Southern Ocean Drive – Day Two

Larry the Lobster

Day Two of our Southern Ocean Drive adventure began after a relaxing “home”-cooked breakfast in Naracoorte.

Great Ocean Road


We drove west towards the Coorong, a narrow lagoon that runs parallel with the coast for 140km.

Southern Ocean Drive

The town of Kingston was the first stop on our journey for one reason: Larry the Lobster.

Larry the Lobster

The Big Lobster is 60 ft tall, was constructed in 1979, and is most certainly worth finding.

DSC_4302

Larry is right up there with Mickey the Tasmanian Devil, in my book.

Salt Creek is a small settlement along the Coorong and is the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs.

Southern Ocean Drive

There isn’t much else to do there, but the restroom is clean and the store is well-stocked with snacks and drinks.

Southern Ocean Drive

And if you forget to grab a snack, this sign is in the restroom to remind you.

Southern Ocean Drive

Another hour and a half up the coast road is Wellington Road East Ferry Terminal.

Southern Ocean Drive

This is where you cross the Murray River on a free car ferry.

Southern Ocean Drive

Southern Ocean Drive

The ferry can fit approximately 10 vehicles, but I guess that all depends on the size of the vehicles.

Southern Ocean Drive

It’s our turn!

Southern Ocean Drive

The trip across the Murray River takes about 5 minutes.

Southern Ocean Drive

I’ve never done anything like this before — I loved every second!

Southern Ocean Drive

I’m simple.

The beautiful town of Strathalbyn is another great place to stop and stretch your legs.

Southern Ocean Drive

Stroll along the old High Street and visit a few of their antique, craft, and gift stores, have lunch, or simply take a walk and enjoy the architecture.

Southern Ocean Drive

Southern Ocean Drive

Southern Ocean Drive

McLaren Vale is about 45 minutes from Strathalbyn.

Southern Ocean Drive

As you get closer, the scenery changes from wetlands and sand dunes to vineyards and farms:

Southern Ocean Drive

And you never know what who else you’ll see!

Southern Ocean Drive

We pulled over, parked the car, and let this fella watch us for as long as he wanted to.

Southern Ocean Drive

Southern Ocean Drive

After four days traveling the Great Ocean Road and Southern Ocean Drive, we settled into Wine and Roses Bed and Breakfast in McClaren Vale for three glorious days of R&R.

Southern Ocean Drive

Read: food and wine.

Wow, what an amazing week, and it all started way back in Melbourne.

Day Two Highlights

Drive from Naracoorte to McClaren Vale with stops: 379 km

  • Naracoorte
  • Larry the Big Red Lobster
  • Salt Creek
  • Wellington Road East Ferry Terminal
  • Strathalbyn
  • McLaren Vale

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