Johanna Beach & The Otways

Gulidjan and Gadubanud Country.

15 – 19 April 2022. 1640km.

Spectacular time in Gulidjan and Gadubanud Country, in the Otways along the Great Ocean Road. Camping at Johanna Beach with dear friends, Siena, Tim, Oli and Freddy, and joined by impromptu special guest visitors, Alison and Herman – what a treat! Driving to a secluded paradise at Aires River West, we put our 4WD and gear to the test, deflating the wheels and gliding over the sand. A sheltered rock pool swim turned into a near escape from incoming tides and pounding waves – towels wet, beach bag afloat, we took off for the river, plover chasing, dune jumping, river crossing and sun soaking. Easter eve Alex and Tim tackled the tackle boxes and kitted up for sunset fishing, we all joined, bunnies howling at full moon, taking the rod, small Australian salmon, throwing them back, Alex and Tim in and out of the raging ocean by night. A windy night kept all awake and the Easter Bunny away, Bilby to the rescue for egg hunting, chocolate breakfasts and boiled egg painting, a Balakrishnan tradition. Later to the Otway Fly, the worlds longest treetop walk, from the forest floor to the mid level, the understory and the canopy, enormous Mountain Ash trees and ferns as far as the eye could see.

Ngantanwarr, (12 Apostles), down Gibson’s Steps and across to the London Arch (why all the Euro names?) – limestone wonders towering from the ocean, not far from the shore, products of Mother Nature, her wind and waves, erosion creating, destroying and creating again. A site to see, the pictures a mere resemblance.

Escaping the rain for a day of cosy feasting, deep breaths, big skies, sunshine, sprinkles, immersed in the elements and loving it!