Surf time in Torquay, Australia

A few days in Australia's surf city were exactly what I craved after living out of a tent for a week! Torquay is in between Melbourne and Apollo Bay and boasts several good surf spots, including the famous Bell's Beach. This town was a bit overpriced and touristy, and a bed at a hostel ended up being cheaper than camping. I enjoyed doing a whole lot of "nothing" while I was here. Well, maybe that's the wrong word; I ran 5-18 miles per day (some great coastal trails in this area too), then went surfing at least once a day, attempted some yoga, explored local stores and art and coffee shops, read and took catnaps on the deck, and finished up the day with some home cooking and a bottle of wine with hostel-mates. Met several fellow travelers who are also amidst a bit of a mid-life crisis (or 30-tirement) like me :) It was nice to kick my feet up and stay in one place for 3 nights, and though the main drag is too surf-touristy for me, met some great locals and enjoyed the scenery and surf. Definitely worth the short detour from Melbourne!

My few photos don't really do this place justice...

surf tourism! I didn't go in though... something like 15 bucks to enter

Great Ocean Trek: Devils Kitchen to Twelve Apostles

Last day - Day five of the trek! Also approx. 15km. A nice easy last day rewarded with great views of the famous Twelve Apostles. It was strange to be back to civilization and the roar of the sightseeing helicopters at the end of the trail were a bit obnoxious. Andrew, Chris, Marcel and I finished together and then splurged for celebratory coffee/soda at the visitors center while people gave us funny looks and generally made a wide arc to walk as far as possible from us. Not sure I've ever smelled that bad, but totally worth it! What an an amazing experience! 

A great way to see this part of the country that (again) seems really underutilized (saw very few other hikers. Then again, all hikers are supposed to go from east to west). A very well maintained trail with great campsites/facilities (shelters, toilets). 

Future recommendations: A few thoughts, if you're preparing to do the hike: don't carry so much water if it's rained recently (all of the tanks had a supply for us- but bring sterilization equipment); consider doing two sections per day instead of one if you're in good shape (hiking times for us were about half of what they estimated. I thought that the whole thing was pretty easy and relatively flat, but then again I run up and down mountains for fun in my spare time). We used the Great Ocean Road shuttle for drop-off and pick up, they also do food drop offs along the route and their drivers are great characters. Watch out for snakes (pretty much all poisonous)!

Cheers!

Great Ocean Trek: Ryans Den to Devils Kitchen

Day 4 of the trek: about 15km, plus 5 km beach side trip. I decided to run this day's leg to get a little marathon training in. With a 30 lb. pack, my legs felt like I'd run up and down a mountain by the end! Lots of snake sightings on this day. Once I got to camp, I did a little excursion down to Wreck Beach to check out the remains of a few shipwrecks and to have an afternoon nap on the beach :) 

outhouse view!

Great Ocean Trek: Johanna Beach to Ryans Den

Day 3 of the Great Ocean Road trek: ~15 km. An interesting combo of farm roads, forest, beach and coastal terrain. Highlights: cooling off with an ocean dip at Milanesia beach and a friendly local who supplied water, marmalade and moral support as we passed through!

Great Ocean Trek: Aire River to Johanna Beach

Day 2 of the Great Ocean Road backpacking trip: distance 15km. More wallabies, windy clifftops, beach crossings, fishermen, and an awesome campsite above Johanna Beach with epic sunset views. I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking (my favorites are at the very end...)