DreamTrip

         Day01/02
After a full 24hour flight to get to Melbourne, we arrived at Tullamarine Airport and made our way through customs pretty relaxed. After being asked a few simple questions (how long we intent to stay, if we have any relatives here, are we going to work), we caught a SkyBus right from infront of the Airport. It took us straight to the City Centre, where we kindof got lost to make our way to the hostel.
20:00, asking for directions (and seems like we met our first Maltese security guard), we caught a Train from Flinders Street to Sandringham, and walked around 10mins towards Lords’ Lodge, after having an old guy stopping us to help us as we seemed lost! Finding a little letter with the wifi password and reception opening hours, we made our way into the double bunkbed from the 4-bed dorm, then around 22:00 we went out for a stroll to Chapel’s Street. Buying x2 Sandwiches from 7/11 for $11, we then ended up at “Somewhere” Bar and bought our first Carlton Draught beer pitcher for$12. Back at hostel, we spent some time speaking with an Italian guy, an Argentinian girl, a German girl and a Canadian Metalhead, then hit the bed late. No Jet Lag!!
         Day03
Deposit at hostel $5 for plates, utensils and mugs, then paid the remaining balance of the week’s accomodation. Made our way to the City Centre by Trams, and visited a nearby NAB Bank. Activated the accounts at reception, and had our Bank Cards ready waiting for u with our names. Walking through the centre and finding good deals for a mobile service, we came across a hostel and booked our 2nd week at Flinders’ Hotel 3bed dorm. Water costing $2.80, we then made our way to Subway and bought a foot long Chicken Teriyaki for $9.95, then after a good long walk around the centre, got a tram to COLES Supermarket for basic groceries ($25), topped up the Myki Card ($10) from 7/11 as roughly each trip back and forth costs $4.50, and then walked back to the hostel. After resting, we walked a great 10.5km through Albert’s Lake and Park, to St.Kilda’s Beach where we strolled along the beach barefooted, and saw many Kitesurfers. We walked around the upper Albert’s Lake and Park, and walked back down to the hostel where we cooked Chicken Mild Curry with noodles in the common kitchen for the first time.
         Day04
Lazy morning in; cooked bfast. Washed the clothes for $4, and made friends with the Canadian Metalhead. 13:00 he took us around the Prahran Village Market hinting us on cheap foods and stalls, which were huge. We later learned that his name was Marek, and offered us a trip with him to a Tribute show tonight. We arrived at the hostel, cooked some Kangaroo Meatballs with rice Moroccan Sauce, and at 15.30 left off together to the City Centre. Went to a Closing down Metal shop – Realms of Khaos, but soon learned a vinyl still costs $75. Passed through Bourke Street and Elizabeth Street, Flagstaff Park, then later walked up to North Melbourne where we were greeted by his Ozzy friend Sos. We got introduced as “the two backpackers” with his other friend AJ, and that feeling got us both excited. Raining, we got driven by AJ to Yarraville Hotel, entrance $30, and watched Child, Fuck the Fitzroy Doom Scene, and random amazingly good band members joining just for tonight’s show called Wizard for the special once in a lifetime event Black Sabbath Tribute. We also met this British guy Dean from Leeds who stays at the same hostel as us there! After an excellent 4hours, we caught a train around midnight with Dean back to Lord’s Lodge, then a tram from Flinders Street to where we thought was close to the hostel, but turned out it was quite a walk! We passed through Fawkners Park whilst raining, however it was a great atmosphere to end the night after the brutal headbanging at the amazing show Wizard gave
         Day05
Woke up at 12:00, & after a yummy fruit salad for bfast, we made our way to St.Kilda Beach. On our way there, passing down Punt Road and Catani Gardens, we bought from Dominos on Fitzroy Street for a very good price of x2 Pizza, Garlic Bread and 1.25litre Fanta for just $14.95. Walking around 3km, we swam in the beautiful sunny weather till around 17.30. A couple were getting married right behind us, and also saw a gay pride parade with lots of music, dancing and rollerblading. St. Kilda is amazingly beautiful. We passed through swings, restaurants, a jetty,  Palais Theatre, outdoor showers, picnic area, zorbing and picnic areas, filled with seagulls and tourists. Making our way to the historic Luna Park at Port Phillip Bay, we took a look around inside (free) but unlimited rides for a day costed around $47. St.Kilda is packed with different things to do, very spacious, varies and its beautiful! We made our way across the St. Kilda’s Pier, and saw roughly x8 30cm penguins in total between the rocks, and at arms reach. We waited for an hour and half hoping to see the penguins rise from the water, but only saw Rakali. 21:30, we left to go back to the hostel after a long walk and day. Midnight went out for a pint of beer with Francesco, the Italian guy, Marek the Canadian and Dean the British at “3 Monkeys”, Carlton Draught costing $6, then went to a famous club “The Lucky Coq” after an hour waiting to get inside. We arrived back at the hostel around 03:00, and after Skype-ing some relatives, we deserved a long, good night’s rest and sleep. Sunburt!
