We have a guest host this week, Joanne from Joanne Mason Photography, and for the challenge, she is asking to show something that Everyone Should See (this). I have to admit I have conflicting thoughts on this. I want people to see stuff, but I hate them being there when I go.
My first thought was Melbourne, but then I realised that possibly the biggest tourist attraction near me are the 12 Apostles, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to do just those. In the end I decided the place I thought Everyone Should See is the Great Ocean Road.
So according to AI on Google this is what the Great Ocean Road is.
The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometer scenic coastal drive in Victoria, Australia, famous for its dramatic cliffs, rainforests, and iconic landmarks like the 12 Apostles. Built by World War I veterans from 1919 to 1932, it serves as the world’s longest war memorial. The road stretches from Torquay to Allansford and offers diverse experiences, including exploring national parks, spotting wildlife, enjoying coastal towns, and undertaking the Great Ocean Walk.
It is a pretty good description of it. I’ve also heard that it is described as one of the best roads in the world, or maybe scenic roads. I’m not really sure.
I thought we might start with the 12 Apostles.
12 Apostles
These limestone stacks are what most people think of when they think about the Great Ocean Road (GOR), and don’t get me wrong they are well worth visiting, but there is more along there.
Most people seem to go to these and nowhere else.
Loch Ard Gorge
Not that much further along from the above is Loch Ard Gorge. Name after the ship, the Loch Ard, that wrecked just near the entrance to the gorge. Only two people survived, and they were stuck in the gorge until Tom climbed out and found help for Eva.
I think I like this area a lot more. There is more there than just the gorge, and if you follow the trails, you can see some interesting things there. I think there is far more to see in this spot and this is probably my favourite spot along the GOR.
Unfortunately, the steps to get down into the gorge have been closed the last couple of times I’ve been there, no idea if they have opened them again. Still, you can enjoy what is there.
Other lesser-known places
Those places are not the only things on the GOR, and if you go looking, there are so many other places to check out and photograph. Some are more interesting than others, but it does mean you have to spend more time down there than a day-long bus trip from Melbourne.
Here are just some of the sites you can see.
Some of these you have to leave the GOR to get to, but they aren’t far.
If you come to Australia and want to see the GOR then I would recommend hiring a car and doing the drive yourself. Stopping at places and seeing what else is there. Take a few days to really explore it. Not something you will forget.
Thank you, Joanne, for giving me and others opportunities to share places we love. It is such a great idea for a challenge.
If you would like to participate in this great challenge, then go to the following link to find out how to join the Lens-Artists Challenge. Click here for more info. Don’t forget to put a link in your post back to the host.
Wow!! This is incredible! The road is so amazing! Now you hav chicken more reasons to see your wonderful country. Thank you Leanne.
It really is amazing, so glad I live close to it. Thank you Tim.
I love the Great Ocean Road.. such incredible scenery with a lot of variety. Especially driving through the forest around Apollo bay was amazing!
It is an incredible drive, I never get sick of it. Around Apollo Bay is incredible too with all the rainforest there. Going that way tomorrow I hope. Thank you.
Thank you for another round of spectacular views from your country, Leanne! I wish I could go in person, but somehow I believe your photos are the best views I will ever get of these wonders. Spectacular!
You’re welcome Ann-Christine, glad to hear you enjoyed them.I know what you mean, I would love to places where others live, but I know it will never happen now. Thank you so much.
Ahhhhh, the places to see……….and ………the way you see them!
Good way to look at it Geoff, thank you.
Your opening thoughts reflect exactly how I feel, Leanne. And you shared with us a place that is pretty special, so thank you for it. I don’t think I’ll ever have the chance to see it personally.
Thank you Sofia, I love it here. Lucky for you you can enjoy the area through my photos.
Beautiful images, Leanne. And, yep, like others have said you’ve sold me on Australia…….adding that to our travel “bucket list.” 😉📷
Thank you Donna. You will have to let me know if you come, I might be able to help with info and stuff.
