Australia's Great Ocean Road Turns 100!
To celebrate the 100th Birthday of the magnificent and world famous Great Ocean Road, we wanted to share some of our favourite locations along this iconic Australian coastline with you. Get into the spirit by planning a road trip with your family and friends. Take in the history and magnitude of the engineering and construction, and give thought to the blood, sweat and tears shed by the World War I returned servicemen who constructed it. We’ll share some great resources below to help you plan your drive, including opportunities for augmented reality and pop-up cinemas during September!
The Start of the Great Ocean Road
Torquay is the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road, and also happens to be our HQ! We are born and bred Torquay locals, who are passionate about our environment, people and place.
Bells Beach, world Surfing Reserve and home of the Rip Curl Pro, is a must stop to kick off your adventure.
Split Point Lighthouse
Beyond Bells, you will travel through Anglesea. With the ocean on your left, and flanked by bush and beach houses, this stretch of road feels like paradise found. Soon you’ll get a view of Split Point Lighthouse, perched atop the cliffs in the distance. Standing 34m in height, we love visiting this iconic place, and stopping at the cafe for an awesome coffee and scone - yum!
Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
Today’s Memorial Arch is the fourth to stand, after the first three were destroyed in accidents and fire. You will find two plaques displayed at the current Eastern View site, one commemorating Major W.T.B. McCormack who was the engineer of the Great Ocean Road, and the second in memory of those that served in the Great War. Our specialty, unique GOR Memorial Arch Waterball Souvenirs are available on our website.
Meet the Koalas at Kennett River!
Beyond the gorgeous seaside town of Lorne, marvel at this windy, picturesque stretch of road and imagine how it was possible to build!? Through Wye River and on, you will find Kennett River - famous for its large, local population of Koalas! The best way to spot them is to connect with nature and stroll along the Grey River Road, where koalas live in the Manna Gum forest - their preferred diet. Remember your journey with one of our quirky Koala souvenirs, available here.
12 Apostles, Port Campbell National Park
Perhaps THE most famous of all locations on this storm carved coastline is the 12 Apostles, with access made possible by the construction of the Great Ocean Road.
Discover one of the most spectacular natural landscapes on the planet, impressive in all seasons, before stopping at nearby fishing hamlet, Port Campbell. Your journey can continue west, taking in the scenery and stories of Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland.
Building it was a hard slog…
We thank the people who dedicated themselves to designing, engineering, and building the world’s greatest coastal drive. These incredible historic images can be found here on the Great Ocean Road Accommodation Directory.
Our family loves every opportunity to visit Australia’s landmarks, and we are blessed to live, work and play here, with the stunning Victorian coast made accessible by hardworking Aussie’s a century ago. Tell us about your favourite places, lookouts, sights or experiences along the Great Ocean Road - we’d love to hear from you so we can add it to our list of adventures to explore, engage and enjoy.
To learn more about the celebrations, activities, documentary screenings, QR Trail and art installations being presented by the team at ‘Visit Great Ocean Road’, click here.
Happy birthday GOR!