What a welcome. We’d just checked in when we spotted him. He wasn’t asleep or high or chewing on leaves. He was alert and a real cutie. And then he came down, as though to greet us.
Welcome to Kennett River.
What a perfect way to begin the final night of our Great Ocean Road adventure.
Let’s backtrack a bit.
We left Port Campbell under grey skies that morning but the mood was light.
Our first stop was the 12 Apostles, Victoria’s number one tourist attraction. Normally it’s a jostle to get a photo and the boardwalks are filled with tourists, but this morning it’s quiet. It’s just us and the pounding of the waves below.
I loved the poetry boards on the boardwalk. Poems that speak of the ocean, the fury of the waves and the savage history of this shipwreck coast …
However, words and photos can’t compare to seeing the real deal. There are now only eight Apostles left, these huge limestone stacks that once were connected to the mainland cliffs but now rise out of the Southern Ocean and reach into the sky.Over the years the relentless power of the waves, the wind and nature’s fury has carved and sculpted them and eroded them down.
Majestic. Magnificent. Ancient. This morning they appeared mystical, like sentinels standing guard on the Southern Ocean floor. They appear to have their own ever changing moods of colour and intensity, depending on the sky above.
More might tumble over the years. Who knows when, in time, more stretches of the cliffs will become pillars and Apostles.
We continued on our journey and agreed that the wet weather was conducive to some indoor tasting. Knowing how much our guests loved cheese we detoured to Apostle Whey Cheese in Cooriemungle, not far off the Great Ocean Road.
“The early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese”
Cheese lovers take note. “This is a genuine paddock to plate operation which means all cheeses are made from pure milk that’s been produced by a speciality bred herd of Aussie Red/Jerseys.”
Their cheeses were divine. Honestly, they were so good it was hard to decide which I liked best so I did the only thing I could. I bought a whole heap of them! Lunch/dinner was looking mighty fine.
“Happiness comes in many forms, Grated, Sliced, Diced, Melted.”
Blissfully content, we continued along the Great Ocean Road, as it weaves in and out of the magnificent Otway Ranges. Before we knew it we were at Melba Gully, one of the pristine pockets of rainforest in the area.
A thirty minute walk through this magical lush rainforest awakens all the senses. It’s a land of green giants, an oasis of towering tree ferns that hints of magic, elves and goblins.
At night time the glow worms come out and play. They’re mesmerising. You just need to take a torch so you don’t fall down a hole and end up in Alice’s Wonderland.
We skipped the night walk this time but even during the day there’s magic around. I could have sworn I saw a troll underneath this bridge!By the time we got back to the car, tummies were rumbling. We stopped off at the Bakery in Apollo Bay, which was in the throes of its annual Seafood Festival, but our sights were firmly planted on our last destination, Kennett River.
And it was there we met our furry koala friend. Did you know that the koala can run as fast as a rabbit? And it’s not actually a bear, it’s a marsupial, related to the kangaroo and the wombat.
Considering that koalas sleep for up to 19 hours in a day we were lucky to see them as active as we did. If you follow me on Instagram you’ll see a couple of my videos on these furry creatures.
Food at last. Finally!
It was a late but much anticipated lunch after we’d got camp set up.And boy did we enjoy the bounty of our travels.
In between our late lunch and even later pasta dinner there were more local walks and koala sightings. Right behind our camp there were koalas grunting, groaning, playing, threesomes, tiffs, stand offs. We saw it all.
I think we might have encroached on a koala convention or maybe something a bit more amorous!
Not to be outdone by the koalas, Kennett River is also a haven for colourful bird life. Catherine seems to attract them everywhere she goes.
Later that afternoon was spent at the beach which was right across the road from our campsite.As our feet enjoyed a touch of summer, we revelled in the small things, enjoying each other’s company, reliving the last few days, knowing that tomorrow would be the final day together. It wasn’t ideal beach weather but we made the most of every moment.
I guess that’s the aim of each day, even when we get caught up in the ordinary stuff. Looking at everything with grateful eyes and realising that all that we do and think is a choice.
Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.
Take care and make time for rest and relaxation. And keep enjoying the journey, that’s where joy lies.
Just ask the koalas.
