|
Below, you'll find extensive
information on leading shipwreck coast articles and products to help you on
your way to success.
The Limestone Wonders Of The Shipwreck Coast
By Gavin Wyatt
In years gone, mention of the Shipwreck Coast struck chills into the hearts of seafaring men who had heard of the ships and sailors lost while trying to navigate past this perilous stretch of the Australian mainland. These days the magnificent limestone formations of the Shipwreck Coast strike chills into the hearts of the many visitors to the area, who come to be stunned by its impressive geographical beauty. And its hard not to be amazed by the towering structures that the crashing waves of the Southern Ocean have carved out of the malleable limestone of the coastal cliffs.
Taking its name from the 700 or so ships said to have sunk along its length, the Shipwreck Coast stretches for 180 kilometres between Cape Otway and Port Fairy. It‘s easily reached from Melbourne by travelling along the scenic Great Ocean Road, which continues its winding way up the spectacular length of this coast to Port Fairy. The drive along the Shipwreck Coast is an adventure in itself. Awe inspiring views greet you at each corner or rise as you meander your way along the cliffs, and there are a host of attractions that you cannot drive past without exploring a bit further.
The most well known of the limestone formations is the Twelve Apostles. These huge pillars of rock rise majestically out of the ocean like the crooked fingers of an ancient shaman, cursing any ships foolish enough to near this coast. While five of the original pillars have succumbed to the waves eroding away their base, seven still remain standing, and more will be formed over time as the cliff face is eroded back. Its international reputation has meant this area, and the nearby town of Port Campbell, heaves with tourists the whole year round. Boardwalks and viewing points have been built near the Apostles to protect the environment and provide you with the best viewing positions, and kodak moments abound in this special place.
Continue west from the Twelve Apostles and you reach Loch Ard Gorge, where two vertical, towering walls stretch away from a quiet and secluded beach that is perfect for a picnic or a swim. Do not be fooled into thinking that this gorge is always peaceful and relaxing- when the weather gets up the waves and the wind pour through its narrow mouth and crash against its steep sides. In fact it takes its name from the Loch Ard clipper, which in 1878 ventured too close to land and smashed into the rocks, leaving its remains to be washed up in the gorge. It is well worth stopping off here to enjoy the natural beauty and the historical heritage of this impressive gorge.
Too often people limit their experience of the Shipwreck Coast to whatever is east of Port Campbell. But carry on west of this town and there are still many inspiring limestone structures to be seen. Just past Port Campbell you will find the Grotto, which is where multiple sinkholes have worn away the rock until they met, creating an arch between them. Stairways take you down to this natural arch and the ocean pools around it.
The next structure that greets you as you drive along is London Bridge, which bears a startling resemblance to its namesake in the British capitol, even though part of it collapsed a few years ago. London Bridge Beach is next to this formation, and is a tantalising stretch of sand bordered by high cliffs where members of a local penguin colony can often be spotted.
The town of Peterborough is your gateway to two spectacular bays that come one after the other as you drive up the coast, first the Bay of Martyrs and then the Bay of Islands. There is a carpark at the Bay of Martyrs from where you can explore its long and quiet beach, and you can also see the Bay of Islands from here. Its limestone stacks are similar to the towers of the Apostles, except they sit lower in the ocean, and there are more of them. The rock debris and boulders littering the coast and the limestone islands in this bay are a magnificent testimony to the force of nature that batters this coastline. They provide viewers with spectacular scenery, that is especially appealing when viewed with the sun slowly sinking in the sky behind it. This is a poignant way to end your holiday on the Shipwreck Coast, watching the
Trials and Herceptin discussed at cancer conference
A group of scientists meeting in Wellington this week heard a Canadian researcher talk about the effectiveness of 12 month trials of the breast cancer drug Herceptin.
<div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293313888"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293313888" border="0"/></a></div>
MP calls for inquiry into Nelson boy's death
Nelson MP Nick Smith is calling for an independent inquiry into whether Child, Youth and Family and other welfare agencies provided enough support to the family of a Nelson boy who died after an alleged assault.
<div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293290871"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293290871" border="0"/></a></div>
Bain home may be recreated for retrial
Technology could allow jurors in the David Bain retrial to take a virtual walk through the Bains' Dunedin home, 13 years after it was burned to the ground.
<div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293290872"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293290872" border="0"/></a></div>
Politics behind truck protest - Cullen
Finance Minister Michael Cullen has accused Road Transport Forum chief executive Tony Friedlander, a former National cabinet minister, of organising yesterday's truck protest for political motives.
<div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293313887"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293313887" border="0"/></a></div>
Police nab man wanted after Wgtn bank robbery
Police have arrested a man wanted in connection with a bank robbery in the Wellington suburb of Johnsonville this week.
