot captivated me. I enjoyed my coke and savored some chocolate. Liam, keen on securing a unique photo opportunity, opted to wait until other tourists departed. His goal: a snapshot with the sheep in the field. Once the coast was clear, he boldly climbed over the fence, beckoning me to capture the whimsical scene. Absolute madness, but undeniably amusing, haha.
After 30 minutes, we resumed our journey along the Great Ocean Road, selecting a free camping spot marked on the map. The next camping site was approximately an hour away.
Setting the Stage: Tent Troubles and Sunset Plans
We passed the first one, that was my fault. After a while we were so far away that we were going to check out the Johanna Beach camping spot. It was the last free camping spot along the way to the Twelve Apostles. From there it would be another 80 kilometers towards the Twelve Apostles. We got there around 4 pm. We got a spot and tried to set up the tent.
I told Liam we still had to get dinner and I wanted some more snacks for the evening too. Liam agreed and we put the tent back into the slipcover. We drove away on a gravel road. Liam told me that would lead to the highway and would be quicker than the way we came from. I had to drive slowly, because the rocks would jump and hit hard if I would drive to hard. At some points we stopped, because we had great views over the valley. Incredible the nature here!
We bypassed the first camping spot, a mistake on my part. Eventually, realizing the distance, we decided to explore the Johanna Beach camping spot, the last free option en route to the Twelve Apostles. It was still 80 kilometers away from our final destination. By 4 pm, we reached Johanna Beach, secured a spot, and began the tent setup. Considering the time, I suggested to Liam that we should grab dinner and stock up on snacks for the evening. He agreed, and we stowed the tent back into its slipcover. Venturing onto a gravel road, Liam assured me it would lead us to the highway and be a quicker route than our initial one. Navigating carefully to avoid rocks, we intermittently paused to appreciate breathtaking views over the valley. The natural beauty of the surroundings of the Great Ocean Road was truly incredible!
Twenty minutes later, we rejoined the Great Ocean Road, with the next village just 5 kilometers ahead. At the nearby gas station, I purchased fuel and snacks. Conveniently, there was a bistro across the street where we decided to have dinner. Opting for a hamburger, I, while Liam chose the vegetarian pizza. Satisfied with our meal, we drove back to the camp area.
We parked the car, and anticipating a chilly night, I suggested to Liam that he should sleep in the front seat. Fortunately, I had turned on the heater just before our arrival, ensuring ample warmth within the car.
Later in the evening, we indulged in watching How I Met Your Mother. After a while, I made the decision to introduce Liam to Game of Thrones. We binge-watched the first, second, and third episodes. By around 11 pm, we called it a night, but it turned out to be quite uncomfortable. Liam, unaccustomed to such sleeping arrangements, struggled to find rest, and I woke up multiple times. The night was exceedingly uncomfortable. Despite the less-than-ideal sleep, we set the alarm for 6 am the next day.
