May 2nd: How Many Apostles Are There?

Day 29 (Day 4 in Australia)

Today we drove off to the west again another 85km or so (50+ miles) to see the very inaccurately named Twelves Apostles. These are limestone stacks that have separated from the mainland as a result of coastal erosion. The rock is, geologically, very soft.

The journey there was through a lot of forest and some very zig-zaggy roads with occasional glimpses of coasts, cliffs, beaches and waves. 

Our first sight of the intended target came at Gibson Steps where there was a spectacularly beautiful and almost deserted beach. We descended down the 200 (-ish) steps, (passed the warnings of snakes!) for fantastic views.





A few minutes further along the Great Ocean Road we arrived at the main destination. Unsurprisingly, it was very busy so it must be heaving in peak season. The car park was nearly full and helicopters were taking people on tours every few minutes.






After drinking in the views for as long as we could to try and imprint them on our aging grey matters and to take photos, it was time to head back to Melbourne. This was a 4 ½ hour trip (without stops) along those same windy roads AND finishing through peak Melbourne traffic with its 7 lane highways. (Quote from Satnav in the city,”Take the 3rd lane from the left to stay right then turn left…”)


We got home about 7pm to enjoy a delicious pie home-baked by Carolyn plus a lovely bottle of Penfolds Bin 381, 2004 vintage ftom Phil (“from when you were fifty”)! Phil has an extensive collection of wine. Over 400 bottles! It was poured from this great decanter received on his 50th! 

Fantastic! They are really spoiling us.

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