Koala at Cape Otway Conservation Centre Coastal scenery, Great Ocean Road Oscars, Port FairyGreat Ocean Road near LorneGeneral store, Great Ocean Road<strong>The</strong> Shipwreck CoastBlowholes roar with spouting water and theocean boils around towering rock stacks on thismajestic stretch of coastline along the GreatOcean Road. Known as the Shipwreck Coast, it isthe most spectacular section of the drive and attimes the superb scenery makes it hard toimagine the dramas that have unfolded in thetreacherous waters.At the cavernous Loch Ard Gorge the stunningvista of towering cliffs, sparkling sea and a tinysandy beach is breathtaking. <strong>The</strong> famous TwelveApostles, set off by a backdrop of dramatic,imposing cliffs, are part of a procession of naturalfeatures that include Pudding Basin Rock, IslandArch, the Blowhole and London Bridge. This coastis best seen when the winds are fierce, whippingthe ocean into a frenzy, playing out the naturalforce that has battered and crafted the landscapeinto shape. Boardwalks and viewing platformsensure easy access to the sweeping views, withbright hues at sunrise and sunset. <strong>The</strong>re are plentyof day tours leaving from Melbourne, but theseoften prove rather long with a good deal ofdriving. Our advice would be to take your timeand spend a night or two in Port Fairy andApollo Bay.Port FairyIn the early 1800s a boat called <strong>The</strong> Fairy chosethis tiny bay on the mouth of the Moyne Riverto shelter from a storm. Today the town is acharming base from which to explore the famousShipwreck Coast. Heritage buildings line thestreets overlooking the busy harbour, a flourishingarts scene supports the open studios and galleriesscattered about town, and a delightful ‘Art Walk’links them all together. <strong>The</strong> beauty of thecoastline is at its best on nearby Griffiths Island,home to a colony of mutton birds, and on LadyJulia Percy Island where lava flows have createdan almost flat clifftop. Although seen by many asan overnight stop, Port Fairy is well worth alonger stay.Oscars, Port Fairy<strong>The</strong> five rooms at this small property arebeautifully appointed and decorated in a Frenchprovincial style, while the gourmet breakfastsserved each morning are a real treat. Oscars has aperfect location on the Moyne River with viewsout over the yachts in the marina. It is just a shortdistance from many of the highlights of the GreatOcean Road, making it an ideal place for a breakin your journey.Walking theGreat Ocean RoadTraversing one of the most remarkablestretches of Australia’s coast on footallows you to enjoy the scenery at aslower pace. We can arrange a walkingtour with vehicle support to transportyour luggage from place to place. <strong>The</strong>walk passes through tall forests andshaded gullies, and past remote beachesand towering cliffs, travelling from ApolloBay to the Twelve Apostles in four days.After four hours walkers take a break,allowing the energetic to continue andthose who prefer a more leisurely paceto catch a lift with the luggage vehicle tothe overnight stop. Accommodation canbe in character bed and breakfasts or indesignated campsites with good foodand wine.www.audleytravel.com/australia l 01993 838 810 l <strong>Southeast</strong> 25
AdelaideAdelaideEdged by the Adelaide Hills and the long whitesands of the South Australia coastline, Adelaide isan enchanting city. <strong>The</strong> influence of Australia’s firstfree settlers is still very much in evidence in itsgracious stone buildings and open parklands, whichgive the city a sense of calm. <strong>The</strong> cultural centre ismarked by commanding public buildings that runbetween the grand old tree-lined North Terraceand the River Torrens, and it is here you will findthe Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery whichhouses an extensive collection of artefacts andartworks. <strong>The</strong> north of the city is a lattice of bluestone cottages and thriving al fresco restaurants,making it a wonderful place to wander on foot.<strong>The</strong> city prides itself on being the artistic capitalof Australia and bursts into life during theacclaimed Adelaide Festival. <strong>The</strong> gorgeousAdelaide Hills, draped in steep vineyardssurrounded by bushland and bustling upcountrytowns, are less than half an hour by car from thecity and offer a superb alternative to a stay inthe centre itself. Glenelg, reached by a vintagetramline, is a cheerful seaside resort whereopen-air cafés are set around a lovely swimmingbeach, making it an ideal place to while awaysome time.26Majestic Roof Garden, AdelaideMajestic Roof GardenHotel, Adelaide<strong>The</strong> Majestic is an unrivalled base from which toexplore Adelaide. It sits just around the cornerfrom shops, bars and plentiful eateries on vibrantRundle Street, and just a short walk from thegrand, historic buildings on North Terrace. Thisinner-city hotel is streamlined and modern, yetsmall enough to retain a warm and relaxedatmosphere. <strong>The</strong> rooms are furnished withexceptionally comfortable king-sized beds andspacious, luxurious bathrooms. <strong>The</strong> rooftopgarden is a wonderful addition and makes theperfect place to relax at the end of the day.Crowne Plaza, Adelaide<strong>The</strong> Crowne Plaza is a sleek and stylish modernhotel in a fantastic central location. Positionednear a quiet, leafy corner of Hindmarsh Square,it is surprising to find that many of the cityhighlights are just a leisurely stroll away, and therestaurants on vibrant Rundle Street are right onthe doorstep. <strong>The</strong> hotel’s Red Salt restaurant andbar offers contemporary al fresco dining, usinglocal South Australian ingredients. Rooms arefully equipped with modern amenities andcontemporary yet warm décor, while the fitnesscentre has a pool and sauna to help you unwind.Crowne Plaza, Adelaide