         Day06
32degrees. Boiling hot. Woke up at 11:00 and ate bfast. Bought from Woolworths and the cheap Chinese Cato Vegetable Market. Back at the Lodge, we cooked Kangaroo Mild Curry Noodles, and Chicken Mild Curry Noodles.
34degrees. 17:00 Met up with Ryan, a Maltese friend, on Elizabeth Street, and took us on a tour around the Centre for best work bar opportunities and restaurants, and cheap places where to shop, also passing through China Town and a Greek Market. Keep being impressed by the atmosphere here in the beautiful city, what a lively place with so many people, cultures and street arts. Walked all the way to Lygon Street, Carlton, took a tour in Brunetti, where a Ham&Cheese bread costs $9.90, and a slice of Pepperoni Pizza costs $12.90. Very pricey, but a very nice busy cafe. We made our way back to the Centre by Tram, stopped at BIG W, then visited Liquorland and bought x6 Pure Blonde for $18, then hung out at Alexandra Gardens drinking some beer with Ryan, overlooking the Yarra River Birrarung Marr Park.
We decided to have a quick outdoor bbq, and after buying some sausages and bread from Coles, we walked to Southbank along the Yarra River in Batman Park where we barbecued the food surrounded by a group of Asians who were all Street Artists. They were generous enough to provide us with plates, tissues and biscuits. We also saw three guys jamming with buckets and Didgeridoos. There was also fire entertainment which happens every hour in the evening here in the CBD. This place is amazing.
20:00 29degrees. We parted ways with Ryan, and went to an Asian New Year Market with more performers, and many Asian stalls which had a beautiful atmosphere. As it was towards the last few hours of the market, majority of food was being sold for half price or less. After buying mixtures, sauces and noodles, we walked around the Southbank and finished off the day walking it back to the Lodge. This city, is amazing and I cannot believe we are so much in love with the place
         Day07
Woke up at 11:00. 23degrees and windy. Made Fruit salad with Greek Yoghurt as Brunch, and collected a Free Lebara Sim from Gemma the receptionist. Most hostels offer a variety of sims to choose from rather than buying a $2 from a supermarket. Topping up $30 at 7/11 Petrol Station just from down the street, we called to Activate the Sim, and now have free unlimited sms and calls in Oz and a 2gb internet access. :) We called Maxi (German) to look at a Pajero Wagon GLX 192 ’92, and went to meet him at Port Melbourne within Port Phillip. After arriving by Train (#109), we walked all Boulevard Street, and met up with Sophia and Max, and after having a look at the car, we took a decision and walked off happy.
We caught the train back to the City Centre, and walked back to the hostel, and cooked around 19:00, and later chilled out at the hostel’s outdoor front garden all night
         Day08
Waking up to 18degrees, & not sunny. By 10:00 we made bfast (Fruit Salad) & at 12.30 made our way to Beacon Cove, Port Melbourne again through City Centre. Met up with Maximilian and Sophie again to get some docs signed, and left off to the City Centre. After eating at KFC on Elizabeth Street (x3 Pieces and a Chocolate Hazelnut Krusher for $7.50), we walked all the way back to the hostel, through Alexandra Gardens, Queen Victoria Gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens, up the Shrine of Remembrance, and down to Fawkner Park. Unfortunately the Victoria National Gallery was closed.
