2 Geckos Travelling Australia: Fri, 19th Jan, 2024 Gary & Cheryl’s place, Narre Warren North to Bush camp near Ocean Beach, Rye, Vic (visit Sue & Ian, Rosebud & Rye Piers)

More rain in the early hours, minimum of 15 degrees.

Packed up then joined Gary and Cheryl for a cuppa before we headed off. Hope we can meet up again somewhere soon. Gary gave me a map for the easiest way onto the freeway down to Rosebud.

More rain as we headed south on the freeway. The sky is clearing a bit as we go around Arthur’s Seat which we explored previously when we stayed with my Aunt Jocelyn and Uncle John at Mt Eliza.

Into Rosebud early so we found a park near the skate park. It is in between two lots of council foreshore campgrounds that are packed.

Walked down to the beach - not so pretty today with the dark sky. Lots of black swans about.

The beach shacks are painted nice. This one has been defaced which is sad but at least they didn’t ruin the nice mural next door.

Along and into the campground to check out the camps there. Some are major set ups with big poles holding up huge tarps. Misty shower came across as we headed back to the camper. Had lunch then went for a drive along the foreshore towards Jetty Road - great use of old pylons.

Found a park further along from the jetty - at least finding a park has been easy considering all the traffic about. Walked along the beach to the Rosebud Pier.

Up onto the pier. Should have brought a jumper as the wind is quite nippy.

Out to the end. Looking across to Mt Martha then around to Arthurs Seat.

The water is much clearer out here. There is a sandy section in the middle. If I was going in for a swim I would from here as the beach had all the sea grass over it.

Nice house as we head back along Jetty Road towards the hills to Sue and Ian’s place.

Lovely afternoon tea with them and lots of chatting. Found another of Mum’s paintings to add to her folder. She did this one as Sue’s dad, Denny was a cane cutter.

Was so lovely to catch up with them and hopefully we will catch Graham and Sharon in Tassie soon too as they are touring around there.

The rain stopped and a bit more sun is shining through the clouds as we headed onto Port Nepean Road to head down to Sorrento. Oh how Steve loves traffic! Busy and slow as we passed more campgrounds etc.

Through Rye. Huge ferris wheel and carnival rides are set up near the jetty.

The campgrounds are so crowded and right beside the busy road. Certainly not for us.

The foreshore is lined with trees but little openings give us a view of the bay.

Passed White Cliffs Road where Cowley Beach neighbours, Pete & Edie lived when they weren’t warming their bones up north.

Into Sorrento and around to Janet and Geoff’s house to park up for the night. Unfortunately, it was a bit tight getting in the gate and not flat. We thought about going onto the grass but it was soft after the rain so didn’t want to chew it up. Headed back out to find a spot for the night. Steve decided the Rye jetty would be good so we headed back there. There was another camper parked so maybe it might be ok.

Looks nicer with the sun out. Mr Seagull landed to pose for a photo - one leg or two?

There is a small jetty by the boat ramp. I spotted a big sting ray slowly going over the boat ramp then under the jetty. Then two more appeared as boats pulled into the other side - one didn’t have a tail.

Out onto Rye Pier - first constructed in 1860 to enable ships to load lime and wood for Melbourne. Lots of people enjoying the sun now.

Lots of shallow areas so it looks funny seeing them so far out.

Lots of people fishing and some scuba diving under the pier. One chap caught this shark, after a pat it went back in.

Steve spotted a couple of pods of dolphins further out. Got one then got another one with the Spirit in the background as it heads to the new port at Corio Bay near Geelong

Little and big kids were jumping off the pier - big ones off the top of the pylons!

To pass time I suggested we drive across to the ocean side to check out Dragon Rock. I found it on Wikicamp and we found the car park in the bush. Founded a bigger spot for us to park and walked up the dune to head to the beach.

Steve spotted an echidna just as Janet rang so he took the camera and managed to get a photo before it disappeared into the bush.

Up to the lookout - nice view.

Walked further down to see Dragon Rock. I think I need a lower tide to get the good photo I saw on Facebook.

Followed the track along the top then down to the beach to Lizard Rock. Must have a good imagination when viewing rocks!

Down the steps - watch the last one, its a long drop!

Walked back to the rock to see if it looked more like a lizard from this side - not sure. Looks like its about to eat the lady.

Back along the beach, limestone and caves. Lots of purple sea grass about.

Shooting into the sun now - still couldn’t get a good photo of Dragon Rock.

Back up the steps. Lots of greenery here. Will come back for sunset.

Levelled the camper but left the roof down and read for a while. Cars whizzed in and out. Steve went for a wander back towards the road and a chap asked about the truck. He was a local and said we will be right to park there for the night.