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AUSSIE ADVENTURE
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AUSSIE ADVENTURE

This started out as a retirement dream.
After months of planning and thousands of dollars, we were ready for the adventure with a new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain Ute with several custom mods and a Retreat Fraser 216 R-Rev off road caravan. Read more
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  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE

    Cape Otway Lightstation

    July 22, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Photos are from the top of and inside the Lighthouse and WWII Bunker

    Few people today are aware of the war at sea, which raged along the Australian coastline during World War l. Naval and merchant seamen were
    losing their lives only a few kilometres beyond the beaches. This war was largely kept from the knowledge of the Australian public at the time
    to prevent panic and the loss of morale. A total of 41 Allied ships were sunk in or adjacent to Australian waters by German surface commerce raiders and Japanese submarines. All the submarine attacks took place between June 1942 and July 1944 when up to 27 large submarines were operating in Australian waters.

    By 1939, the Australian Government considered that Australia was not open to the threat of invasion. However, they realised the need to prepare
    for sporadic raids. Under a veil of secrecy, they established a programme to manufacture and install radar stations around the Australian coastline.
    In November 1941, 32 coastal locations were identified as sites for radar stations to monitor shipping and aircraft movements. Four were to be placed in the Bass Strait region: 13 RS at Cape Otway: 14RS at Wilsons Promontory; 15RS at Metung and 16RS at Gabo Island. Cape Otway was the first to be built.

    This information was sourced from the Bunker site.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    Bower Bird

    Sunday in Apollo Bay

    July 23, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Woke up to a very bleak morning, it was raining. Instead of moping about in the caravan, we went out for breakfast, not a lot of places to choose from, so we ended up in a nice little bakery.

    After our meal, we went for a drive through the rainforest which is part of the Great Otway National Park. We ended up stopping at Hopetoun Falls, which plummeted 30 metres into the Aire River. You can view the falls from an upper platform, or you can walk down 200 steps to the base of the falls, walking through glades of tree ferns.

    After we visited the falls we stopped at Lavers Hill for lunch and then headed back to the caravan park.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    Castle Cove
    Castle CoveCastle CoveCastle CovePort Campbell JettyPort Campbell JettyPort Campbell BeachPort Campbell BeachPort Campbell BeachPort Campbell LookoutSparks GullySparks GullyThe Bakers OvenThe Bakers OvenThe Bakers OvenThe Bakers Oven

    Port Campbell

    July 24, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    The weather forecast for today was cloudy, slight chance of light showers. We planned to go to Port Campbell for lunch, with a few stops along the way. Our first stop was Castle Cove Lookout, when we arrived, in the sky there was this rainbow out to sea, it was very picturesque.

    After we visited Castle Cove Lookout, we travelled onto Gibson Steps and the Twelve Apostles, stopped at Loch Ard Gorge, and went to Island Arch Lookout and The Razorback. After many hours exploring these places we finally made it to our destination Port Campbell. For lunch, we had a fisherman’s basket for two. After lunch, we went for a walk along the jetty and the beach and stopped at the lookout before we headed back to Apollo Bay.

    On our way back to the caravan park we took a couple of detours down these dirt roads which were on the navigation system, there wasn’t any signage to say what we would find at the end of these dirt roads, but what we did discover, were two little hidden gems, Sparks Gully and The Bakers oven.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    At the top of Gibson StepsFrom the top of Gibson StepsPhoto taken with time-lapse filterPhoto taken with time-lapse filter

    Gibson Steps

    July 24, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Just down the road from the Twelve Apostles Visitors Centre is the Gibson Steps. It’s worth stopping and going down the 88 steps to the beach. These steps are carved into the side of the cliff and are very steep. Once you get to the bottom the experience is incredible to see with your own eyes the sheer size of the cliff and apostle, this gives you a new perspective on the height of the rocks, it was simply breathtaking.

    Gibson Steps has a connection to the nearby Loch Ard Gorge & the famous shipwreck tale of 1878. Hugh Gibson was the local farmer who came to the rescue of the two young survivors, Tom and Eva.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    Twelve Apostles
    Twelve ApostlesPhoto taken with Time-lapse filterTwelve ApostlesTwelve ApostlesPhoto taken with Time-lapse filter

    Twelve Apostles

    July 24, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    It was a great experience to see nature’s creation. The effects of the erosion caused by the surging wild seas are obvious. Even at different times of the day, the same natural beauty can appear quite different. Unfortunately, the main lookout was closed as it is being rebuilt, weren't able to capture all the Apostles due to the lookout we were on.

