Constructed between 1919 and 1932 by returned servicemen, it was conceived as both a practical transport link and a memorial to those who lost their lives in the conflict. Often described as the world’s largest war memorial, the Great Ocean Road stands as a testament to resilience and remembrance. Thousands of soldiers labored with picks, shovels, and rudimentary machinery, carving a path into sheer coastal cliffs. The physical demands were immense, and the work provided employment and purpose during a period of economic uncertainty.
Beginning near the surfing town of Torquay, the road initially passes rolling farmland and open coastline before entering stretches of increasingly dramatic scenery. Torquay itself is closely associated with Australian surf culture, serving as a gateway to beaches that host international competitions. From there, the route hugs the coast, offering frequent glimpses of waves crashing against rock platforms and sandy coves framed by headlands.
One of the most iconic segments of the journey lies within Port Campbell National Park, where limestone cliffs have been sculpted into extraordinary formations. Among these, the Twelve Apostles stand as towering stacks rising from the ocean, remnants of cliffs eroded by relentless surf. Despite the name, there were never exactly twelve stacks; erosion has reduced their number over time, a reminder that the coastline remains in flux. At sunrise and sunset, the formations glow in hues of gold and amber, contrasting sharply with the deep blue sea below. shutdown123