21:00 Bought x6 Oettinger for $12 at Woolworths and packet ($4.30) and off to St.Kilda park for a chilled night out. We also came across our 2nd possum tonight running around the park. We then went down by the beach for a stroll and looking for pebbles and shells, and at 23:30 made our way back to the hostel. On the way back, we saw huge bats flying from one tree to another – and by huge we mean BIG. At least an Arm long. We also saw another possum, and after stopping to look at it closely, it just stared back at us, so we decided it was best to keep on walking as we heard many rumours on City Possums, and call it a day.
         Day09
08:00 Moved from the 4bed dorm, to a 2bed cabin shed. Paying $40 each, we ate bfast & stayed in the lodge surfing till 16.30. We caught the 72Tram again to City Centre to meet up with Ryan. Bought beer (Chiang Beer) from Liquorland, and made our way to Batman Park once again where we met up with Ryan’s room-mates. Max, an Indian guy, who kept quoting Russel Peters and was very funny, a Czech named Lucas, an Indonesian Eeko, an Ozzie Jackson, and a Kiwie called Jar. They kept calling Leon – Wolverine. We cooked an amazing Rib-eye and Chicken Thighs using the free outdoor bbq’s available all through the city, It started to drizzle, and made our way to a free outdoor open-air classical concert at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. We then left to the atmospheric Queen Victoria Night Market, and walked through many more street arts and food stalls (buying a Coconut for $6), and finally went to the Chinese New Year in China Town. Arriving late and not much to see apart from one dancer, we parted ways, and made our way back to the hostel. Happy new year!!
         Day10
Woke up to a sunny Melbourne 28degrees, and went shopping for lunch. Paying another $40 each for another night in the 2-bed cabin, we then cooked Mongolian Beef, and at 16:00 left off to the City Centre, walked in Big W to see what it offers, bought these cheap $1 waffle cone from Maccas, and then caught a Tram 201 to Yarra Bend Park, some 4km Northeast of CBD. We walked roughly 3km (from a 27km trail) and came across a Collingwood Children’s Farm, and saw many horses, sheep and goats. We passed through Abbotsford Convent, and came across this “Lentil as Anything” in Abbotsford in Heliers Street. Basically a ‘pay-as-you-feel’ restaurant where customers pay what they feel the food was actually worth, and have been opened for more than 13years. Catching the 207 bus back to the City Centre, we made our way back to Hostel. After eating some leftover Mongolian Beef, we were given a beer each by the bday boy Marek, and after singing him a happy bday in the entertainment room at the lodge, we made our way to Chapel Street to celebrate. Us, the bday boy Quebecian Marek, Dean the British, and this Rock n Roll Kati from Oregon, we stopped at Borsh, Vodka and Tears, and drank some Polish Beer ($9.5) called Žywiec 5.6% and Warka Strong 7% ($9). A very known Polish Vodka Bar who specialize in specialise in Polish vodka, authentic wormwood absinthe, Eastern European beers and contemporary Polish dishes. Three other people from the hostel came, a Californian guy, a Canadian woman and an Italian/German guy. Marek bought us a ($7.50) ‘The Lav’ Shot each made out of Organic Raspberry Vodka, White Chocolate Liqueur And Lavender which was amazing. We later made our way at 1.30am to Hungry Jacks, which is the Australian Burger King, but was closed, so went to ‘Lamb on Spit’ Turkish on Malvern Road, and bought a Lamb Souvlaki and made our way back home.
