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Walks |
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| Great Ocean Road Walk |
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| Johanna section: approx 5hr return | ||
 The
starting point for
this spectacular walk begins at the Johanna beach carpark. From
here you head through
the gate near the entrance to the carpark then up the hill along
the Old Coach Road. What now remains was once part of the main thoroughfare
for the Great Ocean Road meandering along the steep cliffs toward
the Cape Otway Lighthouse.
Tourist were few and far between and only those brave enough to take on the Antarctica or far off places would venture down the Old Coach Road camping at Johanna. Many of the farmers taking produce to the local market, travelling along the steep inclines, would roll or bog their cart having to spend the night in the harsh conditions waiting for another to come their way. Walking along this track one can imagine the danger involved in any trip along this amazing coastline. Stop and think what would happen if the farmer happened to meet another? Could they actually pass? Did they have to steer the bullocks or horses to a point where passing was possible? As you are making your way along, take in the views of the Johanna River snaking it’s way along the valley floor and out to the clear blue ocean. Look as far as the eye can see towards the west to Moonlight Head and Cape Volney (the tallest sea cliff in Australia), it is here where many a ship came to grief on the hazardous shores. Towards the east past Rotten Point lies the land of the dinosaurs, remnants of these cretaceous age creatures that once roamed the lands 110 million years ago are only now being found. Continue past the first gate that leads down to the shoreline on to the second marked with a yellow ribbon. When you reach this gate on the left, head down the track towards the sea this will lead you to Cannon Ball Cove, this is not for the faint hearted! As you head down the track watch for the family of large Grey kangaroos who graze on the magnificent hilltops along the Old Coach Road, this lot have the best views in the district. If startled they bound towards the protection of the seemingly endless coastal scrub. Breath in the ambience of the cove and discover the round rock formations locally known as cannon balls. These were formed many millions of years ago when calcium carbonate, dissolved in water in the sediments, crystallising out as they compacted, gluing together the surrounding sediments in almost perfect spheres. 90 million years ago this part of Australia began to sink and the sea came flooding in separating the Antarctica and Australia forever. Then 30 million years ago sections of the land began to rise up, forming the Otway Rangers and the Strezleki Ranges and it is only now that this coast is weathering, exposing such geological formations. When you are ready to head home start your climb back up the track. It is not advisable to walk back via the beach as the tide restricts access. Congratulations you have made it out! Now all you have to do is enjoy the view on you way down the hill towards your cottage where a masseur and a glass of wine await you. back |
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| Dinosaur Cove Walk: approx 8hr return | ||
 Get
ready for a breathtaking walk
into the distant past,
back to when dinosaurs roamed the earth 110 million years ago. The
walk begins at the eastern end of the Johanna beach not far from
where the intercolonial trading vessel
“Joanna” was wrecked in 1843.Once you have crossed the mouth of the river continue along until you come upon what appears to be the remains of another river and it is here that a track leading up into the bushland begins the walk. This is a National Park so dogs are not permitted. The track marked by blue ribbons will lead you through some beautiful bushland and to some extraordinary views. It will eventually wind it’s way along the ridge line to a larger track that takes you down to Dinosaur Cove. The excavations at the Cove began in the early 80’s led by Dr Tom Rich and Dr Pat Vicker-Rich who stayed with the project for over 15 years. The fossil discoveries at Dinosaur Cove have changed the way we think about polar dinosaurs and how they lived in the Cretaceous period. Two of the dinosaurs, Leaellynasaurus and Timimus are actually named after their children who accompanied them every year. One must marvel at how the dig was carried out considering the fossils were mined on the side of the cliff! It is advised that you do not venture down the cliff as it is extremely dangerous. After you have made your way back up the track head on towards Castle Cove were the view of the ocean just keeps getting better. If you look towards the sea it is hard It is in this green fertile valley that the dinosaurs lived along with many other animals that have now either become extinct or evolved to creatures we are familiar with, like the birds that you can hear all around you. Castle Cove is a spectacular area where the effects of the relentless waves are evident, continually pounding away at the rocks to form this cove area. It is here that many a brave surfer takes to the water to try and catch that perfect wave. On the walk back you may choose to follow The Great Ocean Road or return on the track either way keep a look out for those very cute but at night extremely noisy Koala’s. I’m sure that after a couple of days remembering back to all those glorious views and seeing a glimpse of your first koala in the wild that you were glad you did it! Anyone need a massage? back |
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© Johanna Seaside Cottages 2005