04/10/2026
The Great Ocean Road, a national heritage of Australia with 240+ kilometres of scenic coastal drive in Victoria. It was built by around 3,000 returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932, to dedicate the soldiers killed during World War I. Thus, itβs known as the world's largest war memorial. In 1918, a private company funded Β£81,000 to the Great Ocean Road Trust and former president Howard Hitchcock himself contributed Β£3000, who is considered to be the Father of the Road. Hitchcock had died on 22 August 1932, before the road was completed. It was officially opened by Victoria's Lieutenant-Governor Sir William Irvine, in 1932. As a tribute to Hitchcock, his car was driven behind the governor's in the procession along the road during the opening ceremony. A memorial in his name was constructed near Lorne.
