The Great Ocean Road is a 243km long coastal stretch from Torquay to Allansford in southern Australia. If you head southwest from Melbourne for 100kms - you will be at its start. But much more than a beautiful iconic stretch of highway, it has an incredible history and geology that make it truly one of Australia’s must see attractions. It certainly rivals the lure of visitors that Sydney Harbour does.
The coastal photos are stunning but you need to look at how this all came about. What is the unique history of this road - one of Australia’s most photographed stretches of highway.
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 to be provided for returned soldiers to work on roads in sparsely populated areas in the Western District. Approximately 3,000 soldiers signed on to work in harsh conditions to build what would eventually become - The Great Ocean Road. Construction on the road began on September 19, 1919 and finished in November 1932. Not all soldiers would survive. Although exact numbers are not known, rock slides and blasting mishaps, were part of the the conditions these soldiers worked under. The soldiers were paid 10 shillings and sixpence for eight hours per day, also working a half-day on Saturdays.
When the road first opened they used tolls to help fund the continuation of the project.
The Twelve Apostles
The most iconic stretch of the highway is found near the coastal town of Port Campbell. This is one of the most photographed coastal features in all of Australia. I’ll let my photographs show you why.
They call the rocky stacks the 12 Apostles because they stand tall and proud along the shore. Despite the name the 12 Apostles, there are only 7 left standing as Mother Nature, time and the salty waters have caused several of the Apostles to fall.
