For those who love birds the Iron Bark Forest between Torquay and Anglesea via the Point Addis turn-off is well worth a stop. A small group led by Rob Ganly, a local bird expert, entered the forest with our binoculars hoping to see many birds. We stopped often to listen for bird sounds so Rob could identify the bird for us and then we could spot it. This proved a totally enthralling morning for all of us. A visiting Canadian bird observer commented on how much more she was able to identify with Rob’s help by following bird sounds than by just looking at birds that appeared. Some of the birds are quite small and blend in to the bush cover so the sound identification and Rob’s keen eyes helped us to really “see” the birds.

If you are a keen bird observer it is well worth your while having an expert guide. Rob himself went to the Galapagos recently with a local guide.

One of the highlights was seeing the droppings and parts of the kill of a Powerful Owl which we would have missed without Rob’s guidance. Our walk took us through the dry forest to the cliff edge amongst the coastal heath and back to our parking spot near the main road – around 5 kilometres. As it is Spring the tiny wild flowers are in full bloom so the usually dull forest is littered with bright yellows, reds and whites, with an occasional delicate blue too. While Rob said that there were many fewer birds than usual due to the drought and climate change we did see and identify many more birds than if we had walked without our guide.

The Superb Blue Wren and his wives, the rare Rufus Bristlebird, the New World Honey Eaters and their offspring, Wattle Birds and Crimson Rosellas are some of the birds met this morning. The kangaroos were happily grazing on the sweet new grass in the paddock across the road too.

Having returned from a trip to Brisbane last week where the effects of severe drought are evident everywhere in a place I remember as tropical green, it is easy to appreciate our fresh green hills and light air.

This is a perfect time of year to come to the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Everything is fresh and clean and there are often accommodation offers that make a short trip away affordable.

If you are viewing this from the Northern Hemisphere you may not be aware that our winters are very mild – not unlike summer in many northern countries – so it is also perfect for walking, bike riding, and running with fabulous views always in front of you. You do not have to be a surfer to truly appreciate this wonderful natural environment so close to Melbourne (only 1and 1/2 hours) at the start of the Great Ocean Road.

Wild life is abundant too. If you are a “twitcher” the heath is home to many native birds – Rosella’s, honey-eaters, blue wrens, and even the rare Bristlebird may cross your path. This morning a group of kangaroos were attracting attention on the hillside opposite Bells Beach. And for flower lovers the Pink Heath – Victoria’s floral emblem has just started to blossom.

Photos from mobile phone – sorry only device I had with me because I was taken by surprise by the spectacle.