Anticipating an extraordinary day on the Great Ocean Road adventure, the alarm sounded promptly at 6 am, in line with our plan. After rising for a quick morning routine, we departed the camping site about 10 minutes later. The car was still damp from the morning dew, taking some time to clear. Opting for the well-paved road, we made our way back to the highway, ensuring a swifter journey. Arriving swiftly in the small town we had dined in the previous afternoon, we then set out for the remaining 80 kilometers to reach the Twelve Apostles. Surprisingly, at 7 am, we found a few cars already present, indicating fellow early-bird tourists sharing our plan. After parking, a pit stop at the public toilets preceded our visit to the viewing platform.
The initial vistas were breathtaking. I felt a sense of relief that we chose today for this visit, unlike yesterday when the weather was chilly and overcast. Pulling out some chocolate bread and sipping on a refreshing coke, I relished my meal while soaking in the incredible scenery.
Chasing Sunrise at Twelve Apostles
Strolling toward the platform’s edge, we discovered an even more breathtaking view. A vivid red sign warned against venturing onto the cliffs, but some daring souls had already crossed the fence. Intrigued, I couldn’t resist the temptation and climbed over the fence, urging Liam to join. Though hesitant at first, he eventually relented, capturing the stunning scenery with our cameras. The experience was truly extraordinary!
Retracing our steps, we relished the view and spotted a man on the beach to our left. Intrigued, we wondered about his route to the shore and set off toward a distant point. Ten minutes later, back at the car, we decided to explore another parking area. Our visit to the Twelve Apostles viewing platform had spanned 30 minutes. Just 100 meters back along the road, we encountered yet another viewing platform, the Gibson Steps, featuring a staircase leading down to the beach.
Regrettably, the fence was shut, accompanied by a notice citing the prohibition of beach entry due to high waves. Despite the calm sea at that moment, the sign suggested otherwise. Keen to explore, I was eager to enter, but Liam hesitated. Just then, a man approached us—the same person we had seen on the beach from the Twelve Apostles viewing platform. Assuring us it was safe, he explained that the tide would rise in three hours. Encouraged, we climbed over the fence and descended. What could possibly go wrong?
Adventures Beyond the Fence: Gibson Steps
On the beach, we encountered a friendly German lady who shared her appreciation for the surroundings. Continuing our journey toward the prominent rock in the distance, we relished the breathtaking view. Inspired by the moment, I decided to craft a name tag in the sand. Enamored by the seascape and the sunrise, we lingered for another delightful 20 minutes before retracing our steps back to the stairs.
As I led the way, Liam trailed about 20 steps behind me. Climbing the stairs, a sense of intuition whispered that someone might be waiting for us at the fence. Moments later, a man in a green sweater greeted me. My hunch was correct; he was a ranger. “How ya doing, mate?” he said, his expression a mix of frustration and anger.
Waiting for Liam to join me, the ranger then proceeded to share his candid opinion about the fence: “You know what they should do? Just get rid of the goddamn fence and let the tourists drown. That’s right, you heard me.” Liam and I nodded in agreement with his unconventional and visibly irate perspective. “You know what happens if people drown? They’ll sue the national park, and what do we do to stop it? Put up even more signs! You know what they should do? Just let the bloody people drown! I don’t care! Let them go down and see for themselves!”
Ten minutes later, his lecture concluded, and it became apparent that his frustration wasn’t directed at us personally. Perhaps he just despised his job, and our perceived disregard for his authority by ignoring the sign added to his discontent. I had expected a fine but was met with a lecture instead— a relief. Following the ranger, he proceeded to open the fence for the public. Last night’s closure was due to high waves, reopening around 1 am during low tide. As Liam and I drove away, we shared laughter and conversation, reflecting on this amusing situation. It underscored a broader observation: up until this point in Australia, I couldn’t help but notice a pervasive sense of governmental overnurturing, marked by numerous signs and rules.
We returned to the Twelve Apostles parking area for a quick break and another restroom stop. Eager to capture the Twelve Apostles in the morning sunlight, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to take some stunning photographs.
Scenic Drive Back to Melbourne
Subsequently, we headed back to Melbourne, passing through a scenic forest along the way. Having spotted a promising lookout the previous day, we were determined to explore it. Our first stop was at a lookout over a valley, approximately 100 kilometers back in the direction of Melbourne.
We reached a quaint lookout with a captivating view of the ocean. I savored a refreshing coke before we continued on our journey. The forest was a 40-minute drive away, and upon arrival, the view proved to be spectacular. Unfortunately, the sun played spoilsport for my pictures. Such is the nature of adventures – a mix of wins and losses.
As we approached Apollo Bay, visible in the distance, we paused at the lookout for 10 minutes. The site became crowded with the arrival of numerous tourists.
Cliffside Serenity: A Stop Along the Way
Continuing our journey, we reached Apollo Bay approximately 30 minutes later. Stopping for fuel, we also opted for an early lunch in the town. Choosing an empty restaurant, we ordered pizza and attempted to watch a Game of Thrones episode, but the noise level made it challenging. Midway through the episode, we decided to depart. As we exited, we were surprised to find the place suddenly filled with Asian visitors. Resuming our route back to Melbourne, we marveled at the unexpected turn of events.
Forty minutes later, we arrived at the next lookout. My enthusiasm led me to desire stops at every captivating spot; this place had truly captured my heart. At this particular stop, there was an old historical site that piqued my interest, and fortunately, Liam was equally excited about exploring. I eagerly crossed the road and explored the platform, greeted by a breathtaking view of rocky low cliffs. Eager to descend, I wasted no time, and as I made my way down, I noticed other tourists also enjoying the remarkable scenery.
Seated on a solitary rock, resembling a small island, I reveled in the natural spectacle unfolding around me. The waves ebbed and flowed, creating a captivating dance on the opposite end of the rock. Bathed in sunlight, with the rhythmic crashing of waves as my soundtrack, I savored the moment, enjoying a refreshing Coke. While I sat, Liam remained on the platform, surveying the vastness of the ocean. Observing other tourists nearby, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to witness a spontaneous moment. As the group positioned for a collective photo on a cliff near the water, I kept a keen eye out for a wave to photobomb their shot. My anticipation was rewarded five minutes later when a wave unexpectedly surged, dousing their feet. The unexpected spectacle left me in stitches, and even Liam, on the other side, found the episode equally amusing.
Following a delightful twenty-minute sojourn, we resumed our journey, with Liam skillfully capturing candid moments of me during the drive. After roughly an hour, we found ourselves back in the vibrant city of Melbourne.
Return to Melbourne: A Day of Reflection
Upon bidding farewell to Liam at his residence, I returned to the hostel. Following a mandatory check-in and a refreshing shower, the late afternoon unfolded into a leisurely period—watching Game of Thrones, sharing photos on Facebook, and jotting down reflections. Anticipation simmered as I looked forward to reuniting with Liam the next day for a football game, anticipating a unique cultural experience. Excitement brimmed within me at the prospect, adding a lighthearted touch to the adventure.
As evening settled in, I enjoyed a meal of couscous, a convenient microwave dish, and assorted snacks in my room. Currently residing in Room 210, positioned at the end of the first-floor corridor, I found myself in the company of a friendly Canadian named Robbie. Engaging in conversations with him added a pleasant touch to the day. Another resident, sporting a noticeable bruised eye, initially remained silent, prompting me to keep my interactions minimal. However, later on, I engaged in a brief conversation with him. Reflecting on the events of the day, I marveled at the diverse encounters. With the clock nearing 1 am, I eventually retired for the night.
