Continuing on with our Great Ocean Road roadtrip… we headed towards Cape Otway in search of koalas and the lighthouse. We were not disappointed. This is the place to see koalas in the wild. Once we reached a point in the road where several other cars were stopping, Mike and I decided to hop out and get a good look. Of course, my the battery in my camera died after my first photo. Thank goodness for back up point and shoots!

We walked from tree to tree staring at the koalas and taking photos. They are seriously so cute. I especially loved the mama and baby koala. That’s just too much.

Back in the car I started counting koalas as we headed to the lighthouse. I think I lost track around twenty? It’s practically a safety hazard because your eyes are much more interested in scanning the trees than the road. Luckily, we made it to the lighthouse without incident.

As much as I do love lighthouses, paying $18.50 to enter one is a bit ridiculous. We decided to skip the  lighthouse itself and took a short bushwalk instead. From the path we were able to see the lighthouse in the distance. Considering it was free, that was good enough for me!

xo, jill

PS. To see some really great koala photos at Cape Otway visit Kristina’s blog here! 

Near Lorne along the Great Ocean Road, we decided to stop and check out Erskine Falls. On the way there we saw several people outside of their cars staring at something in the trees… a koala!

Not very much water was coming over the falls, but it was a pretty little detour nonetheless. We also “officially” began the Great Ocean Road this morning, if the archway is to be trusted.

xo, jill 

Next up along the Great Ocean Road for us was the Split Point Lighthouse. The main attraction here is just looking out over the gorgeous water. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of this coastline or the perfect shades of blue.

After leaving Melbourne, Mike and I set our sights on the Great Ocean Road. It’s such a classic Australian road trip so my expectations were pretty high. Happy to say, it did not disappoint.

We started out by camping at Torquay. These photos are from just down the road near Bells Beach and the Point Danger Marine Park, I think. I have an abundance of coastline photos and everything starts to get mixed up after a bit. You know how it is.

Much more Great Ocean Road to come.

xo, jill 

Before arriving in Australia, I had my sights set on Melbourne. Despite Mike having had two sub-par experiences there previously, I knew it was the city for me. So many other travelers and bloggers rave about the city, I figured that Mike’s visits were just flukes. I mean, you can’t look at Kristina’s Instagram feed and not fall in love with Melbourne!

So what did I think of it?

It was pretty great… but it just wasn’t the place for me at that time.

We took the train into the city a few times while staying in Mornington, and explored a bit more while staying with Alli in the city. Even though we hoped to spend a few months in Melbourne, it just felt like it was time to move on.

And funnily enough, even though I was really excited to be in Melbourne, I hardly took any photos. (Although I do have vague memories of taking photos I can’t find.)

So here are the highlights:

1. Meeting Alli and Rob. – A few weeks before we arrived in Melbourne, Alli got in touch and invited us to stay with her and her husband for a night or two. She seemed nice (from her blog) and Australia is expensive… so we went for it. I figured she could either be weird and we’d have an awkward few days, or she’d be really great and I’d make a new friend. You guys, she’s really weird. Totally kidding. I’m so glad we took Alli up on her offer. Both she and Rob were friendly, welcoming, hospitable, and interesting. It was so nice to enjoy good conversations, good food, and a cozy bed. And now I have my very own Aussie friend that I can email with random Australia related questions! Thanks again for having us Alli and Rob!

2. Australian Center for the Moving Image – This museum was so fun, we went twice! I keep failing at trying to describe it, so let me quote their website: “The centrepiece is a new, free entry, permanent exhibition charting the journey of the moving image and, in particular, Australia’s engagement with screen culture as consumer and creator. Screen Worlds: The Story of Film, Television, and Digital Culture is a unique, interactive and immersive exhibition that dynamically illustrates how each of the forms of the moving image have emerged and evolved as a powerful creative medium.” If you’ve ever wanted to create your own Matrix-like scene in bullet time, this is the place. There’s also an amazing exhibit on right now featuring Hollywood costumes. I’m sad I missed it!

3. The Astor Theatre – One night Mike and I took the train into the city to catch an Audrey Hepburn double feature at the Astor Theatre. We watched Breakfast at Tiffany’s and then snuck out after the first twenty minutes of Roman Holiday. It pained me to leave (I love that movie) but we had to get back to attend to the cat. The theatre itself is absolutely gorgeous. I loved the 1930s art-deco atmosphere. I just wish I had been better dressed for the evening.

4. Lentil As Anything – In every new city I look up vegetarian restaurants to try out. I was really excited about this one. Lentil As Anything operates as a “pay what you feel” restaurant. This means you pay what you feel the food and the experience is worth to you. It’s a business model that doesn’t seem like it would work, but it does. Lentil As Anything has been going strong for over 13 years with three locations. We ate at the St. Kilda restaurant and the food was delicious.

5. State Library of Victoria – I love libraries in general and reading rooms in particular. The State Library of Victoria is no exception. There’s something about housing over 2 million books in the same building that creates an enchanting atmosphere. In addition to the books, you can also visit a variety of exhibitions including the homemade armor of the infamous Ned Kelly. (And who doesn’t want to see that?)

It’s funny how what you predict to be true, isn’t always the case. I still think that Melbourne as a city suits me (much more so than Sydney), I just didn’t feel compelled to stick around for too long. Maybe next time. The road was calling.

xo, jill