         Day11
Adventure awaits ^-^
Woke up & checked out by 10:00. Chilled at Lords Lodge till around 14:00 where Max & Sophie drove in front of the Lodge and left us the car and the key to our new home
Drove to Johnson Reserve in West St.Kilda, and cooked garlic bread and bbq pork for the very first actual cookout. Petrol station $82.90 for 72litres (full) at Calstores Pty (Caltex), then passed through JL Murphy Reserve Park and made our way to Pink Lake (This Salt Lake is quite deep – below sea level – and is pink due to a green alga interacting with a harmless halobacterium and is actually pink), then went to Westgate Park (after missing a sideroad and ended up in the freeway for about 20mins) to take a look around. We decided it was best to sleep in Sandridge Beach, and made our way there, and by 19.30 started unpacking all what was in the car and threw away unneccessary stuff and preservatives. We ate the remaining garlic bread after sunset with the company of a possum, and slept at around 23:00.
         Day12
Woke up 08.30 due to heat, and chilled around Sandridge Beach till 10.30, then made our way to the pre-boked festival Soundwave. Caught a tram to City Centre, grabbed a Subway, and from Flinders Street caught #57 West Maribyrnong tram to Flemington Drive. After walking 20mins, we arrived at the Showgrounds, and after being asked for my ID, we ran right in and & started off with Apocalyptica at exactly 13:00. 35degrees. Sun. Heat. Thirsty. Powerade costing $5, we bought the the merchandising top for $40, and watched Animals as Leader outside in the shade and Killer be Killed. Went up on the Slingshot 160km with 3g force for $30, and that was amazing! 36degrees now. Boiling hot, we watched Godsmack, Stage4 sitting down, Exodus & when it started to rain we went to watch Marilyn Manson on another stage, then back Stage4 for Judas Priest. Watching the most awaited Slipknot on the Main Stage, they gave such an amazing show! 22:15 we left the festival & walked to the exact same drop off point and caught a tram to the city. Being White Melbourne, majority of the places were all filled up, so we went to Maccas, bought some Angus Burger for $7, then caught another tram to Port Melbourne, and had an outdoor shower! Slept late around 12:30, after an unforgettable Bday for sure!
         Day13
Windy day & not so sunny. 27degrees. Perfect for Day 2 Soundwave. Woke up around 09:00 & headed to Flemington Racecourse with the car, & after quite a while, managed to find parking. Majority of the roads are either permit only, no parking or with a time frame, almost everywhere we’ve been, and it’s quite difficult to get anywhere with cars. Ate at “Fish&Chips” on Epsom Road for just $8.50, then walked to Soundwave at around 13:00. Saw Ne Obliviscaris which were amazing, Steel Panther with quite a show, Fear Factory, Ministry, some Dragonforce, Soundgarden, and Lamb of God. Weather played up all day, and around 18:00, got very hot and got sunburnt again in the 37degrees, Even our phones were overheating!
We’ve never seen a metal festival with people wearing so many colours and non metal fans look alikes. It’s a very different festival.
We walked to Coles in the Showgrounds Village at Flemington around 21.40, bought some basic stuff and bbq mix for $8.49 (2 beef burgers, 4 beef sausages and 4 pieces beef), then walked back to the car. What took us 20mins earlier to arrive, took us an hour and 20mins to arrive to Sandridge Beach due to road closures, traffic, and picking up wrong lanes and freeways by mistake in the dark and night. We were lucky when we arrived, as there was ample of car space, so parked the car around 23.40, then barbecued the food for a relaxed end of a night to an amazing day. Our eating patterns are getting weirder everyday, either having an opportunity to eat too much as its cheap, or in order to save on money, we wait a long time to eat. Needs some getting used to.
         Day14
Very windy, and whilst we were washing and cleaning the car, it suddenly started raining heavily with thunder. Calming down, we left Perc White Reserve at around 14:00, and went looking to fill up the gas cylinder, and after two and a half hours of driving around from one service station to another, we finally stopped at BCF in Footscray where we managed to fill it up up (2kg for $8.25). Huge establishment of Boats, Camping and Fishing gear, the place was beautiful. 17:00, still did not have time for food. Weather still ugly and windy. We caught many wrong turns back again, and ended up in Prahran again, therefore had the opportunity to get our tax file papers which were delivered to Lord’s Lodge, and after ditching the GPS, we managed to get back to the beach by 19:30. We started cooking pasta with basic tomato sauce and some spices and at 20:00 after a long, hungry and tiring day, finally sat down to eat our first meal of the day.
