Loch Ard Gorge/Great Ocean Road, Melbourne, Victoria

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Yesterday, 06/01, our group embarked on a 2 hour journey along the Great Ocean Road and stopped to visit an Australian historical landmark called the Loc Ard Gorge. The Ocean Road can be quickly summed up by long scenic views of the Ausi coast following the ocean. The road was often quite windy, filled with sharp twits and turns due to the unpredictability of the nearby landscape. The road was built following WW1, giving returned soldiers a way to work after sacrificing their lives. Outside the windows of the bus our views were the most beautiful oceans I had ever seen - the water could have never been more blue. We saw people swimming, surfing and even some of the famous 12 apostles. Along our journey we made a short stop to visit these apostles as well as the Loc Ard Gorge. The Gorge is a striking natural feature with a dramatic history. It is named after the Loch Ard, a British exploration ship that wrecked nearby in 1878, while traveling from England to Melbourne. Of the 54 passengers and crew aboard, only two survived: Tom Pearce, a young apprentice, and Eva Carmichael, an Irish emigrant. Tom heroically rescued Eva from the turbulent waters by climbing out on the limestone walls and the two sheltered in a cave within nearby before being discovered by locals. Despite their connection during the ordeal, this is not the love story we expected, with Eva returning to Ireland and Tom continuing his life at sea. Loch Ard Gorge seemed a popular tourist destination. Its towering cliffs and turquoise waters make it one of the most beautiful things we have covered so far.


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