Episode 36: 25 October
At any time of the year our Great Ocean Road is a magnificent place to tour, but the lead-up to summer is the perfect time to get out of the car and enjoy it on foot. So join the Postcards team this week as they take you on a journey from Marengo to the Twelve Apostles, with accommodation, food, tours and stunning scenery that will appeal to all.
Marengo Bay and Aire Valley Guest House
f you like the idea of combining country comfort with your ocean walk, we've found the place for you. The 1880s Federation-style Aire Valley Restaurant and Guest House, just 20 minutes west of Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road, oozes country hospitality and offers meals with the motto is 'fresh is best'. Set on 15 acres, the homestead offers five comfortable bedrooms, each with its own ensuite. Owners Martin and Annabel Tunley will help you organise your Great Ocean Walk from their guest house. Annabel and Martin's restaurant on the property is licensed and open seven nights a week for dinner and for Sunday lunch. The food is Australian in style with a French influence. You can choose to dine indoors or sit out on the sweeping verandah with views across the valley to Castle Cove.
Aire Valley Restaurant and Guesthouse
2590 Great Ocean Road, Hordern Vale
Ph: 03 5237 9223
www.airevalleyguesthouse.com.au
Cape Otway Light Station and 4WD Tour
The Great Otway Light Station is at the heart of the Great Ocean Walk and while many prefer to do it by foot, Shane opts for a 4WD adventure.
During the two-hour discovery tour you will go through some of the most rugged terrain in the Otway National Park. Along the way there are plenty of stops to catch your breath and take in the local history. The four-wheel-ride through the Otway National Park is an experience not to be missed. You'll travel through lush rainforest and scenic coastline as you make your way towards that iconic 'beacon of light'. And there's no better way to take in these amazing views than from the top of the lighthouse, 90 metres above the crashing waves of the Southern Ocean. The magnificent sandstone structure is the oldest lighthouse on mainland Australia and was built after a series of terrible shipwrecks. The entrance into the western side of Bass Strait was known as the 'Eye of the Needle' and the ships that sailed through were guided by this huge lantern which could be seen up to 45 kilometres away.
Cape Otway Lightstation
Via Great Ocean Road, Cape Otway
Ph: 03 5237 9245
www.lightstation.com
Great Ocean Ecolodge
If you're doing the Great Ocean Walk then the Great Ocean Ecolodge is the perfect place to stay. There are complimentary shuttles to and from the walking track, you can arrange for a gourmet picnic lunch, and even book a massage for when you get back. Mark Brack runs Cape Otway Shipwreck Tours and he can host you on the short walk from nearby Blanket Bay to Point Franklin. The Shipwreck Coast is said to have as many as 700 vessels lying in its massive waters.
The lodge is built mostly from fallen or recycled timber with mud-brick walls for insulation. It's completely environmentally sustainable and fully self-sufficient. As well as looking after the environment, the lodge also does a good job of looking after you. There are five bedrooms, all with their own ensuites and comfy beds. The great hall is the perfect spot to warm yourself in front of the fire while checking out the surrounding views and meal times are always interesting with some fantastic produce from the organic garden.
Great Ocean Ecolodge
The Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology
Ph: 03 5237 9297
www.capeotwaycentre.com.au
Cape Otway Shipwreck Tours
Ph: 03 0417 983 985
Both Feet Walking Lodge
Breathtaking scenery and remote terrain can easily be seen from the comfort of a car along the Great Ocean Road, but there's something walking gives you that car driving doesn't. For obvious reasons the Great Ocean Walk is quickly becoming iconic in Australia and overseas. Parks Victoria has designed the track in such a way that hikers can 'step on and step off' anywhere along the trail. The walks are between eight and 16 kilometres a day, but when you come around the corner and see the Bothfeet Walking Lodge it will bring welcome relief to know you can hang up you hiking boots for the day.
Minimal impact to the environment as well as creating a haven for bushwalkers was always top of the wish list when it came to designing the Bothfeet Walking Lodge. It's also Australia's first fully dedicated walking accommodation. If you're in need of your own space this award winning property has got it covered. There are five king bedrooms with private ensuites, a guest lounge and a licensed dining room with chef-prepared meals.
Bothfeet
Ph: 1300 767 416
www.bothfeet.com.au
The Great Ocean Walk kicks off just outside the town of Apollo Bay, and besides being a pristine track that requires absolutely no experience, you'll also get the opportunity to take in every inch of the magnificent coastline.
When it comes to accommodation there are plenty of options including B&Bs and camping grounds along the way and then there's Rotten Point House, 2300 square feet of pure luxury overlooking one of the most legendary surf beaches on the coast. Don't let the name put you off, Rotten Point House is a stunning architecturally-designed house sitting on 100 acres of bush land overlooking Johanna beach. Floor to ceiling glass, polished concrete floors and slab heating means you're always cozy. It's end-to-end luxury with four bedrooms and the two bathrooms mean there's enough room for eight guests. If you feel like spoiling yourself, for just that little bit extra, you can have a chef come in and prepare a feast using local produce, ensuring this is one experience you'll never forget.
But no journey along the Great Ocean Road is complete without a trip to the Port Campbell National Park. And as the home to the Twelve Apostles, this is without a doubt one of our most popular tourist destinations.
Parks Victoria
Ph: 13 19 63
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
www.greatoceanwalk.com.au
Rotten Point House
Holiday Great Ocean Road
Ph: 03 5237 4201
www.holidaygor.com.au
What's on
Spring Antiques Roadshow
Next Sunday's Blackwood Spring Antiques Roadshow is an opportunity for art lovers to come together and share their passion for antiques.
Where: Blackwood
When: 1 November 2009
More: Visit www.forestedgecountryhouse.com.au
Victorian Children's Week
There will be exhibitions and shows to delight kids of all ages as part of celebrations for this year's Victorian Children's Week.
Where: Various Venues across Victoria
When: Until 1 November 2009
More: Ph 1800 809 834 or visit www.education.vic.gov.au
VRC Melbourne Cup Carnival LIVE Site
If you're not trackside at Flemington for this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival, head to Crown where you can watch all the racing action on giant screens, enjoy free entertainment and indulge at the L'Oreal Powder Room!
Where: Riverside at Crown
When: 12 noon - 9pm daily, 30 October - 8 November 2009
More: Visit www.crownmelbourne.com.au
