I agree, it is a great ocean road.

A view of the Bay of Islands north of Port Campbell.

We flew to Melbourne primarily to drive the "Great Ocean Road" built after WWI by Aussie vets to honor their fallen comrades.  It traverses the edge of a steep coastline bordering the Bass Strait. Here we were treated to magnificent views of the rocky shore and pounding surf.  Many a ship has wrecked in these waters for clearly evident reasons.  We took our time heading west along the road stopping frequently for photos, gaping at the scenery and pausing to take in the sounds of the waves.  We picnicked on a beach and walked alone near the Kennett River to admire koalas resting in the trees.  We drove in and out of the various viewing points to see the massive rock stacks called the Twelve Apostles.

At the suggestion of a local hotel owner, we visited a site called London Bridge at dusk to observe little penguins. We made our way to the platform high above the beach where only a handful of visitors were enjoying the final vistas before sunset and the rise of a full moon.  As it got dark, we were alone, waiting and waiting. It seemed ridiculous at some point. What could we see in such darkness? Where were all the other tourists? Was this recommendation merely a hoax?

After several tentative moves to leave, we squinted down at the beach and applauded...a dozen little penguins washed up in the surf and they were making the way to the safety of their nests.  Amazing! More penguins washed in later waves.  They huddled close together to make the journey and avoid predators.

When it was over, we had to ask ourselves – did that really happen? Did we witness this marvel of nature here on this beach without sharing it with busloads of others?

This Great Ocean Road was built as a memorial to deceased war heroes, but for us it will always hold the memory of living creatures surviving life's rough conditions.