         Day15
Windy day but sunny.
Continued cleaning the car and seeing what was in it. Apart from a guitar, hammock, surf board, body board, 2 tents, fishing gear and snorkelling gear, we also have a knitting kit, scrabbles, skipping rope and a colourful ribbon stick. This will be very interesting.
Around 14:00 went to Bunnings in Port Melbourne, a huge warehouse with everything in it. Then went to ‘Port Melbourne Locksmith’ to get a spare key for the car ($11), and went to Super Cheap Auto and got new seat covers for $23 :) 4wd looks very home-y now. We also didn’t get lost or got a wrong turn. We went to buy some chicken & mix-and-match freshly cut vegetables and fruit from Coles in Port Melbourne. Driving back to Sandridge Beach, we cooked Chicken Pad Thai with Rice Noodles around 18:00, then went off for a stroll along the beach. Bought x3 VB Beer ($2.99 330ml), sweets & cookie and cream ice-cream cone from De’lish Fish ($4), then strolled back to the car to snack on crisps and drink beer and chill.
         Day16
Seems longer than 2 weeks! Everything seemed so easy from the start, and have got used to how things work, places and lifestyle pretty fast. Change of plans. We took off to register the car today, however we visited a mechanic as we were hearing some new noises, and advised us to service the car before we hit a 400km road just in case. We booked the car in for tomorrow morning at UltraTune, and went buying a bbq mixed grill and cooked it by 14:00 infront of Port Melbourne Beach. We visited Ray’s Outdoors, & bought a $99 12litre cooler, and worked pretty fine for 30degrees outside! We can now buy cold drinks & fresh food and keep it cool in this scorching heat, as even though it just works with a cigarette lighter, and drops the inside temperature by 15degrees, it still works pretty fine in reality. We strolled by the bay again in the evening, watching the sun setting, a 3km walk to buy some beer and burger onion rings & sat down at Sandridge Bay one last time relaxing at 20:30, before (hopefully) we hit the road tomorrow!
          Day17
An early morning , 07:00, to take the car to AutoTune for a service. Walked some 1.2km to get to Coles, where we bought a long baguette ($1.70), 100g of cheese ($2.51) & 100g of ham ($1.50) & mixed salad with italian dressing ($2.50) & went to the park infront of Coles to make a huge bfast baguette with chocolate milk. Beautiful! We then received a call from the mechanic saying it was best to discuss some issues we had with the car. Getting worried, we spent 20mins fast walking to the mechanic, seeing what might be so serious & if we can hit the road today or not. Apparently, brake rubber pad slightly cracked, number plate light bulb not working, wipers not brand new & some other minor stuff is a big deal here! Relief. Basic serviced for $290, filled up water bottles to rehydrate along the way & good to go!
13:00 left Port Melbourne. Spent 1hr15mins driving (Westgate Freeway on its own was 91km long) stopped at Ballarat for a stretch. Went to Dimmeys Discount Store with amazing prices & deals with tops costing just $1.49! Feeding max petrol ($1.127/ltr), we visited Wendouree Rowing Precinct.
15:30 Took off on another long road, Glenelg Highway, 271km, seeing alot of kangaroo labels, & many beautiful greenery & farms. Stopped for a 15 min break at Mount Sturgon, then passing through Hamilton.
18:00 153km left & made our way through Digby, then to Mount Gambier. Seeing around 4 dead kangaroos, and roughly 13 alive and kicking (of which 4 where young), most where close to the road, and one crossed our path around 10m away.
We arrived at Jubilee Motor Inn around 20:00 (Well, 19:30 actually due to 30mins time difference). Checking in, we left & found the supermarket Coles, bought 700g of Rump Steak, for $15, and garlic and herb sausages & made our way to Umpherston Sinkhole & bbqd around 22:00, calling it a night.
