One of the first places I travelled to outside of Melbourne was Lorne – a beautiful beachside town set between Loutit Bay and the big trees of the Otway forest. It was kind of like Wasaga or Sauble … but with white sands, the ocean, and even better ice cream.
It was here that I was introduced to “Australian” culture – shrimp on the Barbie, a surfing lesson (I’ve said it before, but: NEVER AGAIN!”), and Aussie Rules Football.
For those who aren’t familiar – “Footy” – is an Australian game that essentially combines American football, soccer, and drunk into a no-holds-barred, all out war, game of fun and excitement. It’s fast paced and absolutely brutal. In fact, the guy who taught our footy workshop had permanently disjointed fingers that literally hung off his hand, from being so badly and repeatedly broken while playing the sport professionally throughout his life.
Anyway, I digress –
Getting to Lorne was actually the highlight of this trip. In order to do so, you must travel along the Great Ocean Road- a twisting path that follows the coast of Victoria, and takes you alongside cliff tops, beaches and rainforests, while offering panoramic views of the Ocean at every turn.
It was along this journey that we also stopped at the twelve apostles – a famous rock formation (in the picture above) that is absolutely unreal.
I’m a firm believer in leaving the cities and resorts whenever you travel aboard. You definitely get a better understanding of the place you’re visiting.
The locals in Lorne were warm and welcoming, the food was fresh and delicious, and there was absolutely no hesitation in helping us travellers learn how to take down an Aussie in a “friendly” Australian game.
Destination Nutshell:
Flight: we travelled by bus – along the Great Ocean Road. It was ridiculous.
Accom: I stayed in the Lorne Hotel with a seaside view for $145 a night. Luckily I had a few travel buddies to share the cost.
Highlights: BBQ Shrimp or “prawns” as they like to say, footy, the surf (kind of), a walk in the rainforest, drop bears, the 12 Apostles, the Great Ocean Road, and days upon days on the beach.
It was here that I was introduced to “Australian” culture – shrimp on the Barbie, a surfing lesson (I’ve said it before, but: NEVER AGAIN!”), and Aussie Rules Football.
For those who aren’t familiar – “Footy” – is an Australian game that essentially combines American football, soccer, and drunk into a no-holds-barred, all out war, game of fun and excitement. It’s fast paced and absolutely brutal. In fact, the guy who taught our footy workshop had permanently disjointed fingers that literally hung off his hand, from being so badly and repeatedly broken while playing the sport professionally throughout his life.
Anyway, I digress –
Getting to Lorne was actually the highlight of this trip. In order to do so, you must travel along the Great Ocean Road- a twisting path that follows the coast of Victoria, and takes you alongside cliff tops, beaches and rainforests, while offering panoramic views of the Ocean at every turn.
It was along this journey that we also stopped at the twelve apostles – a famous rock formation (in the picture above) that is absolutely unreal.
I’m a firm believer in leaving the cities and resorts whenever you travel aboard. You definitely get a better understanding of the place you’re visiting.
The locals in Lorne were warm and welcoming, the food was fresh and delicious, and there was absolutely no hesitation in helping us travellers learn how to take down an Aussie in a “friendly” Australian game.
Destination Nutshell:
Flight: we travelled by bus – along the Great Ocean Road. It was ridiculous.
Accom: I stayed in the Lorne Hotel with a seaside view for $145 a night. Luckily I had a few travel buddies to share the cost.
Highlights: BBQ Shrimp or “prawns” as they like to say, footy, the surf (kind of), a walk in the rainforest, drop bears, the 12 Apostles, the Great Ocean Road, and days upon days on the beach.
No comments:
Post a Comment