GREAT OCEAN ROAD (2)

On Sunday, after a big breakfast, we set off again to explore the area around the Great Ocean Road. First, we went to the Maits Rest Rainforest, then to Kennett River to search for koalas and native bird species. The final stop was the Erskine Falls, 30-meter high waterfalls in Lorne.

Maits Rest Rainforest

The rainforest is about 15 minutes away from our hostel and we spent a good half hour there. There is a relatively short circular path through the rainforest, which is beautifully designed with alternating gravel or wood. There are also signs everywhere with the name of the tree or plant species and additional information. This rainforest is home to huge beech and eucalyptus trees that form a kind of canopy over the other plants and smaller trees, many of which are over 100 meters tall and hundreds of years old. Additionally, you can observe over 40 different species of birds there and listen to them! Wherever we were on the circular path, we always discovered an impressive plant, a huge or unusually shaped tree. It is definitely worth visiting this rainforest, even if it's only a relatively short stay.

Wood path

Tree cave

Giant

Kennett River Koalas& Birds

First of all, it should be mentioned that we were not actually at the river itself, as you can find koalas a few meters away from the parking lot. They were sitting extremely high in their beloved eucalyptus trees, but we were able to spot at least five of them! Since there is a high chance of seeing koalas here, there were quite a few tourists. However, it was definitely worth stopping there, as admission is free and you can not only observe koalas, but also have the opportunity to feed parrots and other native birds and with a bit of luck, hold them on your arm:)

Erskine Falls

The waterfall plunges 30 meters into the depths of the Erskine River. You can first see this spectacle from a platform or stand directly in front of it, but to do that, you have to descend 240 steps and climb over a few rocks:)

However, on one of the paths between the sights, we were very lucky and were able to observe a koala up close, who was leisurely walking across the road in front of our car and even sat down for a moment! I think that was definitely the highlight of the trip for all of us:)