Friday 27^th January, 2012

When preparing breakfast we realized that the lactose free milk of Petra in reality is cream. After the breakfast we continued the Great Ocean Road. We visited the natural rock bridges Arch, London Bridge and Grotto. We made a few photo stops until Warrnambool and enjoyed the last views to the coast. In Warrnambool we bought SIM cards for the mobile phone and Internet. Then we crossed the country towards the Grampians National Park. It was interesting how dry the country is and there is still livestock. We knew that the National Park is not far as suddenly two forest covered peaks appeared. Inside the park we had first to drive about 50 km straight, sometimes up and sometimes down. Then we made an stop for the Silverband Falls. We had to walk for a kilometer to the fall. A flood two years ago left remarkable marks, there was much wood lying around the river bed. Suddenly I saw a kangaroo drinking water. It was not shy and I could take my first kangaroo picture. During my last stay in Australia I never saw one so close. The fall itself was very nice and the walk was worth it. On the way back the kangaroo was still near the river. Now we drove to Halls Gap, where we stayed over night. From our window we could observe parrots. We closed the evening with a small walk. A hint from the hostel staff led us to a nearby sports ground were many kangaroos were grazing. They did not show fear from humans and we could take pictures from very close.

Thursday 26^th January, 2012

First we went by bus to downtown Melbourne. We wondered why there were so few people in the city. Later we learnt that it is Australia Day, the national holiday. But in exchange the queue at the counter of the car rental company was a bit longer. With the car we drove towards Anglesea. It seamed that the Melbournians also wanted to leave the city and we had sometimes traffic jam. After we reached the coast, we used to stop on the lookouts. In early afternoon we saw a sign pointing to the Seoak Falls. A nice little hike lead to it, but there was not much water, it was just dripping a little. Our next little walk was in the rain forests at Maits Rest. It is unbelievable how big trees can get. Now the main attractions of the Great Ocean Road were awaiting us. First at Gibson Step we went down the cliffs to the beach and enjoyed the view to the wild cliffs. Not much later welcomed us the 12 Apostels, which are rocks standing in the sea. OK, there are only 8 left. Unfortunately the sun was hiding behind the clouds. We continued to the Loch Ard Gorge. After the beautiful sunset we drove to Port Campell. Konrad said that I should tell him when I see a Kangaroo. We just started as one was standing on the road. Now it is sure: we are in Australia!