Great Ocean Road, Scenic coastal route in Victoria, Australia.
Great Ocean Road is a coastal route in Victoria that runs roughly 240 kilometers along the southeast shore. The road curves between forested hills and the sea, passing rock formations, sand beaches and small towns.
War veterans built this route between 1919 and 1932 by hand, often using basic tools and working under difficult conditions. Its completion made it the largest war memorial in the country and opened remote coastal areas to travelers.
The name honors those who died in the First World War and reminds travelers of the memorial purpose behind the construction. Coastal towns along the way show how communities have adapted to living between steep cliffs and open ocean for generations.
Several lookouts with parking allow travelers to stop and take in the coastal landscape, especially in early morning or late afternoon. The route remains open year-round, though weather shifts in winter sometimes cause brief delays.
Koalas can sometimes be spotted sleeping in eucalyptus trees near the road, especially during cooler morning hours. Some sections pass through rainforest where ferns and tall trees create a different feel from the open coast.
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