Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah

We just returned from a two-day adventure along the Great Ocean Road, capped off with a breathtaking and exhilarating helicopter ride on Christmas Day. The flight offered panoramic views of Australia’s most stunning coastal scenery, including the iconic 12 Apostles, Razorback, London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, Bakers Oven, The Sentinel, Port Campbell, Two Mile Bay, and The Arch.

Christmas Eve Adventures
The day before, we drove the scenic coastal road from Melbourne to Port Campbell, making more than a dozen stops along the way:
    •    Bells Beach: A quick visit to the famous surfing hotspot, where we watched over 50 surfers ride the calm waves.
    •    Split Point Lighthouse: A brief stop at this historic landmark.
    •    Memorial Arch: The iconic Great Ocean Road sign, perfect for photos.
    •    Teddy’s Lookout: Stunning cliffside views of the coastal town of Lorne.
    •    Kennett River Nature Walk: A short stroll along the river surrounded by nature.
    •    Apollo Bay: A vibrant coastal town with great surf vibes.
    •    Maits Rest Rainforest: A serene 20-walk through the lush rainforest in Great Otway National Park.
    •    Gibson Steps: Descended the 70-meter-high cliffs to marvel at Gog and Magog, the two towering limestone stacks.
    •    12 Apostles: The most famous stop along the road, known for its striking limestone formations.
    •    Razorback: Our favorite! This impressive limestone formation offered breathtaking views.
    •    Island Archway: A picturesque walk leading to Razorback.
    •    Loch Ard Gorge: A humbling stop with towering cliffs and a tragic tale of a famous shipwreck.
    •    Port Campbell National Park: Home to many of these sights, ending in the quaint town of Port Campbell.

We capped off Christmas Eve with a surprisingly delicious dinner at 12 Rocks (in a town of fewer than 500 residents!) and stayed overnight at the cozy Southern Ocean Inn.

Christmas Day Helicopter Ride
The scenic flight was a highlight of our trip, giving us an unforgettable perspective of the rugged coastline.

Exploring Melbourne

Before our Great Ocean Road journey, we spent a few fabulous days in Melbourne staying at the Le Méridien.

    •    Day 1: A 3-hour guided walking tour introduced us to Melbourne’s rich history, beginning at Carlton Gardens with stories from the Gold Rush era. We explored the central business district, Parliament, the theater district, Chinatown, and the bustling shopping streets of Collins and Flinders. My favorite part? The vibrant street art everywhere!

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We strolled through Federation Square, the Arts Center, and the Southbank district before heading to Fitzroy and Collingwood, where we had a lovely lunch at Alimentari. These neighborhoods dazzled us with their stunning architecture, bohemian vibes, and even more street art. After logging over 30,000 steps, we relaxed at our hotel in the theater district and ended the day with a delicious Italian dinner.

    •    Day 2: We ventured into South and East Melbourne, with the day’s highlight being The Outsiders Museum, featuring a formal collection of street art and the largest exhibition of Banksy’s works. We ended the evening with a fabulous meal at Stalactites in the Greek district.

I finally understand why my cousin Nancy and her husband Carl, who visited Melbourne every year for the Australian Open, loved this city so much. The blend of historic and modern architecture is spectacular, and the energy of the city is infectious. It’s a shame we didn’t visit when they lived here—though, with three kids in elementary school at the time, it’s understandable!

Melbourne has definitely earned a special place in our hearts, and we’re so grateful for this unforgettable Christmas adventure.