<div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293270948"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293270948" border="0"/></a></div>
Inquiry into fatal police shooting in 2000
The fatal shooting of Steven Wallace by a police officer in the Taranaki town of Waitara eight years ago is being investigated by the new Independent Police Conduct Authority.
<div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293289931"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293289931" border="0"/></a></div>
Four players violated me, woman says
The 18-year-old at the centre of rape allegations against England rugby team members has described how she went to a hotel with one player and ended up being violated by four of them.
<div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293289930"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293289930" border="0"/></a></div>
Gang leader learns to read in prison
Reading a book to his young son for the first time was a powerful moment for one Auckland prisoner.
<div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293279250"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293279250" border="0"/></a></div>
Wellington shows its support for protest drive
A winding snake of diesel fumes stretched for more than 10 kilometres yesterday as trucks clogged Wellington streets in protest against the rise in road user charges on Monday.
<div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293230480"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293230480" border="0"/></a></div>
Snow closes South Island roads
Snow brought on by severe southerlies forced the closure of several state highways in the South Island tonight.
<div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293230479"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=293230479" border="0"/></a></div>
sunset over the Bay of Islands, which is the last point of interest on this treacherous coastline. The good news is that you can turn around and see it all again on your drive back!
The accommodation options up the Shipwreck coast are many and varied, catering to all budgets and all group sizes. If the task of choosing somewhere to stay seems a bit daunting, it shouldnt be. Just log onto www.shipwreckcoastaccommodation.com.au and you will find all the places to stay categorised according to location and accommodation type, with contact details and other important information provided. Tourism operator details and information for the Shipwreck Coast is also listed, so be sure to give this site a look if you are planning a holiday here. Article Source: http://www.ArticleJoe.com Gavin Wyatt is a journalist with a passion for travel. originally from Zambia he has traveled around the world to end up on the sunny shores of Australia. For more of his articles visit www.discovery-carhire.com.au/melbourne.php“>Melbourne Car Hire
|
|
We strive to provide only quality articles,
so if there is a specific topic related to travel that you
would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.
And again, thank you to those contributing
daily to our shipwreck coast website.
A deal's a deal, for better or for worse
EDITOR'S NOTE: Adapted from a recent online discussion.Make it yours with the click of a mouse
Do-it-yourself projects are extending to home furnishings. Now you can make a mural, design your own cushions or create your own piece of functional art -- all without a crafty bone in your body.People: The Boss' fortuneteller was right
Bruce Springsteen pays tribute to a boardwalk fortuneteller he made famous in a song on her death. ... ZZ Top has signed a new record deal with Rick Rubin's American Recordings imprint through Columbia... and more.Culinary students treated to a gourmet education
More than 5,000 students have graduated from Seattle Central Community College's Culinary Academy in more than 50 years -- a number that could be misleading considering an impending shortage of culinary workers expected in the U.S. by 2010.MUSIC: Out to Lunch series starts Monday
More than 5,000 students have graduated from Seattle Central Community College's Culinary Academy in more than 50 years -- a number that could be misleading considering an impending shortage of culinary workers expected in the U.S. by 2010.Smart Homes: Bathroom project needs a good plan
Smart Homes columnist Jim Dulley discusses some important things to consider when remodeling or adding a lavatory.Keep your cool when helping customers
DEAR DR. BROTHERS: It's only my first "real" job, and already I want to retire! I just graduated from high school, and before I start college I decided to take a summer job in customer service at a clothing store in the mall. It seems like customers are never satisfied! Simple returns and exchanges turn into big melodramas, and it seems half the people who come in wind up actually yelling at me! Several times now, I have broken down in tears while talking to customers. I'm afraid I'm going to lose this job. What should I do? -- T.U.How to personalize your outdoor space
Almost any outdoor space can be turned into an outdoor room that reflects your style, whether patio, deck or concrete pad.DRINKS: Blended Agave-Nectar Margarita
LOS ANGELES -- Of all the gins going in all the tonics in all the world... and she puts diet into mine.VISUAL ART: Billy King's Pioneer Square mural
LOS ANGELES -- Of all the gins going in all the tonics in all the world... and she puts diet into mine.DINNER: Try this fajita steak salad
FAJITA STEAK SALADBOOKS: "The Hamburger: A History"
Josh Ozersky. 147 Pages. Yale University Press. $22.Good Housekeeping Reports: Don't let cleanup ruin a beach day
Here are tips, from Good Housekeeping, for faster, more effective cleaning up after a trip to the beach.Water rings? Try this concoction
Dear Heloise: My children don't always use coasters on our hardwood coffee table. Is there any way to remove those pesky water rings?
|
