From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Great Ocean Road Surfcoast Highway
Formerly State Route 100
General direction	East-West
From	Princes Highway, Belmont near Geelong, Victoria
via	Torquay, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne, Apollo Bay,Lavers Hill, Port Campbell, Peterborough
To	Princes Highway, Allansford near Warrnambool, Victoria
Established	1932

The Great Ocean Road (known as the Surfcoast Highway between Geelong and Torquay) which stretches along the South Eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Warrnambool is one of Australia's great scenic coastline drives.

Surveying started in 1918 and actual construction took place between 1919 and 1932. It was built by 3000 returned servicemen (or "Diggers") as a war memorial for fellow servicemen who had been killed in the First World War. The idea for the road had been suggested as far back as 1864.

After Apollo Bay the road passes through the Great Otway National Park, which includes some of the last surviving rain forests in the south of Australia. A walk at Mait's rest, located directly on the Great Ocean Road, offers the opportunity to view spectacular tree fern and myrtle beech trees.

Much of the road hugs tightly to the coast, offering outstanding views of Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean. The section near Port Campbell covers some of the most scenic coastline in the world, because of its striking and dramatic natural rock formations. These formations include Loch Ard Gorge, the Grotto, London Bridge (renamed to London Arch in recent years after the 'bridge' partially collapsed), and most famously The Twelve Apostles.

Previously designated as State Route 100, it was later renamed B100 in accordance with VicRoads' road ratings.

The road's speed limit varies from 80km/h (50mph) to 100km/h (62mph) out of urban areas. However, its sharp curves make it impossible to reach those speeds in most places. It is a two lane roadway (one lane in each direction).

Urban area speed limits vary from 50km/h (31mph) to 70km/h (43mph)

There are speed cameras at intervals along the road.

Great Ocean Road	Twelve Apostles	Rock formation known as "The Crags", midway between Portland and Nelson	The Grotto
Elephant Rock	The Blowhole	London Arch (formerly known as London Bridge before collapse of land section)	Great Ocean Road

• Howard Hitchcock
• Highways in Victoria
• Loch Ard Gorge
• The Grotto
• London Arch
• The Twelve Apostles, Victoria
• Great Ocean Walk

This article does not cite any references or sources. (September 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

• Great Ocean Road Tourism Guide Victoria Australia Tourism information for the Great Ocean Road tourism region including accommodation, attractions, activities, restaurants, cellar doors, events diary and more.
• Official Great Ocean Road website