Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road
Great Ocean Road
Surfcoast Highway
Australian Alphanumeric State Route B100.svg
Entrance to the Great Ocean RoadFormerly
Entrance to the Great Ocean Road
Formerly Australian State Route 100.png
Length 243 km (151 mi)
Direction runs generally in an east west direction
From Australian Alphanumeric State Route B100.svg Surfcoast Highway,
Torquay, Victoria
via Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne, Wye River, Kennett River, Apollo Bay, Lavers Hill, Port Campbell, Peterborough
To Australian Alphanumeric State Route A1.svg Princes Highway,
Allansford, Victoria
Established 1932

The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometre (151 mi) stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Warrnambool. The road was built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932, and is the world's largest war memorial; dedicated to casualties of World War I. It is an important tourist attraction in the region, which winds through varying terrain alongside the coast, and provides access to several prominent landmarks; including the nationally significant Twelve Apostles limestone stack formations.

The road was added to the Australian National Heritage List in 2011.[1]

Contents

General

The Great Ocean Road, officially designated as the B100, begins at Torquay and travels 243 kilometres westward to finish at Allansford near Warrnambool,[2] the largest city along the road.[3] The road is two lane (one in each direction),[4] with the majority covered by an 80 kilometre per hour speed limit.

Great Ocean Road near Lorne

The road is considered a tourist attraction in the area,[5] in which much of the road hugs coastline affectionately known as the Shipwreck Coast, providing visibility of Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean. The road traverses rainforests, as well as beaches and cliffs composed of limestone and sandstone, which is susceptible to erosion.[6][7] The road travels via Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell, the latter being notable for its natural limestone and sandstone rock formations including Loch Ard Gorge, The Grotto, London Arch and The Twelve Apostles.[8]

The city of Geelong, close to Torquay, experiences great benefit from Australian and international visitors to the road; with Geelong Otway Tourism affirming it as an invaluable asset.[9][10] The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) listed the road as the state's top tourism experience in its Victoria 101 survey, based on spots recommended by members and the public on what they would recommend to visitors.[11] However, according to a survey performed by the Surf Coast Shire, residents have expressed concern that there are not enough safe crossings along the road.[12]

Great Ocean Road Marathon

Besides standard vehicular travel, a 45 kilometre section between Lorne and Apollo Bay is used for the annual Great Ocean Road Marathon, first started in 2005.[13] As of 2010, the marathon record of two hours, 29 minutes and 41 seconds is held by Geelong resident Mark Tucker.[14]

History

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road was first planned towards the end of the first world war, when chairman of the Country Roads Board William Calder asked the State War Council for funds be provided for returned soldiers to work on roads in sparsely populated areas in the Western district.[15] By the time of World War I, the rugged south-west coast of Victoria was accessible only by sea or rough bush track.[16] Besides being dedicated as a memorial, it was also envisioned that the road would connect isolated settlements on the coast, and become a vital transport link for the timber industry and tourism.[17]

Surveying for the road, tentatively titled the South Coast Road, started in 1918 - with the road suggested to travel from Barwon Heads, follow the coast west around Cape Otway, and end near Warrnambool.[18] In 1918, the Great Ocean Road Trust was formed as a private company, under the helm of president Howard Hitchcock. The company managed to secure £81,000 in capital from private subscription and borrowing, with Hitchcock himself contributing £3000. Money would be repaid by charging drivers a toll until the debt was cleared, and the road would then be gifted to the state.[19][20]

Construction effort

Construction on the road began on 19 September 1919, built by approximately 3,000 returned servicemen as a war memorial for fellow servicemen who had been killed in World War I. An advance survey team progressed through dense wilderness at approximately 3 kilometres a month. Construction was done by hand; using explosives, pick and shovel, wheel barrows, and some small machinery,[7][17] and was at times perilous, with several workers killed on the job; the final sections along steep coastal mountains being the most difficult to work on. Anecdotal evidence from ABC archives in 1982 suggested workers would rest detonators on their knees during travel, as it was the softest ride for them.[17]

