Great Ocean Walk 2018 - Day Four

Great Ocean Walk 2018 

Day Four - Aire River to Johanna Beach








U3A Ballarat Hike Number 52


By Janet McKay



As we set off on the final leg of our Great Ocean Road Hike, the weather was overcast and a bit muggy as we ascended for the first part of the walk up to the track following the coast line, immediately enjoying spectacular views along the rugged coastline, beaches and coves. We stopped for morning tea, watching the waves rolling in and appreciating the glorious panorama.  We then headed towards Castle Cove along an undulating track enjoying the views, with the back drop of towering cliffs wind scoured and very beautiful.  The tea tree was in magnificent full blossom along with many colourful wild flowers including wax lip orchids, trigger plants, milkmaids, bright yellow guinea flowers and others. The sky was darkening and we could hear ominous rumbles of thunder so we stopped for an early lunch and were treated to a magnificent light show of lightning, forking down into the ocean. We were expecting a drenching but the storm passed out to sea and we continued our walk towards Johanna Beach. The vegetation was ever changing, dipping down at times into shady groves of rainforest ferns   through a grass tree forest to coastal heathland as we neared Johanna. We descended down to Johanna beach for the last part of our walk. Soft sand tested our stamina but was more than compensated by the stunning beach, the surf pounding in and the backdrop of cliffs.



Across the river and a short climb up the hill saw us at our journey’s finishing point. 

The end of four days of hiking the most wonderful, scenic and breathtakingly beautiful walk. It was with some sadness we said our farewells but I think that we were all all were looking forward to getting home with the prospect of a long hot shower/bath and resting of weary legs.



A very big thank you to Andrew for all of his work in organising this hiking trip, the lovely accommodation, his great leadership and guidance throughout the walk and his amazing ability to work out complex car shuttle arrangements!



Thank you to all members of the group for convivial company, humour and caring for all.



We look forward to tackling the second part of the Great Ocean Road Walk from Johanna Beach to the Twelve Apostles next year.


Photo's by Mark Bevelander








































































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