Great Ocean Road Memorial Archway

Welcome to the Great Ocean Road Memorial Archway, a site of profound historical and emotional significance. Often mistaken for the physical start of the road—which actually begins twenty minutes back in Torquay—this archway…

Near the base of the archway stands a 'beautiful very famous sculpture' made from bronze, depicting two World War I veterans working together on the road. This artwork captures the 'visceral' reality of the construction process. …

The 'father of this project' was a man named Howard Hitchcock, an 'entrepreneur' and the Mayor of Geelong whose 'vision' and 'persistence' made the Great Ocean Road a reality. Hitchcock saw the road as more than just a logistical…

Historically, the Memorial Arch served a very practical purpose beyond its symbolic role: it was the 'gate for the tollway.' From '1922 to 1936,' travelers had to 'pay a toll' to use the Great Ocean Road to help pay off the…

Behind the 'Memorial Archway' lies the story of the '3,000 ex-servicemen' who lived and worked on this 'rugged' coast for over a decade. These men lived in 'tent cities' scattered along the route, with a major camp located right…

For those who wish to 'delve deeper' into the 'historical stories' of the Memorial Archway, a visit to the nearby town of 'Lorne' provides a 'memorial center' and museum dedicated to the road's construction. This museum 'tells…

While the archway is the 'focus' of history, the surrounding area of 'Eastern View' offers 'stunning panoramic views' of the 'Southern Ocean.' Standing on the beach or near the road, you can see the 'waves' as they are 'robust…

As you prepare to leave the Memorial Archway, take a final moment to 'pay your respects' to the '3,000 returned soldiers' whose 'pick and shovel' labor created this 'world's longest war memorial.' You have seen the 'bronze…