The “Great Ocean Road”, built by Australian soldiers after their return from World War I, is considered one of the largest war memorials in the world. Stretching along the south-east coast of Australia, this road offers breathtaking scenery at a distance of approximately 243 kilometers. Listed as an Australian National Heritage, the road attracts millions of tourists annually. There are many touristic facilities along the way and many activities are carried out to see the natural beauties in the region.
The Great Ocean Road was built using man-powered digging and shovels under the conditions of the period and was completed in approximately 33 years. Today, besides serving as a tourist attraction, it has a special importance as it represents the memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in the first war in which Australia participated. During the construction of the road, thousands of workers worked and overcame many difficulties. The road built by Australian soldiers in memory of their friends who lost their lives in World War I between 1919-1932 starts in Torquay town of Victoria state and ends in Warrnambool.
Why the Great Ocean Road Was Built
The Great Ocean Road was designed primarily as a job creation scheme for ex-servicemen and was built between 1919 and 1932. In this long run, the road provided much-needed land access to coastal communities and also created a permanent memorial to those who died in the war. In addition, a special train line was built to transport the materials used in the construction of the road. Although the road is narrow in most places, it offers unique views with its cliff bends. There are also many spots on the road where you can pull over and explore the scenery.
The Great Ocean Road is a Victorian highway that follows Melbourne’s west coastline for 151 miles. Along the way, limestone piles known as the Twelve Apostles rise along Australia’s dramatic south coast. Spots such as Port Campbell National Park, also known as the Shipwreck Coast, the forests of Otway National Park, and Angahook-Lorne State Park also feature breathtaking scenery along the way.
The Shipwreck Coast is a steep coastline where at least 80 ships face their doom. The combination of huge ocean waves and strong wind has revealed impressive rock formations such as the Twelve Apostles. These rocks were once part of other rocks on the coastline. But now it rises alone from the floor of the wild ocean and offers awe-inspiring views. Although its name is Twelve Apostles, only 8 rocky forms have survived over time.
One of the most impressive viewpoints of the Great Ocean Road, the Twelve Apostles can be seen 70 km from Warrnambool. Also known as The Twelve Apostles, these cliffs rise 45 meters from the ocean and were formed over about 20 million years as a result of the erosion of soft limestone. Included in the Australian National Heritage List, the “Great Ocean Road” hosts concerts, bicycle races and marathon runs as well as its natural beauties. This monumental road connects dozens of towns and although it has been repaired at different times, it is preserved faithfully.
