Crossing Port Phillips Bay

After Bendigo, the next day we decided to do the Great Ocean Road Drive. It through the breathtaking coastline of south west Victoria and one of the world’s most scenic road to the famous 12 Apostles, the Otways rainforest passing through resort towns like Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay etc. Visit here to read my previous blog.

Since 2 days ago we went to Geelong and instead of taking the same route to Geelong and on to the Great Ocean Road, we decided to drive south down the Mornington Peninsula to Sorrento and catch a ferry to Queenscliff.

Half way along the journey, we stopped at Arthurs Scenic Chairlift hoping to catch a 20 minute journey to the famous summit through the treetops and experience the aroma of Australian Bush and the magnificent seascape. Sadly on that day the lifts were not running.

Arthurs Seat Lift

On a clear day it is possible to see Cape Otway, You Yang Ranges, Dandenong Ranges, Mt. Donna Buang and even the ski slopes at Mt. Baw Baw in winter. A much clearer and spectacular view of Port Phillip, Port Phillip heads and Westernport can be seen because they are much nearer.

We arrive at Sorrento in time to catch the 11am ferry. The Sorrento -Queenscliff car ferries criss-cross the southern end of Port Phillip Bay 24 times a day, every day of the year.

Sorrento - Queenscliff Ferry

The ferry leave every hour on the hour and is able to carry up to 700 passengers and 80 vehicles each, the twin hull vessels are built to operate in all weather conditions.

Inside the Hull of the ferry

The crossing takes about 30 minute to Queenscliff.

Queenscliff is a lovely seaside village is bursting with reminders of its past - Victorian-era hotels dripping with intricate iron lacework, the huge military fortress, charming old churches and quaint fishermen's cottages. To read more about Queenscliff visit here.

http://walkabout.com.au/locations/VICQueenscliff.shtml

We made a quick drop and walkabout. Some years ago when my friend and his wife came for a visit, I made the mistake of heading back to Geelong and turning back to the Great Ocean Road. Learning from the mistake I quickly made a beeline to the information centre for an alternative route. The kindly lady gave us some map and mark out the shortest route to the Great Ocean road.

We took the coastal road passing Point Lonsdale,

Point Lonsdale

Ocean grove, Barwon Head

Barwon Head

and to the Surf Coast Hwy leading to the Great Ocean Road. The initial plan was to have fish and chip lunch at Lorne but it was late in the afternoon and all of us were hungry. We stopped at Anglesea for lunch. We came across this little café and we had fish and chip lunch with a nice cup of cappuccino or hot chocolate. I cannot remember the name of the cafe. The service was good and the fish and chips was really good.

The tummies were filled and everyone was happy, we headed for the Great Ocean Drive

Great Ocean Road with its new display

and to Lorne.

Lorne

After spending some time in Lorne we took the inland road back home passing through Geelong and reach home late in the night.