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February 12, 2024
Melbourne, Australia: The Great Ocean Road


The Great Ocean Road

We have two days in Melbourne, Australia. This is a port we did not visit last year, so we were particularly excited to see it.

For the first day, Gail booked a private excursion. We joined three other Viking couples for a full-day drive on the Great Ocean Road. This is a 150-mile highway along the southeastern coast of Australia. It was built by returning soldiers after WWI and dedicated to those killed in the Great War. It is therefore the world’s largest war memorial.


The start of The Great Ocean Road

The road boasts stunning coastal views. We were reminded very much of California’s Highway 1, which similarly runs along the coast with spectacular views of the ocean. During our long drive we made photo stops at several scenic locations, including Gibson Steps Beach, Island Archway and The Razorback.


Some views of the southeastern Australian coast


We stopped along the way to see some wild koalas sleeping in some eucalyptus trees


Australia is famous for having hundreds of things that can kill you. On one of the walking paths we saw a tiger snake, one of the most venomous snakes in the world.

Our ultimate destination was The Twelve Apostles. This is a series of limestone stacks off the shore. Named by early sailors, there were never actually more than nine stacks. Today, eight stacks remain. (One collapsed in 2005.)


Some of the Twelve Apostles


Contrary to our photos, every stop along the Great Ocean Road was absolutely mobbed, mostly by Asian tourists celebrating the Lunar New Year. Our driver said he has never seen it this crowded, including the Christmas holday season.

The scenery was beautiful, but it was a long day and a long time to spend in a van. After our 11-hour adventure, we returned to the ship just in time for a replay of Superbowl LVIII (58) in the Star Theatre aboard ship.


Russell prepares for Superbowl LVIII, complete with hot dog, slider and chicken nuggets


The Worldtrippers on the Great Ocean Road

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