          Day18
A hectic morning. Made our way to register the car at Service SA Helen Street, & after paying $252 for name transfer & license till July, we then came back to Jubille Motor Inn & washed all clothes necessary including car curtains, & car bedspread. Around 14:00, we went to Coles, & took off to the Marist Park (also known as Mount Gambier Volcanic Complex). We cooked an early dinner next to Brownes Lake, & then passed through Valley Lake (wildlife park) & stopped at Blue Lake & Devil’s PunchBowl. The view was breathtaking. Blue Lake fills the crater of a dormant volcano & serves as the city’s main water supply. We drove back to the Inn, & took off by walk to Umpherston Sinkhole. The place was magical. Walking down around the great hole, seeing millions of years’ formation of limestone & many plants & trees. Around 18:00, we went back to the Inn, and we started working on the trip for the following days & of good places of interest along the way down, not to be missed. Worked on it till 23.45. Better work out! Hoping nothing delays our great adventure ahead for the next few days!
          Day19
10:00. 21 degrees. Checked out. Drove to Cave Gardens a couple of blocks away. Another greenery sinkhole literally next to a main road. We then passed through the Crater Lakes again: Valley Lake, Browne’s Lake, once a shallow Lake but now all dried up, Blue Lake, Devil’s Punch Bowl, & yesterday missed Leg of Mutton Lake which is all dried up aswell.
11:00. Made our way to Port MacDonnell. Within 20mins, arrived & drove along the coast & offroad to see viewing points not many can see. About 700population. Passed Finger Point, Bi-centennial Turret Lookout, the Historic Lighthouse, Shelley’s Beach, many rock formations in Cape Northumberland Heritage (Camel, Rhino & Frog Rock) & remains of a destroyed lighthouse & where the Fairy Penguins Colony stay. This place had over 50 sunken ship. We where at the most southern point in South Australia. We also passed through a historic cemetary, another lighthouse, Wagon Wheel tracks, skate park & more beaches.
14:00 stopped at ‘The Breakwater’ infront of the Jetty for a Schnitzel & Fish&Chips, then made our way to Germein Reserve. As soon as we walked in, we saw the tail of a big snake & immediately after what seemed to be a fox. We got lost in the tracks & therefore turned back. After trying to buy fins, to no success, we made our way to Ewens Ponds 10km away, passing through penguin sculptures with surfboards. We got to the Lake, to see diving & snorkel with permits only allowed (swimming prohibited due to scientific purposes), then made our way to Piccaninnie Ponds in Wye 28km again for disappointment as restriced Lake swimming too.
17:00 Very heavy rain. We decided there was nothing to do till we sleep here, therefore made our way to Nelson. As soon as we arrived, we walked to Ocean Beach (a very long beach till our eyes could reach!) On our way to Estuary Beach, a kangaroo crossed our path quite close to the car. We saw seagulls, ducks & pelicans there too. We came across 2 kangaroos eating, this time whilst walking, & couldn’t stop taking pictures of them.
19:15 Sun came out & heat. We decided to leave as there was no place to sleep for free, so drove 9km North to Donovan, Dry Creek, a beautiful place in the woods with a couple of boathouses in the water supported only on wood along the Glenelg River, border of SA & Victoria, with access to bbq, water, toilets & surrounded by trees. Driving a total of 150km for the day, we took out all pots, pans & food to start cooking as lately we are only eating once per day, however we heard a loud noise of munching & swallowing in the pitch blackness of the forest, & not knowing for sure what it was, decided to pack everything & call it an early night.
21:00 Time difference varied 30mins between Mount Gambier & Melbourne, so time may vary due to no reception, wifi & 3g most places & phones cannot be updated.
          Day20
09:00 Made our way to Nelson to gather some information leaflets. Drove to Portland through Nelson Road, having a kangaroo & a family of 4 emus crossing our way. We offroaded Quarry Road to get to Nobles Rock (another never ending beach) a roughly 2km through Black Swamp & Long Swamp (a huge forest). We offroaded to Lake Moniboeng & walked some 20mins around the Lake.
13:00 Cooked some Pasta with Sausage & Sauce, then made our way through BongBong Road to get back on path. Many dead kangaroos along the way, shrilled or just bones!
