Gliding over the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Melbourne
by Ara Charissa Sam

I wanted to soar and glide with the wind.

That was my goal when I booked my flight to Melbourne.

After a few months of planning, I got there, unpacked my bags and quickly joined a travel bus to one of the best destinations in the world - The Great Ocean Road.

An amazing mind-blowing terrain that will leave you breathless. Limestone remnants that were crafted through time. It exudes an undeniable sense of purity - a gift from Mother Nature that draws in hundreds of crowds. Breathtaking is an understatement.

I have always wanted to see things differently - to deviate from the norm. And how perfect it was that a helicopter ride to view the GOR was ready for the taking!

There were only three brave souls: Ryan - an old pilot from Queensland, Martin - a traveler from London and I, the only girl - proudly waving the Philippine flag.

The maintenance crew had us line up as they checked the helicopter for last minute adjustments.

I was so excited imagining how to devour all the things that i was about to see. The view from where we’re at was already astonishing; not to mention the stories from our tour guide. The anticipation made me feel that I will be experiencing something only a few have seen.

Ryan, the pilot, was around 60. He was sharing stories from the good old days. I felt his excitement - to rekindle the feeling of being able to fly again. So, when he asked if he could sit in front, I couldn’t say no. As soon as I smiled, his face lit up. Martin, on the other hand, wanted a jolt - he just came from a skydiving trip that did not materialize because of the not so cooperative weather.

Everyone had their stories - I was just completely in awe of what was about to happen and chatted away that I travelled alone to see the world and marvel at spectacular masterpieces of nature. They were able to relate. I would like to think they saw how my eyes twinkle with every statement I shared - about how my trip was, so far.

It was time. We wore the head gear, buckled up and took a deep breath. Then, slowly, we glided with the wind. The massive limestone structures morphed into small bits of puzzle pieces - the Twelve Apostles became prominent - despite it being just seven (as of last year).

The pilot began his spiel - like a narrator in a National Geographic documentary. Leading the way and injecting history to what we’re seeing. Did I mention that was my dream? To be part of a spectacular documentary. This will do for now. The cliffs looked so beautiful - the colors changed and we saw the totality of the most majestic carving of Poseidon in Australia.

I never wanted it to end - I was amazed with everything that I saw.

After a few minutes, the helicopter landed and we were led to the viewing deck. It was such a euphoric moment for all of us - we could not stop smiling! It was a chance of a lifetime - and we were brave enough to grab the opportunity.

I believe that this is how we should embrace the world. I urge you to embark on an adventure off the beaten path.

Details:
Great Ocean Road Trip with Helicopter ride
- Travel by the city of Geelong on your way to the Great Ocean Road
- Check out Bells Beach, home of the World Surfing Championships
- Visit coastal towns of Torquay and Lorne (shop at Ripcurl, Billabong and Roxy!)
www.australiasightseeing.com

Holler for questions! twitter: acsam