kez & hay travels 06

After taking the night bus from Canberra, I arrived in Melbourne. Tired eyed after yet another sleepless night of travel, I met up with lisa (met in Vietnam) who is to be my travel and drinking companion for the next few weeks.

Although exhausted there's no rest for backpackers and it was straight out to "Neighbours Night" that evening. It was as cheesy as it sounds but great fun meeting Toadie - asking him why he lost the mullet? (after 3 glasses of wine) and dancing wildly to Doctor Carl and his band "The Waiting Room" (after a bottle). The next day was spent strolling around Melbourne, taking in the atmosphere of Austrailia's artistic and sporting capital. With old fashion trams running through the streets and small boats cruising the Yarra River it was easy to relax and feel welcome. We headed to St Kilda for the next few days, only a 10 minute tram ride from the city but away from the crowds and next to the beach - what more could you ask for. We thought it was time to move on though when we started getting recognised as "local Sheilas" - especially in the 4 dollar pizza parlour. The Great Ocean Road was to be our next destination and best of all a bright pink Barbie campervan was to be our transport!!

We took to the road with 8 days to make it to Adelaide. The Barbie mobil was a hit from the start with fellow travellers, getting laughs, stares and even photos! With the tunes pumping we roared (tractor engine, I think) through familiar named towns such as Torquay, Anglesea, Peterborough and Swadlincote (as if). The Great Ocean Road is described as one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives and you can see why with the long stretches of ocean beaches and rugged cliffs on one side contrast with lush forrested areas on the other. We spent 5 days exploring and camping along this tourist route, viewing dramatic limestone cliffs. The most popular being the Twelve Apostles and London Bridge. The Apostles are rocks in the ocean which have been abandoned by the eroding mainland to the sea. Only 7 can be seen now as over time the others have disappeared after being constanly pounded by the waves. London Bridge was once one rock platform linked to the mainland but it collapsed in 1990 with tourists on it!

Wanting to give Barbie and her engine a rest from the sea air we headed into bushland and The Grampians. We drove for miles down scorched tree lined roads passing only Kangeroos and Emus. This was an area hit by bush fires only years ago. Trying to put "Blair Witch" and "Wolf Creek" thoughts to the back of our minds, we camped down for the night, comforted with sausages and beans a la bunsen burner. The next day we visited the many lookouts over the wide bushland but no trekking as it rained the whole day.

We crossed states into South Austrailia on schedule, stopping off in the relaxed fishing port called Robe and the Belair National Park before reaching Adelaide - in need of a good wash!

Next stop, the Outback to discover the Red Centre.............