In love and light
The trail is the thing. Not the end of the trail.
so cute!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Agreed! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
That last photo is so beautiful! We loved the Wye River area and the Kennett koalas. Somewhere I could easily see ourselves staying for a while.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, absolutely! The whole coastline is beautiful but I do have a soft spot for this area.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful post Miriam, full of joy and happiness! Love your koala conference 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Deb. I loved writing it up. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Wow..!! What a friendly koala and equally friendly parrots.. ☺️
Great to see a lush green forest in Australia. Gives us some hope against global warming. We were losing earlier, but now, I believe we shall rise and win this war, once and for all..!!
The Twelve (rather 8) apostles look spectacular and majestic.. Thank you Madam for sharing.. ☺️
LikeLiked by 2 people
He certainly was a friendly koala. And yes, we have many pockets of green forest in Australia, especially now after the rain thankfully. Thank you for your lovely comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are most welcome Madam..!!
Hope to someday visit Australia some day and volunteer towards terra-forming this large country into a green or frozen Paradise..
LikeLike
What a post
Soaked in every word!
Thank you for sharing this magical adventure and for your beautiful soul in words!
Okay…back to reality !
Kisses💋💋💋
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha, love it! Thanks Fiery. Always happy to immerse my favourite seductress in a bit of adventure. Big hugs xx 💕😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh you immersed her good.
She is most swept away by your gorgeousness
💖💖💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay! Happy to hear. Will read more of you tomorrow. I’m off to la-la land. xxx 😴💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
I need to know their secret for getting so much sleep! Great post, Miriam. I really enjoyed this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, thanks Jill. I think the secret is in the amount of eucalyptus leaves they eat!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I need to try the lotion! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A fine tour with excellent photography, especially that first endearing koala.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Derrick. He was a real cutie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool opening shot of the koala! Australia is on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks John. Hope you get here one day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Apostles were absolutely mesmerizing to me. As a geologist by education, I am fascinated by the bedrock and the effects of erosion and time on same. If I ever have the chance to visit, I’d probably have to be pried off the beach! Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome. Glad you enjoyed this and yes, I’m sure if you visited you’d find a world of fascinating geology here to explore.
LikeLike
So much beauty and happiness..nature that reveals the wonder and bounty of Earth.
Such days are precious and worthy to celebrate. Life is a celebration really and I think
the sweet Koala agrees.
Lovely post
miriam
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for your lovely comment Miriam. You’re right, we’re so blessed to be surrounded by beautiful nature and wonder. I’m sure the koala agrees too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a delightful post and tour Miriam. I especially loved the magical forest with the apostles, and koalas a close second.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Brad. Always love having you along. The scenery’s gorgeous here and the koalas are very cute!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would love to see Australia in person.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you do one day Brad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Miriam.
LikeLike
How fun! That does look magical.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sure was Wendy!
LikeLike
Koalas – irresistible!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely!
LikeLike
Once again, I repeat: How did I get so lucky to have an Australian friend like you? Your posts always lift me UP. Koalas + Miriam = Magic Mindset. Thank you! Andrea xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your comments always make me smile Andrea. Thanks so much. I love your calculation! 💙 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️❤️❤️
LikeLike
What a great post. It is wonderful when you are at a tourist attraction (that is usually crowded and find it empty of people). You got very lucky. Now, as for the Apostles. Magnificent. I just saw the same thing here on the island. It is really inspiring (like you).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, thanks Drew. Sounds as though you’re in a good place. Enjoy! xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
xo
LikeLike
Great journey and shots Miriam … you four sure had a fun time despite the weather 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kate. We sure did! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
way to go … you okay for 31st?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so and I’d like to … there’s just a bit going on around here. Can we touch base closer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yep sure 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
How wonderful
LikeLike
What a lovely trip you had, Miriam. Yes, the koala welcomes me to your post also. I didn’t know they sleep 19 hours a day. He must be awake just to welcome you. I heard of the disappearing of the Apostles but was surprised to find out there are only eight left.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, the Apostles are slowly being worn away. Sad but that’s nature and the way of the earth. As for those koalas, they sleep so much to digest all the eucalyptus leaves they eat. I think we were lucky to get there at the right time of the day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure it happens to the nature, just that the Apostles are more visible. Yes, the eucalyptus leaves are tough. We have one tree. Also for our fireplace, my husband like to buy eucalyptus wood because it’s harder and burns longer. I’m glad you had a wonderful trip!