    The Twelve Apostles is a collection of limestone stacks along the Great Ocean Road. Their proximity to one another has made the site a popular tourist attraction. Eight of the original nine stacks remain standing at the Twelve Apostles' viewpoint, after one collapsed in July 2005. Though the view from the promontory by the Twelve Apostles never included twelve stacks, additional stacks were not considered part of the Apostles group, they are located to the west within the national park.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE

    Loch Ard Gorge

    July 24, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Loch Ard Gorge is named after the ship Loch Ard, which ran aground on nearby Mutton Bird Island at the end of a three-month journey from England to Melbourne.

    It is the most impressive of the formations in this area. The beach in the gorge can be accessed by a staircase unfortunately it was closed when we visited. From the top of the staircase, you can see across to a limestone cave with stalagmites hanging from the cliff. The gorge is a very picturesque. I would have loved to have gone down to the bottom, maybe next time when we visit it will be open.Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    1Close-up of Tom & Eva
    1Phil at Tom & Eva lookoutThe RazorbackThe RazorbackThe RazorbackThe RazorbackThe RazorbackThe RazorbackThe RazorbackTom and Eva, video captured by PhilThe Razorback, video captured by Phil

    Island Arch & The Razorback

    July 24, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Island Arch

    The Island Arch was a 25-meter high naturally formed rock archway, due to erosion by wind and weather the arch collapsed in June 2009. What remains of the Island Arch are two rock pillars, which have since been officially named Tom and Eva, after the two survivors of the Loch Ard shipwreck. Island Arch Lookout (Tom and Eva Lookout) is just one of many beautiful spots around the Lock Ard Gorge area and one that should not be missed.

    The Razorback

    This rock formation is called The Razorback due to the sharp edges and bumps along its back. These were caused by wind-blown spray which hardens small areas of rock. The softer rock around these erodes leaving an uneven surface.

    Not sure why this is not listed on the top things to see on the Great Ocean Road. Just a short 5 mins walk from the car park and you get two sets of amazing views. The Razorback is quite impressive, I highly recommend it.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    Bay of Martyrs
    Capture by Phil

    Exploring

    July 25, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    It wasn't the best day for exploring it was overcast and foggy, but it turned out to be a fantastic day. Today we went back to Lock Ard Gorge to explore Thunder Cave, Broken Head and Mutton Bird Island, we add London Bridge, The Grotto and the Bay of Martyrs to our trip. You need to take your time exploring and admiring this natural rugged beauty.

    We didn't spend a lot of time at The Bay Of Martyrs, you couldn't see very well due to the fog. According to stories that have spanned generations, Europeans killed a large group of Karrae-Wurrong Aboriginal men here, by running them off the cliffs, whilst the women and children were supposedly killed in a swamp that is close by.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    Entrance to Thunder CaveThunder CaveThunder CaveThunder CaveBroken HeadBroken HeadBroken HeadBroken Head1

    Thunder Cave & Broken Head

    July 25, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Thunder Cave at one stage had a Limestone Arch over its entrance, over time From the buffeting of the sea, wind and the dissolving effect of rainwater on this limestone the arch collapsed, and these huge blocks of limestone now rest on the sea floor 15 metres below the surface.

    The cave gets its name from the sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs, which creates a thunderous noise. When we arrived, the ocean was surging into the cave and this made the sight even more spectacular, it was mesmerising and fascinating at the same time to watch these huge waves crash over the cliffs and into the cave.

    Broken Head is the furtherst point sticking into the ocean in the area between Loch Ard Gorge and the Sherbrooke River.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    Mutton Bird Island
    Mutton Bird IslandMutton Bird Island from Tom & Eva lookoutMutton Bird Island from Tom & Eva lookoutLondon Bridge before it collapsed in 1990London Bridge from the upper viewing platformLondon Bridge from the upper viewing platformLondon Bridge from the lower viewing platformLondon Bridge from the lower viewing platformLondon Bridge from the lower viewing platformPhoto taken with time lapse filter

    Mutton Bird Island & London Bridge

    July 25, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Mutton Bird Island is home to thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters, so called for their ability to cut or shear the water with their wings as they skim across the surface. It's a safe haven from introduced predators such as foxes and cats, when they migrate to the island from September until April during breeding season. Early settlers called them Mutton birds because of their fatty mutton-like flesh.

