Erskine Falls, Lorne & Anglesea

Last night after dinner we went for the short walk by torch light up to the lighthouse. Down on the boardwalk we enjoyed seeing the lighthouse doing its job - of lighting up. The light these days is LED, but the lenses are original (late 1800s). The light penetrates the darkness for 30 kms!

It was a 34 minute drive along the Great Ocean Road to Lorne this morning, then inland to Erskine Falls. We got there just after 9am while most other people were still at home. This meant it wasn't crowded at all. By the time we left there were many more people there. So we did our bit to self isolate by going early.

It was a 280 step descent down to the base of the spectacular falls. The falls themselves cascade about 30 metres down to the ferny pool at the bottom. The rocks and trees were very mossy, the steps and paths very damp. The sunlight does not penetrate this forested area very much.

After enjoying and photographing the falls we set off on the walk along the Erskine River. This is a 'level 4' walk for experienced walkers. All up it goes 7.5 km back to Lorne. We spent a considerable time covering 316 metres of it which brought us to Straw Falls, then we turned around and went back. The walk included crossing the river on wet mossy rocks, very muddy parts and logs to negotiate. It was spectacular. It probably took longer than it needed to as there were so many photo opportunities along the way.

This is Straw Falls:

Then it was a matter of retracing our steps back along the trail, back up the 280 steps to the car park level. Before leaving, we admired Erskine Falls from the top lookout. 

We then drove into Lorne, parked at the pier and walked along it. It really turned out to be a magnificent winter's day - the sun was shining in a blue sky. 

At Gemma's request, we explored the rock pools near the jetty. There were not many creatures to discover though, much to her disappointment. 

On the way back to Aireys Inlet for lunch we stopped at the iconic memorial arch - a replica of one built to honour the returned soldiers after World War One who toiled and laboured to build the Great Ocean Road which is now a world famous tourist destination. 

We quickly looked at the beach near the archway.

Back at the cottage for lunch - the weather was so nice, we sat outside on the decking to eat.

Also on the property is a eucalyptus tree with these amazing ball shaped yellow flowers:

After a relaxed lunch we drove to Anglesea where we went for a walk along the foreshore - of the Anglesea River. I llike the retro look of the general store.

Zac had been nagging us to go swimming while at the beach - despite reminding him that it is the middle of winter and after pointing out the only people in the water were in wet-suits, he was adamant he wanted a swim. So he proved this to us... Ethan also went right in. Gemma showed a little more common sense. Zac asked us if we were going in... I think the answer he got was more of a laugh than any intelligible word!

Aireys Inlet

2020... what a year so far. Bush-fires during the Australian summer, Covid shut down of the world... we live in an unprecedented time. It has impacted so many people - with health, jobs and livelihood. In many ways we are fortunate. Yes, we've had to cancel two holidays, one of which was overseas, but so many have it much worse.

We are feeling lucky to be able to escape for a week. We have based ourselves in Aireys Inlet, in a lovely cottage we've rented.

Driving down, we were again reminded of these crazy times as we saw dozens of jet planes lined up on the tarmac at Avalon airport.

The cottage is walking distance to everything and includes a wood heater and a supply of wood - perfect for these cold evenings!

Since arriving in Aireys we've pretty much kept to ourselves, been for walks along the cliff tops and explored the town. Today we also went to the top of the lighthouse - Split Point Lighthouse. For those old enough, you'll remember that as the iconic setting in the TV series 'Round the Twist'.

The winter light has given us some amazing scenery. Today with a back drop of grey clouds, the sun shone on the golden cliffs and aqua ocean. I love the coast in winter.

Climbing down the steep steps to Step Beach was an energetic experience - all these weeks of lock down I don't think we're as used to stair climbing as we might have been in the past! It was a lovely little beach though, so was worth the trek.

Wandering around town, there were not too many people around. The tourist areas seem busy though. I'm sure the locals are resenting tourists being in the area - but local businesses must be grateful of some income. We get a few hellos while walking around, but a few scowls as well. I don't know if there is anything behind those looks, or I'm just imagining it! 

The cottage has a great collection of succulents and cacti, mostly in an eclectic range of pots. A pair of king parrots popped in this afternoon and had a nibble on some of the succulents! 

Finally, here's a couple of pics taken through the window late in the day: