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.

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 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.