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The history behind the Great Ocean Road — A memorial to WWI heroes

What is the Great Ocean Road?

The Great Ocean Road is a 240-kilometer stretch of road along the southeastern coast of Australia. Renowned for being Australia’s largest war memorial and one of the world’s most scenic drives, it winds through rugged cliffs, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches.

The route passes through iconic landmarks like the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Great Otway National Park, with sweeping ocean views, abundant wildlife, and a chance to explore the region’s maritime and wartime history.

Who built the Great Ocean Road?

Great Ocean Road war memorial statue in Melbourne, Australia.

The road was built by returned servicemen as a war memorial for their fallen comrades in World War I. They used picks, shovels, explosives, wheelbarrows, and some small machinery to build the road.

A historical timeline of the Great Ocean Road

1880s: Mr W. Calder,chairman of the Country Roads Board submitted a proposal to the State War Council for funds to be provided for the re-employment of returned soldiers on roads in sparsely populated areas.

1918: Surveying of the road, titled the South Coast Road began. 

1919: 3000 returned soldiers started construction on the road as a war memorial for their fellow fallen servicemen in World War I.

1922: The section from Lorne to Eastern View was completed and opened

1932: The road was opened by the Lieutenant Governor, Sir William Irvine.

1936: The tolls were removed and the road’s deed was handed over to the State Government.

1939: A memorial arch was built in honor of the Country Roads Board chairman, W.T.B. McCormick at Eastern View.

1962: The Tourist Development Authority deemed it to be one of the world’s great scenic roads.

The Great Ocean Road today

Twelve Apostles rock formations along Great Ocean Road during reverse tour, Melbourne.

Today, the Great Ocean Road is more than just a scenic drive. It is a thriving tourism route where you can spot koalas, hike through the Great Otway National Park, or uncover the history of shipwrecks. The road also supports vibrant local communities with artisan markets, fresh seafood, and boutique accommodations. Swing by Apollo Bay’s bustling Saturday markets for local crafts, feast on just-caught crayfish at Port Campbell’s family-run seafood shacks, or wake up to ocean views in a restored lighthouse keeper’s cottage.

Things to see on Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour with view of 12 Apostles rock formations in Melbourne, Australia.

12 Apostles

Rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean, these ancient limestone giants transform from misty grey at dawn to honey-gold at sunset.

Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road
Apollo Bay coastline along Great Ocean Road with scenic ocean views.
Koala resting in a tree along the Great Ocean Road, Australia.
Gibson Steps view on Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour, showcasing coastal cliffs.

The history behind Loch Ard Gorge

Loch Ard Gorge, the limestone cave along the Great Ocean Road, gets its name from the tragic shipwreck of the Loch Ard in 1878. Nearing the end of its three-month voyage from England to Melbourne, heavy fog caused it to crash into the rocky cliffs near Mutton Bird Island. Of the 54 passengers and crew aboard, only two survived: Tom Pearce, a ship’s apprentice, and Eva Carmichael, an Irish immigrant, both teenagers. Pearce saved Eva from the wreck and together took refuge in the gorge, immortalizing their story.

Hidden gems on the Great Ocean Road

Bells Beach

A world-famous surf haven near Torquay that boasts powerful waves and dramatic cliffs and hosts the iconic Rip Curl Pro every Easter.

Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park

A family-run sanctuary where you can get up close with native Australian wildlife, such as kangaroos, emus, and dingos in a lush natural setting.

London Bridge

This rock formation was once double-arched but collapsed in 1990, leaving behind a chunk of land isolated in the ocean.

Hopetoun Falls

Located in the Great Otway National Park, this 30-meter waterfall cascades into a fern-fringed pool. Who knows, you might spot a cute platypus.

Thunder Cave

Formed millions of years ago and located just a short distance away from Loch Ard Gorge,the cave gets its name from the waves crashing against the cliffs, creating a thunder-like sound.

Frequently asked questions about the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is over 100 years old. The construction began in September 1919 and was completed in 1932, serving as the world’s largest war memorial.