    London Bridge is a significant tourist attraction along the Great Ocean Road near Port Campbell in Victoria. This stack was formed by a gradual process of erosion, and until 1990 formed a complete double-span natural bridge before it collapsed. Moments before the collapse 2 sightseers had crossed and were stranded on the sea end of the rock.    Read more

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    The Grotto

    July 25, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    The Grotto is an amazing spot off the beaten track. This enchanting rock formation combines a blowhole, archway, and cave. Offering awesome photo opportunities with the sea as the background, you can admire the Grotto from above or explore it at eye level via a staircase. We spent over half an hour here.

    This charming feature has been formed by erosion from the coast and inland. Weak acids in the water slowly dissolved the limestone, first forming a depression or ‘sinkhole’ and eventually hollowing out the Grotto.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    1

    Melbourne

    July 26, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    No exploring today, Phil has surprised me by booking us tickets to go see The Rocky Horror Picture Show live on stage at the Athenaeum. We are off to Melbourne for two nights, and we will be staying at The Westin Melbourne, very fancy. It has been a long time since we have seen a live show, and I am so looking forward to it.Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    Town Hall
    1The things you see in Melbourne, 9⁰ she made me feel very coldFliders Street Railway StationBourke street MallRoyal ArcadeGog and MagogSt Pauls CathedralAthenaeum Theatre during the dayAthenaeum Theatre at nightInside of the Athenaeum TheatreCast at the end of the showCast at the end of the showPhoto sourced from Theatre MattersPhoto sourced from Theatre MattersPhoto sourced from Theatre MattersPhoto sourced from Theatre MattersPhoto sourced from Theatre MattersPhoto sourced from Theatre Matters

    Melbourne Day 2

    July 27, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    Started the day exploring the city, what an eye-opener. The department stores do not open until 10 am, and you need to turn right from the left lane WTF??. The people are always in a hurry, and you need to line up outside if you want a seat in a restaurant. The upside of this city is the architecture is beautiful, public transport is every 10 minutes, and you have every shop imaginable from high stores like Dior and Gucci to luxury stores such as Myer and David Jones and regular department stores, Big W and K Mart.
    Finished the day shopping for new runners and boots, dinner at Box Seafood restaurant and the Rocky Horror Show.

    The Rocky Horror show was brilliant, it was funny, quirky and weird at the same time, The entire cast was impressive vocally, the set was cleverly designed, and you wanted to jump up and do the time-warp. I would give this show a five-star rating and a thumbs up. Would see this stage show again, I would put this in the same category as Hair the stage show we saw at the HOTA on the Gold Coast.

    Photos of the Rock Horror Show were sourced from the Theatre Matters website: https://theatrematters.com.au/reviews/    Read more

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    Carisbrook Falls

    July 30, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 11 °C

    This is our last day in Apollo Bay before we head to our next destination Port Fairy. We went for a drive and stopped at Carisbrook Falls. Phil bought out his Canon camera, he needs to hone in on his camera skills, it's been over a year since he has used it.

    Carisbrook Falls his not the biggest or spectacular fall but it was pretty all the same. After some rain, I'm sure it would be different. The hike to the falls was relatively easy, even though it was uphill. The area around the falls is lush and vibrant, with a variety of plant and animal life. There is a bench at the top, offering visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery. The sound of the falls and the chirping birds in the background make it peaceful and serene, there were some beautiful photo opportunities.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    Normal Cow
    LGBTQIA2S+ Cow1What Phil is doing to the LGBTQIA2S+ Cow ?

    Port Fairy

    July 31, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 14 °C

    Today we are off to Port Fairy, it was overcast and raining, not a pleasant start to the day. Stopped at Nullawarre for a pit stop and a stretch, by the time we passed through Warrnambool the sun came out. Arrived at Port Fairy, set up camp, went and had lunch, picked up some essential items from the grocery store, went back to the caravan park and settled in for the night.Read more

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    Bay of Islands

    August 1, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Bay of Islands is a 32km long narrow strip of coastal reserve along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. This is a special place, protecting rare heathland plants such as the Metallic Sun-Orchid, and rare animals such as Rufous Bristlebirds and Hooded Plovers. Some marine animals such as Fur Seals and Little Penguins also come ashore.

