Driving the scenic Great Ocean Road in Australia
The Australian Great Ocean Road (B100) is an outstanding coastal journey and one of Australia’s most famous road-touring routes, with awe-inspiring limestone cliffs and incredible rock formations. It was built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and is dedicated to those killed during World War I, making the road the world’s largest war memorial. It's one of the most scenic drives in the world.
When was the Great Ocean Road built?
The Great Ocean Road (or GOR) is said to be the world's longest war memorial. Built by returning soldiers from 1919 - 1932, this coastal route is dedicated to Australian comrades killed during WWI. Since its official opening in 1932, the Great Ocean Road has become an iconic international destination – offering spectacular experiences for millions of visitors every year. The stories you can read about as you are traveling along help you get a great understanding of what it must have felt like for the settlers and also how – sadly – they dealt with the Aborigines they encountered.
Where does the Great Ocean Road start and end?
The road is 242 km (150 miles) long, running from the town of Torquay to Allansford on the southeastern coast of Australia along the stunning coastline of Victoria's southwest. The road is very scenic and at the end of the route, you’ll want to U-turn and ride it again.
Is the Great Ocean Road paved?
The road is totally paved and has two lanes (one in each direction). There are virtually no overtaking lanes on the Great Ocean Road. Rather, the road has turnouts for slower vehicles so if a faster vehicle catches up to you, be considerate and pull over at the next turn out. Frustration causes accidents; let faster vehicles past. If you catch up to a slower vehicle, stay back at a safe distance and wait for the other vehicle to pull over in the next slow vehicle turn out. Don't tailgate. The speed limit is 80km/h to 100km/h. In towns, the speed limit is 50km/h to 70km/h.
How long does it take to drive along the Great Ocean Road?
To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 3 and 4 hours. The Great Ocean Road is a fantastic drive, not only for the scenery but also for the winding cliff-top roads. Motoring enthusiasts travel the road for the sheer excitement of feeling the corners and having fun. Given the volume of traffic that can traverse the Great Ocean Road, especially weekends and holidays, don't assume that it will be a quick trip. Allow yourself plenty of time to see everything so that you may enjoy your drive. The Great Ocean Road is now a smartphone app. From the West Gate Bridge to the Tower Hill volcano past Warrnambool, travelers can tune in to a turn-by-turn guided audio tour of the scenic route on their iPhone.
Why is the Great Ocean Road so popular?
Running along the southwest coast of Victoria, the road is an iconic Australian destination and one of the world's most scenic coastal drives, with stunning views. Along the way, you'll experience and enjoy the breathtaking coastline.