The lock down restrictions lessened so we could travel more than 25km from our home. I needed to get out of the city and into nature because I’d fallen into despair. One air bnb reservation later, we were on our way.
Apollo Bay is the trail head for the Great Ocean Walk, the 100km walk ending at the iconic Twelve Apostles geologic masterpiece. Our cottage was on an organic farm, complete with grazing sheep and views of gum forests. See header image above. The first day, we just looked at the rain and sheep out the picture window, just relaxing into our environment.
Who needs sun?
Although our second day was also rainy and gray, we ventured out for fun. The misty 1.25 hour drive to our fun destinations was magical. We tried one road but a tree blocked it so we had to go a longer route.
Great Otway National Park
Our first stop was Hopetoun Falls, an easy hike to this lovely place. With only a dozen parties walking in and out, we could leisurely enjoy nature.
Since it was Father’s Day, I took a photo specifically to send to my dad.
The Otway region is considered the wettest part of Australia so the foliage was lush.
We tried to go to Beauchamp Falls for our second destination but found the road closed. Sigh.
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures
The major activity was the Otway Fly Treetop Adventure. The Rainforest and Treetop Walk was a series of 600 metre-long, 25 – 30 metre-high elevated walkways providing unrivaled views of the unique beauty of the region’s flora and fauna, from the rainforest floor up into the soaring heights of the treetops. I loved walking high above the forest floor, walking from tree to tree. Looking down onto the giant 20-foot diameter fern trees was unreal. There was a Fairy walk along one trail with multiple fairy/hobbit scenes which were whimiscal.
Zipline!
Part of this company offered ziplining through the trees. Let’s pretend to be a squirrel glider! Not to be confused with a non-marsupial flying squirrel.
Sunshine over Apollo Bay!
Handsome
We awoke on the last day to golden sunlight with grasses heavy with raindrops. A dog-like sheep rummaged around the trash cans and bushes in the yard so I crept outside to snap a pic.
The property owner came out and introduced us to the sheep named Handsome and showed us some trails we could take to find the goats and stream where a platypus might be found. He gave us a bucket of food for the goats.
It was a glorious walk through the meadow. Steam rose off the ground as the sun warmed all that was wet the day before.
Although we didn’t see any platypus, the goats were very friendly. My attitude adjustment was complete and I felt normal. We drove along the coast most of the way home so we could enjoy the scenery.
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