The Memorial Arch on Great Ocean Road

This oceanfront stretch is home to the Split Point Lighthouse, the 12 Apostles, the Loch Ard Gorge and the famous Memorial Arch. The sight of The Memorial Arch announces that the journey on the Great Ocean Road has begun!

It is also a great photographic opportunity for travellers who are traversing from one hotspot on the route to the next. Most of the attractions here can be visited all through the year.

Table of Contents
Exploring the Great Ocean Road

Where is it located?

Venturing past Aireys Inlet, a short journey leads you to the Memorial Arch. This point is amongst the most captured on the Great Ocean Road, marked by the iconic Great Ocean Road sign. A common misconception many hold is that this arch serves as the gateway to the road, a notion formed from images viewed before their visit.

Why was it built? 

Ocean Road Memorial Arch was built to honour the 3,000 soldiers who worked on the road during World War I. Construction began in 1919 and was completed in 1932. On the road’s 75th anniversary, a sculpture of two soldiers was commissioned and placed on the side of the Arch. Some soldiers lost their lives during the construction of the road. The road serves as a memorial for all those who died in the war. It is the world’s longest war memorial and stretches from Torquay to Allenstown.
The Memorial Arch is a popular stop on the Great Ocean Road. Visitors often pause at the car park to take photos of the National Memorial Arch and its statue. The honourary arch is wood with stone and cement support on the sides. The original Arch weighed 5o tonnes and was erected in 1939. It has been replaced multiple times over the years due to accidents and fires. In the 1970s, there were plans to remove the Arch, but they were rejected out of respect for the soldiers of World War I. Despite the changes, the original sign remains on top of the Arch.

The Memorial Arch

Considered to be the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, this memorial was designed to honour 3000 World War I soldiers that worked on building this 243 km stretch of road between 1919 and 1932. During your visit, you will also find a sculpture commemorating the 75th anniversary of this endeavour in honour of the returned soldiers. The sculpture of two soldiers working on the construction of the road by hand is reminiscent of the hard work put in by the troops. While the road is built as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the war, many soldiers also lost their lives while constructing this gruelling road by hand. Though the arch itself is made out of wood, the sides are built using cement and stone for added support. The first erected arch weighed about 50 tonnes in 1939 and has been replaced a few times over the decades. The Great Ocean Road continues to be the longest war memorial in the world extending from the town of Torquay all the way up to Allansford.  
The Memorial Arch on Great Ocean Road

Making the most of your time here

Located right at the start of the Great Ocean Road, make the most of your time at the memorial by stopping at the designated car park for photo opportunities with the arch and the statue.
You can head here for a one-day trip with Wildlife Melbourne Tours Australia and enjoy the pristine beaches, the soothing seasides, rainforests and the amazing 12 Apostles. You can also witness Australia’s tallest Eucalyptus trees here and take a helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles to soak in the impeccable beauty around.

A bus trip from Melbourne, visiting the arch is a great way to kick-start your journey on one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Making the Most of your Time Here

Great Ocean Road

Wildlife Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Perth, Darwin and Uluru Tours Australia is proud to offer an incredible Great Ocean Road tour that showcases the beauty of this iconic destination. Our tour takes you on a scenic journey along the winding coastal road, allowing you to witness some of the most breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders in the world.
Throughout the tour, our knowledgeable and experienced guides will share fascinating facts and stories about the history, culture, and wildlife of the Great Ocean Road. You’ll have the opportunity to explore stunning beaches, towering cliffs, and pristine rainforests, and get up close and personal with local wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas, and a variety of bird species.

great ocean road
2 Day Great Ocean Road Otway Forest
One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the world-famous Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks that rise majestically from the ocean. You’ll have plenty of time to marvel at this incredible natural wonder and take stunning photos to capture the moment. We offer a range of tour options to suit your needs, including a full-day tour from Melbourne, as well as multi-day tours that allow you to explore more of the Great Ocean Road and surrounding areas. Our tours are conducted in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, and include all entrance fees and a delicious lunch. At Wildlife Tours Australia, we are committed to providing our guests with an unforgettable experience that highlights the beauty and diversity of the Great Ocean Road. Our tours are designed to be fun, educational, and memorable, and we take pride in delivering exceptional service to each and every one of our guests. Book your Great Ocean Road tour with Wildlife Tours Australia today and discover the magic of this stunning destination!

 Activities at the Great Ocean Road Sign

Visitors can capture beautiful photographs at the iconic Great Ocean Road Sign and learn about its history at The Memorial Arch through informative boards showcasing returned soldiers’ efforts in constructing this famous landmark path along Australia’s coastline.

Planning Your Visit

The Great Ocean Road Sign is open 24/7. Visitors can drive there, park, and view it. However, visiting on weekdays and outside the peak tourist season from December to January is recommended when there are fewer crowds.
To obtain the sign, it is recommended to visit during non-peak hours, such as an hour before sunset or after sunrise, or during the day when visitor traffic is lower.

 Activities at the Great Ocean Road Sign

Important driving information

The Memorial Arch and Great Ocean Road sign are close to the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road.
It’s not the official starting point but a visual sign that your epic coastal drive is underway.
Apart from navigating the Melbourne traffic, this is a straightforward drive.
There are places to stop for food or drinks in nearby Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, or Lorne, just a few minutes drive from the Memorial Arch.
There’s a parking area right by the Memorial Arch where you can stay for as long as you want while you read the information boards and enjoy the ocean view.
You can quickly get a photo beside the Memorial Arch. However, as it spans the Great Ocean Road, we wouldn’t recommend getting a picture right underneath it.

Get great photos at the Great Ocean Road Sign with these tips

To capture high-quality photographs at the Great Ocean Road Sign, it is essential to be at the location at least 30 minutes before sunrise. This allows you to capture the beautiful colours of dawn and start your shoot on time.
The sunrise and sunset times change throughout the year, so you should check a reliable source for specific times during your visit. Getting there early guarantees good lighting and a good view and helps you avoid crowds. Various seasons may offer different atmosphere conditions, like dramatic clouds or colourful foliage, which can enhance the visual appeal of your Great Ocean Road Sign photos.

Melbourne Tours

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