The Great Ocean Road: A Living Memorial to Courage and Sacrifice
Published on 23 April 2025
Standing at Point Danger today, where the land meets the surf, you can’t help but feel the weight of history.
The waves gently lap against the shore, their rhythmic sound a soft reminder of distant echoes, perhaps even of the shores of Gallipoli, where the ANZACs first forged their legacy.
The Great Ocean Road, stretching majestically along Victoria’s rugged coastline, offers a stunning vista, but it is so much more. It is a living memorial, carved out by the very hands of the men who fought for our freedoms in the First World War.
This iconic 243-kilometre road, which runs from Torquay to Allansford near Warrnambool was the dream of leaders like William Calder, chairman of the Country Roads Board, and Geelong Mayor Howard Hitchcock.
But it was the unyielding determination of around 3,000 returned soldiers that made it a reality. These men, many of whom were still carrying the scars of war, set out to build a road not just for practical use but as a tribute to those who would never return.
Armed with nothing but picks, shovels, and explosives, they worked through rough terrain, harsh weather, and the physical and emotional toll of their experiences. Despite these challenges, they persevered, carving a breathtaking coastal route that links the region’s communities while also serving as a symbol of resilience, commitment, and sacrifice.
Officially opened in 1932, the Great Ocean Road quickly became a celebrated attraction, eventually drawing millions of visitors each year.
Today, it captivates over seven million people annually, who come to experience its panoramic views and discover the charming townships along the way. Yet, even as it has evolved into a key tourist destination, the road’s original purpose remains unchanged - to honour the fallen soldiers of the First World War and the men who returned to build it.
This ANZAC Day, as service men and women and dignitaries lay a wreath at services along our coast, the connection between the Great Ocean Road and the ANZACs will be once again poignantly felt.
The service is a moment for reflection, a chance to remember the men whose courage and sacrifice built not just a road, but a living memorial that continues to echo through time.
For those wishing to participate in ANZAC Day services along the Great Ocean Road, more information can be found at RSL Victoria.
As we drive along this awe-inspiring route, it’s impossible to forget the incredible legacy of the ANZACs. With their grit and determination, they didn’t just build a road; they built a lasting tribute, one that will forever remind us of the courage, endurance, and mateship that defined them.