Grotto, London Bridge, Gibsons Steps and Twelve Apostles – it’s the popular stretch along the Great Ocean Road in south-west Victoria with the great names and unique landmarks.

Breathtaking. The word that comes to mind wandering towards dramatic cliff edges staring on to massive stone formations which sit just off the shore while massive turquoise-blue waves crashing against their outside walls making a sound as loud, forceful and constant as if a Boing 747 is starting right beside you.

When I came down to this part of “Down Under” I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I only knew the Twelve Apostles – they are the word famous landmark you have to see once in life. What I got was so much more.

Yes, the 12 Apostles are a breathtaking sight. The sun sets, the day fades away and these massive limestone stacks are illuminated in most beautiful yellow and orange hues – magic of our wonderful planet.

Not so magic: the masses of tourists flogging to the viewpoints with their selfie sticks pushing forward aggressively to get the snap for their trendy social media profile without looking once at what’s actually right in front of their eyes.

They are loud and brash. They give those few who want to appreciate the moment of pure natural beauty no room.

Nothing new. Popular tourist spots look like that wherever you go these days. Though while the masses destroy any atmosphere one could potentially grasp at the Apostles, the same tourists – and most come by bus ona day trip from Melbourne – ignoring all the other magnificent landmarks on the Great Ocean Road.

Those places mentioned at the beginning are solitary. The London Bridge or Arch are breathtaking in their very own right, however. I found them equally as impressive as the 12 Apostles. However with nobody around, just standing their soaking in the atmosphere –  those special moments one remembers forever I truly believe.

What has to be said – and this is to the enormous credit of the Victorian Tourism Board – all these attractions are completely free. Including parking. Even at the Apostles. As it should be…. yet this is not a given thing in our modern world.

As for photography, the Great Ocean Road is a pot of gold. So many potential compositions one can explore. Of course time is the enemy for a photographer on a schedule. If I could only would visit these places again and then at different times.

Nonetheless I feel I made the most of the opportunity – both in termsof  experiencing the rich beauty in the here and now while also getting memorable photographs which will remind me of this trip for days, weeks and years to come.

Loch Ard Gorge – 17mm, ISO 100, f/7.1, 1/40 sec 

Johanna Beach – 17mm, ISO 100, f/20, 1/25 sec

Twelve Apostles – 50mm, ISO 100, f/11, 1/200 sec

Top image: Twelve Apostles – 110mm, ISO 100, f/11, 1/13 sec