14:30 Passed Hedditchs Hill (lookout but couldnt see anything due to shallow trees) & visited Swan Lake. Passed through the Mount Richmond National Park, & stopped at the beautiful Tarragal Caves, with a scenic below view of the lake & sea. Drove to the coast & went to ‘Blowhole Lookout’, a viewing point to whale watch, but after 10mins of no luck, we visited the rock formations next to it, known as ‘Petrified Forest’ which formed over millions of years.
17:30 Passing through the a wind farm, made our way to another Shelley’s Beach & spent 15mins playing stick with a random dog. We made our way to ‘Bat Ridges Fauna & Flora Reserve’ & spent 20mins walking around, but it was still sunny & no caves/bats where seen.
19:30 Arrived at the Old Cable Tram Depot, Portland City Centre, where we will sleep tonight, & walked to a take-away Ridwan Tandoori (Indian – butter chicken) then went to Sandbar for x2 half pints of Furphy & Carlton Dry ($9.50). Another 160km drive today.
          Day21
Waking up to Birds singing. Made our way to Tourist Info to get some information, then drove to Nuns Beach. We then took off along the Norman Wade Scenic Drive & went to Yellow Rock, a 30min walk in the Enchanted Forest (looked like a scene out of Merlin), drove through the Cape Nelson Park to get to the Lighthouse (1882/4), Power Plant (1934) & another scenic lookout. We saw a huge hedgehog and a black kangaroo crossing.
14:00 Went buying BBQ food from Aldi (similar to Lidl) & went to Fawthrop Lagoon to cook.
16:30 Making our way to Warrnambool through Princes Highway. Stopped at a Scenic Lookout along the way & Narrawong Foreshaw Reserve Picnic Area. We went Koala-spotting in Fitzroy River Reserve, but to no luck as they come out at night & we were pressed against time to sleep here (still 17:00). Kept driving 27km to Yambuk Shaw River Stop for a stretch, & another 18km to Port Fairy for another rest.
18:00 Drove Princess Highway and arrived at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. A beautiful natural reserve were we saw (by walk) kangaroos, wild rabbits, emus & koala bears. After driving around the Reserve, we continued our way to Warrnambool another 27km to arrive North at Hopkins Falls were we hoped to spend the night, however ‘no camping’ signs were all over the place. We saw the sunset, took some pictures and saw the small waterfall just below us. The view was gorgeous.
20:30 Getting dark & late, & ended up driving another 21km to the Centre to spend the night on Logans Beach/ Japs.
Unless plans change, tomorrow we hit the road to the Great Ocean Road!
          Day22 (Great Ocean Road #1)
08:30. 19 degrees but hot. Perfect. Walked to the end of the beach where people go for whale watching, but they can only be seen from May to October. Drove around to find cheap spare wheels, found at “McNeils Tyre & Mechanic” $50 x2.
12:00 Drove to a Viewpoint with War Memorial Canons of the year 1900 over Lake’s Park, then drove down to the Breakwater over the Merri River to see Stingray Bay & Merri Islands. Walked over the bridge onto Middle Island, another resting place for the penguin colony, where we enjoyed watching the beautiful sea splashing against the rocks in the heat of the afternoon sun.
13:30 After buying from Coles, went to Lake’s Park and cooked Pasta with Chicken and Sauce, fed the car some more petrol then…
16:55 ON THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD!
17:19 (37km) Bay of Islands Viewpoint
17:38 Back on the road
17:42 (41km) Bay of Martyrs
17:47 Detour & change of plans. 
Had to turn back due to the car wheel alignment. Back at Warrnambool, but mechanic closed. Went for an ice cream at Mcdonalds ($1 each) then made our way back to Logan’s Beach. Ate some bread with cream & garlic cheese, & early night in hoping we can get the car problem sorted out early morning to continue our adventure!
          Day23 (Great Ocean Road #1 again)
08:20 Early morning & off to arrange the wheel alignment. Toured around the centre till it got fixed ($60) at Henry Houton.
11:26 ON THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD again!
11:50 (37km) Passed Bay of Islands Viewpoint
11:53 (41km) Passed Bay of Martyrs
11:58 – 12:16 (46km) Grotto – Walked 700m. 12:19 – 12:29 (48km) London Bridge.
