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Published: December 13th 2007
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Today I am off on the "Great Ocean Road" tour - I have heard a lot about it and am told I will not be disappointed also that I must sit on the left side of the bus as the ocean is to the left and so are the best views. The tour bus collects me from the hostel and I am the second person on the bus so good seats are still available. After collecting everyone - we stop at the tour head quarters to register and quick up the last person. Tour guide offers the front passenger seat (which is on the left side) to us - I grab the opportunity and have the best views for the entire tour.
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HISTORY LESSON
The chairman of the Country Roads Board contacted the State War Council with a proposal that funds be provided for re-employment of returned soldiers on roads in sparsely populated areas. A plan was soon submitted for a South Coast Road to be built by returned soldiers as a memorial to all those who were killed in the Great War. It suggested starting at Barwon Heads, following the coast west around Cape Otway and ending near
Mindii
at Bell's beach. Warrnambool. By May 1918 the Great Ocean Road Trust had been formed. It decided the first stage would be built from Lorne to Cape Patton, a distance of 28.9km (18 mi). Construction work officially began on September 19, 1919, when the Premier of Victoria detonated an explosive charge near Lorne. Nearly 3000 returned soldiers worked on the Great Ocean Road's construction over 13 years, living in camps set up in the bush along the route. At times, the workforce numbered in the tens; at others it was in the hundreds. Often it was dangerous - a few workers were killed on the job. In November 1932, the coast roared into life for a weekend of festivities, with residents coming out in droves to celebrate the final link-up of the seaside towns.
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Our Tour Itinerary is as follows -
BELL'S BEACH - Australia's Famous Surfing beaches, home to biggest surf competitions in the country.
BEACH WALK - Time to stop and enjoy the stunning views and get sand between the toes! Take some photos under the Great Ocean Road sign.
WILDLIFE & LUNCH STOP - A chance to look for Koala's in the wild as
we sing out for Kookaburras and other native birds.
We saw Koalas, Kookaburras, Cockatoos and Parrots. Enjoyed a fish and chips lunch and another walk on the beach.
RAINFOREST WALK - Relax and take a deep breath in the luscious green surrounds of the Otway's Rainforestas we explore nature at its very best.
12 APOSTLES - See the giant and uniquely famous rock stacks right before your eyes. An unforgettable experience for sure.
SHIPWRECK COAST - See the rugged shipwreck coast - spectacular!!!
LONDON BRIDGE - This bridge-like promontory arching across a furious sea collapsed into the sea in 1990 leaving some amazed tourist stranded at the outer end.
What a fantastic, unforgetable day this was! The scenery was simply amazing, highlights for me were the 12 apostles, the ruggedness of shipwreck coast and the red looking sand as the sun set over London bridge. Stopped for dinner on the way back. The awesome photos say it all for me really.
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