The soldiers were paid 10 shillings and sixpence for eight hours per day, also working a half-day on Saturdays. They used tents for accommodation throughout, and made use of a communal dining marquee and kitchen; food costing up to 10 shillings a week. Despite the difficulty involved in constructing the road, the workers had access to a piano, gramophone, games, newspapers and magazines at the camps. Additionally, in 1924, the steamboat Casino became stranded near Cape Patton after hitting a reef, forcing it to jettison 500 barrels of beer and 120 cases of spirits. The workers obtained the cargo, resulting in an unscheduled two week long drinking break.[21]

Completion and early usage

The Hitchcock Memorial at Mount Defiance

On 18 March 1922 the section from Eastern View to Lorne was officially opened with celebrations. However it was then closed from 10 May 1922 for further work; opening again on 21 December along with tolls to recoup construction costs. The charge, payable at Eastern View, was two shillings for motor cars, and 10 shillings for wagons with more than two horses.[2][18][21]

In November 1932, the section from Lorne to Apollo Bay was finished, bringing the road to completion. The road was officially opened with Victoria's Lieutenant-Governor Sir William Irvine holding a ceremony near Lorne's Grand Pacific Hotel,[18] and the road subsequently being acknowledged as the world's largest war memorial.[10] At the time, newspaper The Age commented - "In the face of almost insurmountable odds, the Great Ocean Road has materialised from a dream or 'wild-cat scheme', as many dubbed it, into concrete reality".[2] Hitchcock had however died of heart disease on 22 August 1932, before the road was completed, though his car was driven behind the governor's in the procession along the road during the opening ceremony.[19] A memorial was constructed in Hitchcock's name on the road at Mount Defiance, near Lorne, and he is still affectionately considered the Father of the Road.[22]

In the face of almost insurmountable odds, the Great Ocean Road has materialised from a dream or 'wild-cat scheme', as many dubbed it, into concrete reality

In its original state, the road was considered a formidable drive; fitting only a single vehicle comfortably at a time. Areas with sheer cliffs would be most hazardous, with only few places for drivers to pull over to allow others to proceed in the opposite direction.[16][23] On 2 October 1936, the road was handed to the State Government; with the deed for the road presented to the Victorian Premier at a ceremony at the Cathedral Rock toll gate. It was at this time that the tolls were also removed.[2][18][21]

In 1962, the road was deemed by the Tourist Development Authority to be one of the world's great scenic roads.[24] It also had sections widened between the Lorne Hotel and the Pacific Hotel to improve traffic, while aiming to preserve it's character.[25] Despite improvements, the road was still considered a challenging drive; the Victorian Police motor school even using it for training around 1966.[26]

Over its life, the Great Ocean Road has been susceptible to natural elements; in 1960 the section at Princetown was partially washed away by water during storms.[27] It experienced landslides on 11 August 1964,[28] and in 1971; both closing sections of the road near Lorne.[29] Because of the terrain surrounding the road, it was also closed due to bush-fires in 1962[30] and 1964; particularly in areas with nearby camp-sites.[31] In January, 2011 a section of the overhanging cliffs collapsed due to heavy rain.

Great Ocean Walk

In 2004, the Great Ocean Walk opened, connecting 104 km of walking trails that follow the coastline near the Great Ocean Road, stretching from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles.

Gallery of sights and tourist landmarks

  • Twelve Apostles

  • Twelve Apostles

  • The Twelve Apostles from the air, December 2010

  • Island Archway as it appeared before its partial collapse in June 2009

  • Loch Ard Gorge

  • The Grotto

  • The Grotto from the upper viewing platform

  • The Grotto from the final steps of the viewing boardwalk

  • London Arch, December 2010

  • London Arch (formerly known as London Bridge before collapse of land section)