I certainly will! 😉📷
😁😁
I doubt I’ll ever get to see these places in person..so it’s great to see them through your lens, Leanne 😀. Thanks for that…
I feel the same way about so many of the other photos people are showing, it is a lovely way to share our world. Thank you.
Nice photo and composition!
Thank you Ziggy.
Wonderful coastal images Leanne. I know what you mean about being conflicted when recommending must see sights. It’s great when a local can point out some overlooked places that offer as much, if not more.
Thank you Sarah. I loved going to this place during the pandemic, it was almost peaceful, gorgeous really. I agree, I love it when locals do that.
very beautifull picture 👌
Thank you.
You’ve done a fantastic sales pitch here! I’ve never visited Australia – never shall now. But you’ve given us a great travelogue here.
Thank you Margaret, easy pitch to do really.
I felt just like Egidio after reading this. Great images Leanne, you’ve sold it to me 🙂
Thank you so much Steve.
Thanks for your Velvet56 blog post – wanted to leave a comment there but it’s closed for comments. I just found your blog today after Googling to find out how to use that lens – previous searches I’d not found anything useful but your blog post definitely is. And I’m a Melbourne girl too! Thanks for your informative blog.
You’re welcome Kathie, happy to help if I can, just let me know if you have any questions and I will do my best. It is an amazing lens, and I use it often. I stop comments on posts older than two months, it helps stop the spam. Melbourne is agreat city for photography. Thank you.
One of the best Australian drives and well worth taking your time to visit the towns as well as the magnificent coastline.
Fabulous photos Leanne
I totally agree Brian, I love going down there. Thank you.
Beautiful coastal scenes – very different from our local beaches
Really Nora, is a very treacherous part of our coast. Thank you.
Wow! You make me want to get on a plane and go there. What a gallery!
Well if you do I will show it to you Egidio. Thank you.
Absolutely beautiful. And you get to live there 😁😁
I do Ted, I feel very fortunate at time. Thank you.
Beth mentioned that my post can be an advertisement for New Zealand…haha your is for Australia. Your photos are really amazing as always.
Thank you so much Teresa.
Beautiful images, and thanks for taking me on the Great Ocean Road. It was stunning!
Thank you Anne, and not something you need to thank me for, it was a pleasure.
Beautiful images.
Thank you.
Wow! Extraordinary views!
Thank you Dawn.
Leeanne, I can see why you chose this beautiful scenic drive for something everyone should see. The scenery is spectacular.
It really is and the photos don’t do it justice really. Thank you Beth.
Love your image of the grotto and the Hopetown Falls. the GOR looks amazing, and I can see why people like to see the 12 apostles.
Thank you Sue, and yeah, it is a pretty amazing place. Yeah, they are quite amazing, even more so when standing there looking at them. YOu post did take, so I will delete the other one.
wow, you really picked some beauties to share!
Thank you Beth.
A wonderful post, Leanne! Fabulous images – I love the way you edit them. This was such a great response to the Lens Artists theme. When I first traveled to Australia for what turned into a three-year visit, on my first weekend there, friends took me for a long drive along the Great Ocean Road. It was spellbinding!
Thank you Joanne, glad you like it. It is amazing part of the world, so glad I don’t have to travel too far to see it. I’ve been there, wow, I don’t even know how many times. That is wonderful that you got to see it.
Of course everyone should see this, but it’s just so far away for me (unfortunately)
I feel the same way about most people’s post, I do live a long way from the rest of the world. So I totally get what you mean. Thank you IJ.
Australia and NZ were the first trip my husband and I took after retiring Leanne and I will never forget it. We spent 2 months exploring and obviously the Great Ocean Road was one of our favorite and most memorable visits. It’s a spectacular place and we were happy to spend several days exploring the area that surrounds it. Thanks for the fond reminder!
The Great Ocean Road is pretty amazing. I feel so lucky to live not far from it. So happy to do that Tina, glad you have been able to see it. Thank you.
One of my favorite things to do on our travels around the U.S. is to find and drive at least part of the many scenic byways around the country. Yours is a great choice for the challenge. So many things to see on drives in this beautiful world.
It is a great thing to do, driving shows you so much. Thank you John, it is a great part of the world.