    What an amazing place this is, to see such beauty Mother Nature has created over millions of years, but at the same time you see destruction, she is slowly destroying what she has created. Over time these islands will eventually be no more, due to erosion from the crashing of the waves from the southern ocean, strong southerly winds and rain, this beautiful creation will eventually come tumbling down.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    Murnanes Bay
    Murnanes BayMurnanes BayAerial footage of Murnanes Bay by PhilMurnanes BayMurnanes BayMurnanes BayMurnanes BayChilders CoveChilders CoveChilders CoveChilders CoveChilders CoveChilders CoveChilders CoveChilders CoveAerial footage by PhilAerial footage by PhilAerial footage by PhilAerial footage by PhilMurnanes Bay video footageChilders Cove video footage

    Murnanes Bay & Childers Cove

    August 1, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    As part of the Bay of Islands strip, we stopped in at Murnanes Bay and Childers Cove, these two beaches are very similar but very different and unique in their own way. At both places you need to navigate down some stairs to the beach, they are both beautiful and secluded and you feel like a proper pirate when you enter any one of these coves. We had such a glorious winter day.Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    Photo captured by Phil with Canon Camera
    2Photo captured by Phil with Canon CameraPhoto captured by Phil with Canon CameraPhoto captured by Phil with Canon Camera

    Griffiths Island Reserve

    August 2, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    We went exploring Griffiths Island today. What a magical place to take a stroll, we even ended up at the Lighthouse. It was a very peaceful morning walk, with beautiful native flora, black Wallabies hopping around and hidden beaches with amazing views of the ocean. It is also another migrating place for Shearwaters which are due in September. This was a great opportunity for Phil to try out his photography skills on his Canon camera. This Island is very picturesque.Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    Sunrise
    Mt Rouse LookoutMt Rouse LookoutMt Rouse LookoutStairs to LookoutMt Rouse CraterMt Rouse CraterMt Rouse CraterMt Sturgeon & Mt AbruptMt Sturgeon & Mt AbruptSunsetSunsetSunsetMt Rouse Crater

    Port Fairy - Rise and Shine & Home Again

    August 3, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Started the day at sunrise, we are on our way to Grampians National Park. The first stop was at Mt Rouse lookout. From the lookout you can view Mt Napier and Mt Eccles in the distance. The path to the lookout was relatively easy, the 116 steps we had to climb got the heart racing, and the view from the top was amazing, only downfall it was extremely windy and cold. On our way back from the lookout we stopped at Mt Rouse's large crater where you can walk around at the top or take a walk down to its lake.

    Continuing, our next stop was the town of Penshurst, where we had breakfast in a lovely bakery, before we reached our destination our last stop was at Dunkeld, where you can see Mt Sturgeon and Mt Abrupt which form part of Grampian National Park. Phil put the drone in the air to capture aerial footage.

    Photos were captured by Phil with his Samsung phone camera and DJI Mavic 3 Drone.    Read more

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    Grampians National Park

    August 3, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Grampian National Park is a beautiful place if you like hiking and enjoy nature, there is something for everyone. There are many trails for hikers of any grade, lookouts with amazing views, waterfalls to delight all, picnic areas and a lake where you can fish. You camp, stay in a caravan or in one of the many accommodations in Halls Gap, which has everything you need, a basic grocery store, restaurants, a petrol station, it even an ice cream store.
    We were here for the day and only just scratched the surface. We went to Lake Bellfield, Silverband Falls, hiked halfway to Grand Canyon only to find it closed, back down to Splitter Falls, Boroka Lookout and finally Mackenzie Falls where you walk down a steep track and 260 strenuous steps, we couldn’t see Fish Falls as it was getting late and need to head back to the caravan park.    Read more

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    Grampians National Park -MacKenzie Falls

    August 3, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    MacKenzie Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria and is the best set of waterfalls in the Grampians. Flowing all year round, the water cascades off huge cliffs into a deep pool, sending fine sprays of rainbow mist high into the air above a stunning gorge.