  • Rough seas batter rock formations along the Great Ocean Road

  • A secluded bay along the Great Ocean Road

  • Rock arch and rough seas along the Great Ocean Road

  • Blowhole

  • Thunder cave

See also

References

  1. ^ Johnston, Matt (7 April 2011). "Great Ocean Road added to Australia's national heritage lis". HeraldSun. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/great-ocean-road-added-to-australias-national-heritage-list/story-fn7x8me2-1226035330649. Retrieved 7 April 2011. 
  2. ^ a b c d Rood, David (10 April 2007). "Road's still great, 75 years on". The Age. http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/great-anniversary-at-75/2007/04/09/1175971018222.html. Retrieved 26 June 2010. 
  3. ^ "Doncaster site to house shops, offices and flats". The Sydney Morning Herald. 12 June 2010. http://www.smh.com.au/business/doncaster-site-to-house-shops-offices-and-flats-20100611-y3ri.html. Retrieved 24 June 2010. 
  4. ^ "The Great Ocean Road - Visit Great Ocean Road". visitgreatoceanroad.org.au. Geelong Otway Tourism. 2009. http://visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/great-ocean-road/highlights/the-great-ocean-road. Retrieved 2 July 2010. 
  5. ^ Waters, Kim (20 May 2010). "Critics slam policy to ban coast wind farms". Star News Group. http://www.senews.com.au/story/89252. Retrieved 9 June 2010. 
  6. ^ Campbell, David (2 January 2006). "Preserving the fragile Great Ocean Road". The Age. http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/preserving-the-fragile-great-ocean-road/2006/01/01/1136050341672.html. Retrieved 25 June 2010. 
  7. ^ a b Goggin, Eleanor (30 May 2010). "Surfing the vineyards on the Ocean Road". Sunday Independent. Independent.ie. http://www.independent.ie/travel/travel-destinations/surfing-the-vineyards-on-the-ocean-road-2200613.html. Retrieved 8 June 2010. 
  8. ^ "The Lonely Planet online guide to the road". http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/australia/great-ocean-road/history. Retrieved 19 May 2008. 
  9. ^ Harper, Jane (17 July 2008). "Geelong has a billion reason to thank tourists". The Geelong Advertiser. http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2008/07/17/16183_news.html. Retrieved 9 June 2010. 
  10. ^ a b Grant, Roger (9 June 2010). "Extra Tiger flights make Geelong a must-see". www.geelongadvertiser.com.au. The Geelong Advertiser. http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2010/06/09/180781_opinion.html. Retrieved 9 June 2010. 
  11. ^ "Great Ocean Road 'top tourism experience'". couriermail.com.au. Queensland Newspapers. 29 September 2008. http://www.couriermail.com.au/travel/news/great-ocean-road-top-tourism-experience/story-e6freqwo-1111117613309. Retrieved 25 June 2010. 
  12. ^ "Surfcoast.vic.gov.au". Surf Coast Shire. http://www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Leisure%20&%20Cty%20Services/Documents/CommPlan/Comm_Plan_04_Environment.pdf. Retrieved 9 March 2011. 
  13. ^ Dickens, Carl (17 May 2010). "Ocean Road to glory for marathon". Geelong Advertiser. http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2010/05/17/173985_news.html. Retrieved 30 June 2010. 
  14. ^ Carl Dickens (17 May 2010). "Thousands turn out for Great Ocean Road runs". http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2010/05/17/174391_news.html. Retrieved 8 June 2010. 
  15. ^ Southern, Roger J.. "Calder, William (1860 - 1928)". adbonline.anu.edu.au. Australian National University. ISSN 1833-7538. http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/A070529b.htm. Retrieved 24 June 2010. 
  16. ^ a b Downes, Stephen (26 November 1982). "Great Ocean Road turns 50". The Age. p. 12. http://news.google.com.au/newspapers?id=EjgRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QJQDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5510,4751724&dq=great+ocean+road&hl=en. Retrieved 25 June 2010. 
