February 7 – More Great Ocean Road and the Surf Coast

Before heading out today we walked down to the walkway along the beach.  There we saw a number of sulfur-crested cockatoos.  They reminded us of pigeons…hanging around in groups, looking for crumbs left by the tourists.

A bit of research told us that they typically stay in groups and that there is always a lookout to keep an eye out for danger.  This one had a lookout on a fence.

The weather today is still overcast and occasionally misty.  Not good photo weather. 

We did stop to take photos of the “Great Ocean Road” arch across the road.  We were joined by hordes of Chinese tourists. 

Part of this stretch is also called the Surf Coast for the many good surfer beaches.  One stop was at Bells Beach.  Bells Beach is host to the longest running world championship level surfing competitions.  

There were a lot of surfers out trying the waves. 

We drove a bit around the town of Torquay but could not find the area that supposedly had art and pottery galleries…so we kept on going.  We made it to Melbourne, our home for the next 10 days, by late afternoon. 

In the evening we headed out to explore a bit and find a restaurant.  We found a very unusual restaurant that was tucked into an alleyway behind the old Post Office.  By tucked “in”, we mean “in” the alleyway.  As in the kitchen was in a small shed tucked against one wall and all of the tables were in the open but covered by an awning overhead.  The food was great.   Think we are going to like Melbourne.