    This is an incredible spot. You can admire the view from the lookouts or hike down to the base, there are different trails for different fitness levels. There is a rock pool that you could probably swim in, but it’s not supervised. There is also a nice walk down the river, I didn’t go far as I needed to go back.

    When we were leaving kangaroos were grazing, one even had a joey in her pouch, and an Emu just strolling across the road.    Read more

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    Byaduk Caves

    August 5, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    An undiscovered attraction in Mount Napier State Park, the Byaduk Caves are the most extensive set of lava caves in Australia. The caves form an intricate connection of underground tubes, created when the lava from nearby volcano Mt Napier solidified on the surface and molten lava continued to flow underneath.

    Looks like not many people stop here, but it was a nice place to visit. There are a series of caves to explore from the edge. The one nearest the car park has a bit of an overgrown entrance, but it can be scaled down. I didn’t climb down into the cave as you need a touch, and it looked spooky.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE

    Budj Bim National Park

    August 5, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Today we visited Budj Bim National Park, formerly known as Mount Eccles National Park. This national park is in the Western District of Victoria, Australia.

    If you’re a nature lover, this is the perfect place. It's off the tourist trail but a worthwhile place to visit, just to enjoy the natural wonders of this ancient volcanic landscape. From the viewing platform of Lake Surprise, situated in the centre of the park’s extinct volcano, we saw a koala in a tree, other wildlife and wallabies along the walking trail.

    Lake Surprise is 700 meters long and is teeming with fish and birds. The colour of the water changes, varying from deepest blue to green, depending on the lake sediments and levels of algae that are present.

    There are four walking options, we did the crater rim walk which loops its way up and around the edge of the volcano, with several vantage points along the way with spectacular views. The walk was a little challenging, but there were places to sit down and rest to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature was truly refreshing, except for the bench at the very top, it was in desperate need of repair.

    We explored a lava tunnel cave, we didn’t venture very far as you need a torch, did part of the lava canal walk and stopped and explored the natural bridge. They have picnic and camping grounds, mountain biking and 4WD tracks. This is a beautiful place; I would recommend it to anyone visiting the area.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    Steps leading to Lava Cave
    More steps for PhilLava CaveLava CaveLava CaveLava CaveLava CavePhil at entrance to Lava CavePhil at entrance to Lava CaveLava CavePath leading to Natural BridgeSteps down into Natural BridgeNatural BridgeNatural BridgeNatural BridgeNatural BridgeLooking up the stairs from inside Natural BridgeLooking at Phil inside Natural BridgeBottom on the Natural BridgeComing up the stairs Natural Bridge

    Budj Bim - Lava Cave & Natural Bridge

    August 5, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    The Lava Cave
    Traipse down stone steps into the mouth of the cave and look up at the glistening moisture and moss clinging to the stone above. The cave, formed by cooling lava flows during the volcano’s most recent eruption, extends deep into the earth. Discover just how far, by following the mostly flat volcanic floor of the lava tube all the way to its end.

    The Natural Bridge
    The cathedral-like Natural Bridge cave will lead you into a tunnel littered with emerald-green moss-covered stones. Formed by one of the fastest-flowing lava movements at Budj Bim, the turbulent force of the lava flow resulted in the cave’s unique triangular shape. It’s a geologist’s dream and more than a little inspiring for the rest of us.    Read more

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    Portland

    August 6, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Today we went to Portland which is on the southwest coast of Victoria.

    Along the way we stopped in at The Crags Coastal reserve, with its jagged rock formation and views to Lady Julia Percy Island. This island is Australia's only submarine volcano and the largest basalt island off Victoria's west coast. Lady Julia Percy Island also guards an intriguing World War 2 mystery, and The Crags is home to a monument commemorating it.
    Arrived in Portland, and went to breakfast before heading to Yellow Rock Coastal Park, Cape Nelson Lighthouse, Lawrence Rock and Point Danger Gannet Colony.
    We spent over half an hour at Yellow Rock, exploring this interesting rock formation and rich native vegetation. At Cape Nelson Lighthouse it was fenced off for abrasive blasting, I was quite surprised that they allowed people to walk around along the cliff face. Lawrence Rock, we sat at the lookout finishing our coffee and admiring the view. There was nothing special about Point Danger Gannet Colony, only if you are a serious bird watcher or you like Gannet.    Read more