Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is an example of a significant engineering and human endeavour in the construction of roads during the early 1920s, which led to it becoming the third biggest tourist attraction in Australia because of its magnificent scenic coastal views.

The road was built by returned servicemen as a memorial to their comrades who were killed in the First World War. The road traverses land where various clans of the Wathaurong and Katabanut tribes lived for thousands of years prior to white settlement in the 1840s.

Great Ocean Road

Returned Diggers from the First World War working on the Lorne to Apollo Bay section of the Great Ocean Road with hand tools. Image taken Friday 19 September 1919
Source: F B Alsop 1982

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Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	Engineering Heritage National Marker (EHNM)
Award Date	30 August 2013
Heritage Significance	The Great Ocean Road is significant for its historic, scenic and social values. It was constructed between 1919 and 1932 and marks a significant stage in the development of road construction in Australia. Historically, it represents a significant reminder of the Victorian servicemen from the First World War and the Australian community’s appreciation for their service. The road was predominantly constructed by hand and very little machinery was used.
Nomination Document	Available here.
Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report	Available here.
Plaque/Interpretation Panel	Available here.

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References:
Building the Great Ocean Road, State Library Victoria.
‘The Story of the Road’, Trailer, SBS/Clothesline Content, April 2020. See also transcript and still images