Day 4 - Loch Ard Gorge to Nelson (Victoria / SA border)

---

I woke up with cold feet which was very strange. I looked around and noticed that the window (right next to my feet) was open and a cool breeze was blowing in. In fact, it was almost cold and there was mist swirling around outside. This is quite common (sea mist) along the coast.

We had a quick breakfast and drove to the Loch Ard Gorge carpark and explored the area, including the famous gorge.

The gorge is named after the clipper ship, which ran aground in June 1878 after three months sailing from England. Only two of the 54 passengers and crew survived. Tom Pearce, a fifteen years old ships apprentice, was washed ashore and, hearing cries for help, went back into the water to attempt to save Eva Carmichael, a 17 year old Irish woman who was emigrating with her family. After rescuing Eva, Tom then climbed out of the gorge and was lucky to find local farmers nearby.

We were the first to walk on the sand that morning but it must get many visitors now. It really is a majestic location. And a sad one too as you tour the little cemetery on the cliff side.

Later in the morning, after driving through Port Campbell and Peterborough, we stopped at Warrnambool where Lenny sorted the Telstra phone and plan (with the assistance of the local expert Liam) while Georgi hunted down coffee.

Port Fairy was originally settled as a whaling station in the early 1800's and has many buildings made of the local bluestone which are now protected by the National Trust.

We drove along the coast seeing emus on the side of the road and then stopped at Nelson which is just on the Victorian side of the border. We had a cool drink by the river with the pelicans, Georgi did yoga and we planned the remainder of the day.

---

Photos

Loch Ard Gorge
From up top showing the small opening where the wreckage and Tom were washed in to.

Loch Ard Gorge again
Showing a section of the beach

Looking out to sea from Loch Ard Gorge
The island with the archway is muttonbird island and this is where the Loch Ard ran aground as it tried to sail its way out of trouble.

The Loch Ard beach
We were the first to walk on to the beach today.

The beach and our footprints in the sand
The beach and our footprints in the sand

Loch Ard cemetery
The four passengers bodies of the Loch Ard that were recovered are buried in the local cemetery along with other pioneers.

Port Campbell township
A quaint little place that hasn't changed much

The Arch
Port Campbell Coastal Park

London Bridge
Port Campbell Coastal Park. There used to be two archways but in 1990, the left arch collapsed leaving tourists stranded for some hours until they were rescued by helicopter.

The Glenelg river at Nelson
A very high tide today with some buildings (including the canoe hire place) flooded. Maybe next time for a paddle in a canoe.