LikeLike
Magnficent. Beautiful places and it doesn’t matter what the weather is doing. We had a similar encounter to yours with a koala in Noosa National Park. My late sister Celia was lucky enough to be with us, visiting from UK – a memory I shall hold forever, for so many reasons.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww Barbara, I’m sure. Thanks for sharing that. Those special, irreplaceable memories are precious aren’t they. 🙏💙
LikeLike
They are Miriam, and anything involving animals and family – precious indeed. XX
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m trying to picture a koala running. So adorable! Looks like a neat experience all around!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sure was Diana. And yes, those koalas are very cute!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great campsite! Seeing and hearing all the koalas must have made that a wonderful experience for David and Catherine! And you too! I am a bit envious of the cheese on offer at lunch! Must get back to Apollo Bay one day. P.S. it looks pretty cold given it is summer?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Amanda, yes that ploughman style/cheese lunch was pretty good. Kennett River was great, as was the rest of the Great Ocean Rd, but you’re right, the weather did cool off after we left the Grampians.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have always thought Apollo Bay was the place for me, in my retirement. Nice and cool. But hubby had other plans….
LikeLiked by 1 person
So where did you end up?
LikeLike
Queensland!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here to be precise – https://seachange.home.blog/
LikeLike
Looks great!
LikeLike
Thank you. We are really happy here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great! Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is kind, thanks! I hope your weekend is happy and healthy! Are you up to much down your way?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Amanda! Our new van is in for its first service so it’s a quiet one for us at home.
LikeLike
All the more time to rejuvenate, rest and plan for more weekends down the track!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great adventure! The photos are amazing but I am sure visiting in person is smooch better. What a treat it would be to visit the beaches, the rainforests, and see the Koalas in person. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure. It really is a special part of Victoria. Thanks so much for your lovely comment, which I only found now. Oops!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Kennett River area is gorgeous! I’m glad you had such a good trip together, and I especially loved the photos of the koalas. After hearing how so many of them died in the horrible fires, it cheered me no end to read about them and see the photos. Thanks, as always, for sharing Miriam!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ann. It was heartening for us too, to see so many active, healthy looking koalas in the wild. Hope you have a great weekend. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic part of the world. So beautiful. And how lucky to spot an active koala!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a gorgeous part of the world, isn’t it. And yes, extra special to see so many active koalas around the campsite. Have a great weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How lovely to see that cute little guy coming down to meet you all. It’s not often that we see koalas being as active as that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, it’s not. It was quite a welcome. 😊 Happy weekend Carol. You off anywhere in your new van?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not yet, but having fun setting it up with all the necessities. Mr ET was able to buy four rolls of the special loo paper this morning, at the caravan supplies store. It’s worth its weight in gold!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, it’s all a bit crazy isn’t it. Well, enjoy setting it all up and stay well and safe. 😌
LikeLike
What a cutie!
and a great way to wrap up a trip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh absolutely! Hope you’re keeping well. x
LikeLike
I am, Miriam, thank you. Good week ahead!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those limestone stacks and cliffs are spectacular!
I had no idea koalas could run as fast as rabbits.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me neither, but it’s true! Stay safe Mags. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too, Miriam. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Miriam, I have just caught up with your series of posts on the Great Ocean Road and so enjoyed reading them….and your pristine photographs of the beautiful great ocean and rock formations did much to stir my soul…looks like you all had an amazing special adventure to remember. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it, finding ever-new beauty in the world and in each other 💙💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully said Lily. Thank you my friend, yes, that’s what it’s all about. Hope you’re keeping well during these very strange and unsettling times. Thinking of you and sending you a big hug and lots of love. xx 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a tremendous koala experience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, it was pretty special, especially for our guests!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That koala is just the cutest, Miriam!! The Apostles and that coastline look breathtaking. I love seeing photos of that area. Mmm…I’m a cheese addict. I would love that place. 🙂 Melba Gully DOES look like an enchanted forest filled with magical creatures!! What a marvelous adventure!! xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sure was Amy, we had an absolute ball. Oh, and if you love cheese, you would simply LOVE it! Sending you big hugs and lots of love. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person