Mum's birthday trip: 3D2N Great Ocean Road and Grampians

Mum and I went for a 3D2N Great Ocean Road and Grampians trip last Wed-Fri. She had initially asked for Great Ocean Road only but I thought since there was an offer and we get to spend more days together on the trip, we might as well go for the one with Grampians as well.

Day 1: The weather was rather bad and cloudy. We had to wake up at about 6am in the morning (5am for me since I take an hour to get ready!) to get to one of the pick-up points. There were a number of pick-up points but we chose Habitat HQ, a backpackers along St. Kilda road.

Itinerary: Bells Beach, Memorial Arch, Beach Stops, Drive along Great Ocean Road, Lorne & Anglesea, Otway Rainforest Walk, 12 Apostles, Loch Arch Gorge, London Bridge and Cudgee Wildlife Park.
The highlight for day 1 was definitely the visit to the Cudgee Wildlife Park. We were each given a bucket of bread to feed the animals such as Wallabies, Kangaroos, Ducks, Emus and more. Mum also had a cute pink parrot who took an instant liking to her. But the best part when we got to hold a wombat and koala. I couldn't quite remember what the other animal I was holding is called, but they were so cute!

Day 2: That day was certainly a much nicer and lovelier day. The sun actually came out and warmed us up when we were driving up to Grampians. We stayed at the Warrnambool Beach Backpackers the night before and so after breakfast, our tour guide suggested a walk around the area.

Itinerary: Stingray Bay, Thunderpoint Coastal Reserve, Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre, The Pinnacle and true aussie BBQ for dinner.

Day 2 was probably one of the most tiring ones with the club up the Pinnacle. The 4.2km trip from Wonderland Carpark took us about 3 hours to get up and back. It was pretty strenuous and mum had to stop halfway and went back down to wait for us. But the rock formations were wonderful and the view from the top was just stunning that it was well worth it.

Day 3: What luck that out of the 3 days, 2 days had to be dampening. Day 3 was also pretty wet and cold. It was raining and pouring the whole night before. We were supposed to also visit the Boroka & Reeds Lookout and the Balconies, but it was just to wet to go there.

Itinerary: McKenzie Falls, Drive along Halls Gap, Wartook Reservoir and Bests Wines Winery.
And the hightlight for that day was certainly the cute and lovable Border Collie at the Winery. He was just so friendly and loving to everyone. They also had a book there on all the dogs in different wineries. We bought some moscato home that evening and boy did it feel good to get home again after much travelling. :)