Index
Days 1/2: Flying
Day 3: Great Ocean Road
Day 4: Great Ocean Road
Day 5: Yarra Valley
Day 6: Melbourne
Day 7: Sydney
Day 8: Sydney
Day 9: Sydney
Day 10: Sydney
Day 11: Return
Australia
We had a choice to go more inland on today's return to see more of the forests and waterfalls, or stay on the Great Ocean Road itself. We chose the latter.
Unfortunately, weather on our second day in Australia was not nearly as welcoming as the first, so the views were not nearly as spectacular. Not that it was bad, but quite a bit more overcast meant that the day lacked the punch of the day before. London Bridge and The Grotto were not far from Port Campbell, and made for quick stops before breakfast. Loch Ard Gorge should have been our next stop, as it is one of the few places where you can go down to the beach-- but unfortunately the beach access was closed.
Waves Cafe in Port Campbell was a nice little spot, although we passed on the fried chicken at the gas station across the street and stuck with the English breakfast, then watched someone help a random duck (!) cross the road. Did a few more random stops along the way before making a big one at Cape Otway Lightstation. Hoped to see some kangaroos and koalas on the long access road but sadly did not (total tally for this trip: one kangaroo in the wild, zero koalas), and the lighthouse, like Loch Ard Gorge, had its steps closed and hence you could not go inside. Alas.
Australia rest stops may not be up to the Japanese level, but the one we found somewhere near Geelong was still rather nice. Chain fast food options did not impress, but made for a good excuse to try Red Rooster's disgusting pineapple?
With the weather being a bit disappointing, and having made most of the stops we planned on the day before, we actually ended up back in Melbourne in time for dinner. Returned the rental car and checked into the hotel, then ended up immediately captivated by Melbourne's food scene as our stomachs watched the last few blocks to the hotel. Probably could have made better choices, but Thai Land on Bourke was close to the hotel, and delicious enough we had no complaints.