12:30 – 12:43 (49km) The Arch
12:49 – 12:53 (54km) Scenic Lookout of Port Campbell.
13:19 – 14:33 (65km) Thunder Cave, Sherbrooke River, Broken Head, Muttonbird Island, & Loch Ard Cemetary – Walked 4km
14:35 -15:49 (66km) Island Archway, Razorback, Shipwreck Walk, Loch Ard Gorge, the Shipwreck Beach & Cave.
We then hit the road back to Port Campbell (7km) & bbqd some Lamb/Beef Sausages & Chicken Steaks marinated in Tomato, Bacon & Onion.
17:44 Hit the Great Ocean Road again
17:56 – 19:14 (86km) Twelve Apostles then walked a rough 4km.
19:17 – 20:28 (88km) Gibson Steps. 88 steps leading to a beach & having 2 of the Apostle boulders right infront of you. A majestic sight. 
Sun setting, & wind blowing, suddenly started to rain & after almost an hour, made our way up again to the car to dry ourselves & clean the sand, then drove to a nearby campsite “Princetown Recreational Reserve” – $20 – unpowered 2adults/night including showers. While parking, a kangaroo stared at us, hopped away & as we turn our heads, saw another 4 & started hopping away. This is going to be a fun night, in wind, rain and surrounded by kangaroos.
          Day24 (Great Ocean Road #2)
Very windy night. Could barely sleep. Woke up with more than 20 kangaroos a few metres away. Sunny day but windy again. Arranged the car cigarette lighter as it stopped working, then left off.
12:10 (95km) continued the Great Ocean Road.
12:58 – 13:04 (144km) Castle Cove Lookout.
13:26 – 14:23 (160km) Ngatanwarr – Maits Rest Nature Walk (1.03km) (home to the the Carnivorous Snail!)
We diverted away from the Great Ocean Road, & drove up North through Great Otway National Park to “Red Woods Picnic Area” where Sequoia Trees where planted in 1938 to eat some Pasta with Gaeng Karee.
16:04 – 16:30 (179km) Arrived at Hopetoun Falls, flowing from Aire River, 198steps to get next to it.
17:09 – 18:02 (197km) Ngatanwarr – Triplet Falls Walk (2km)
19:05 (242km) Back on Great Ocean road. Nice detour.
Stopped at Apollo Bay & ate Pizza from “Iluka” & then bought some candy and beer from Apollo Bay Liquor. We then made our way to “Lili’s Spot” right on the Great Ocean Road, right next to the beach to sleep with some Pure Blonde Beer. Most beautiful & relaxing-place-to-hear-the-sea we had to sleep so far.
          Day25 (Great Ocean Road #3)
10:14 (272km) Making our way to Lorne listening to Paranoid album in the rain. A 35km winding up road passing through several Creeks along the beach shore.
10:25 – 10:35 (280km) WD Godfreys’ shipwreck. Could only see the tip of the shipwreck as not a low tide. This part of the Great Ocean Road till Lorne is breathtaking. The views are amazing, having both greenery and the Ocean on other side.
Stopped to refill our water at a very beautiful bay called “Surf Beach” in Lorne. We bought some items from Foodworks, and continued the road.
12:56 – 13:05 (307km) Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch. Fun times with a selfie stick.
13:10 – 12:58 (312km) Aireys Inlet. Walked 450m uphill to reach Split Point Lighthouse (1891) & walked to another viewing point.
We made our way to Torquay, the birthplace of global surfing industry, & after stopping at a Tourist Info Point, we drove along the Esplanade & cooked Pasta with Beef & Coconut Milk & Curry Paste at Taylor Park. A great end to the drive of the Great Ocean Road at 348km!
16:36 Left to Geelong, but we soon realised there was nothing else to do there, so we took off to Melbourne instead. After driving to Elwood Beach, we decided it would be better to sleep at the usual Melbourne Sandridge Beach. We started job hunting from around 20:30, & hopefully we will try & have a look at jobs tomorrow morning as well. Drizzling, & hoping weather will be more stable for the next couple of days. In need of beach & sun!