Coming to visit Melbourne and Victoria? Then a trip to the Great Ocean Road is a must-do before you leave the state again. The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most scenic roads. The Great Ocean Road is not only spectacular to see, it has an interesting history to it as well. Learn more about the history of the Great Ocean Road and how it was built.
What is the Great Ocean Road?
The Great Ocean Road, is a 243 km stretch of road along the southeastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Warrnambool. It is one of the world's most scenic roads. Along the road are the amazing Twelve Apostles and quite a few little beach towns that fill up during the summer months.
The purpose behind the construction one of Australia's great scenic coastline drives was purely functional during its building. The Great Ocean Road, which has now become one of the most favorite places of the millions of visitors per year, was constructed to provide work for returning soldiers and dedicated as a Memorial to those killed in the First World War.
The Idea behind the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road was officially opened on the 26th November 1932, though the plans were published in 1917. Originally, the idea for building a road by the ocean came about in 1880 but never surmounted to anything. In the meantime, an idea was proposed by the war council to prepare schemes for returning First World War soldiers wanting employment. By doing this, the government showed not only respect for the soldiers but also gave them an opportunity to get together.
As soon as the plan was approved, it was become necessary to find a suitable place. At this moment, the chairman of the country roads board communicated with the war council and reached an agreement for the soldiers to work on building roads in rural areas. Thus, the soldiers who returned from the First World War built the Great Ocean Road and the road became the largest war memorial in Victoria.
Emotional Healing for the Soldiers
It was not only simply a project for the unemployed soldiers, but also a great opportunity for all to show some respect to the soldiers who had died in the war. This love and respect for the dead soldiers drove the men work harder and some of them found an emotional healing in the work. The soldiers felt strong solidarity and strength. The road was named as the South Coast Road, and the first stage was funded by 1918 and would be 28.9km (18 miles) in length.
Difficulties when Building the Great Ocean Road
At first the surveyors found it difficult to survey the rugged landscape. The unpredictable ocean weather and unexpected extra distance posed great obstacles for the surveyors who began in 1918 took over thirteen months to complete their task. Finally, the length of the road was fixed as 57.6km (36 miles) and went from a town named Cape Patton to a town named Eastern View.
The government hired the thousands of returned servicemen for building the road. The work of construction was officially inaugurated on the 19th September 1919 (9.19.1919) with a bang, as the Victorian premier had the honor of detonating the first explosive near the coastal town of Lorne in Victoria.
The construction of the first stage of the road, which led from Lorne to Eastern View, took three years to be completed. Many factors such as the shortage of funding, natural factors etc delayed the work. However, finally the country roads board joined the task force in 1922, building a different section to that organized by the war trust.
From 1932 to 1936, the Great Ocean Road had a toll. The cars had to pay twenty-five cents to use it or fifteen cents for passengers (two shillings and sixpence and one shilling and sixpence). But when the road changed hands from being owned by the Great War Trust, the State Government abolished the toll entirely.
Whenever you visit Melbourne, a trip to the Great Ocean Road should definitely be part of your journey. It will take you through ranges and fabulous countryside and past one of the best sights in Australia, the Twelve Apostles. So, take a drive along the windy road to breathe fresh ocean air and feel the warmth of the glorious Australian sun.
When you do, think about those guys who originally built the road and who endured hardship during those times.