  17. ^ a b c "Moment in Time - Episode 27". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. http://www.abc.net.au/tv/canwehelp/txt/s2656311.htm. 
  18. ^ a b c d "Great Ocean Road - History". news.com.au. News Limited. http://www.news.com.au/travel/world/destination/history/great+ocean+road. Retrieved 8 June 2010. 
  19. ^ a b Wynd, Ian. "Hitchcock, Howard (1866 - 1932)". www.adb.online.anu.edu.au. Australian National University. http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A090317b.htm. Retrieved 24 June 2010. 
  20. ^ "The Great Ocean Road". The Sydney Mail. 24 April 1935. http://news.google.com.au/newspapers?id=H44TAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OZYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3484,4884894&dq=great+ocean+road&hl=en. Retrieved 25 June 2010. 
  21. ^ a b c "Great Ocean Road history". www.gowest.com.au. Go West. http://www.gowest.com.au/great-ocean-road-victoria-history.html. Retrieved 30 June 2010. 
  22. ^ Davis, Michael (14 April 2007). "Hard road to honouring Diggers". The Australian. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/hard-road-to-honouring-diggers/story-e6frg6nf-1111113340576. Retrieved 26 June 2010. 
  23. ^ "Double Lines Needed On Ocean Road". The Age. 10 June 1961. http://news.google.com.au/newspapers?id=dqQRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vecDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5551,1367369&dq=great+ocean+road&hl=en. Retrieved 29 June 2010. 
  24. ^ "Great Ocean Road in World Class". The Age. 15 August 1962. p. 4. http://news.google.com.au/newspapers?id=Xl8RAAAAIBAJ&sjid=jJYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4214,2226082&dq=great+ocean+road&hl=en. Retrieved 25 June 2010. 
  25. ^ "Widening of Lorne Road". The Age. 8 September 1962. http://news.google.com.au/newspapers?id=lIUQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=K5UDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4841,1137083&dq=great+ocean+road&hl=en. Retrieved 29 June 2010. 
  26. ^ "Tighter averages on poor roads in tough run". The Sydney Morning Herald. 4 December 1966. http://news.google.com.au/newspapers?id=J6EpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7-cDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5301,6321932&dq=great+ocean+road&hl=en. Retrieved 29 June 2010. 
  27. ^ "Washaways". The Age. 23 April 1960. http://news.google.com.au/newspapers?id=RxETAAAAIBAJ&sjid=tqkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6794,3596374&dq=great+ocean+road&hl=en. Retrieved 29 June 2010. 
  28. ^ "Landslide Closes Great Ocean Road". The Age. 12 August 1964. http://news.google.com.au/newspapers?id=Tx0TAAAAIBAJ&sjid=15YDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4686,2044336&dq=great+ocean+road&hl=en. Retrieved 25 June 2010. 
  29. ^ "Ocean Road open - but watch out". The Age. 9 December 1971. http://news.google.com.au/newspapers?id=VpAQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=r5ADAAAAIBAJ&pg=5915,1903737&dq=great+ocean+road&hl=en. Retrieved 29 June 2010. 
  30. ^ "Fire Survey Finds Another 200 Homes were Lost". The Age. 20 January 1962. http://news.google.com.au/newspapers?id=lDITAAAAIBAJ&sjid=gbIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4510,2438041&dq=great+ocean+road&hl=en. Retrieved 29 June 2010. 
  31. ^ "Great Ocean Road Closed". The Age. 8 January 1964. http://news.google.com.au/newspapers?id=TKIQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pJUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6068,800843&dq=great+ocean+road&hl=en. Retrieved 29 June 2010. 

External links

v · d · eFlag of Victoria (Australia).svg Road infrastructure in Victoria
Freeways Autoroute icone.svg
Highways
Bypass routes
Old Hume Highway • Old Princes Highway • Princes Highway (Geelong)
Tourist routes
v · d · eVisitor attractions on the Great Ocean Road
Attractions
Towns

Coordinates: 38°44′01.77″S 143°41′14.17″E / 38.733825°S 143.6872694°E / -38.733825; 143.6872694


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