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A new chapter in Great Ocean Road history will begin on September 18, 2019 when Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism host the official launch of celebrations to mark 100 years since construction of the iconic road began.

Gala Screenings at the historic Lorne Theatre, will provide a first-look at the new documentary ‘The Story of the Road’ and unveil the highly anticipated series of pop-up cinemas, public art installations and augmented reality experiences on display until 6 October 2019 from Torquay to Apollo Bay.

Built by returned WWI serviceman and civilians as a Tourist Road, Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Chairman, Wayne Kayler-Thomson, says the Great Ocean Road today holds its place proudly as a global destination for tourists and locals alike.

“Great Ocean Road is a destination of rich history and many untold stories,” said Wayne. “sharing these stories with 6m plus visitors per annum is critical to encouraging them to slow down, stay longer and return.”

“The Great Ocean Road is a place that captivates and intrigues first time visitors and sees many visitors return for this reason. It breathes life into the region and has done so for 100 years. That is something we proudly celebrate,” said Wayne.

XM2 | April 2014

The largest War memorial in the world, the Great Ocean Road commenced construction on September 19, 1919 and today attracts more than 6m visitors per year, connecting visitors with destinations and big nature experiences along the 243km journey and beyond.

“This celebration is about using a variety of mediums to start to tell the stories of the road and the region. Film, art and augmented reality experiences told in Pop Up Cinemas and within the landscape, mean there is something for everyone,” said Wayne.

“We are inviting visitors to take their time, slow down and enjoy the individual stories of the road so that they too can create more of their own.”

The Great Ocean Road ‘Stories of the Road’ celebrations will run from 18 September, 2019 to 6 October, 2019 with tickets and event information via visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/iam100

Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism are facilitating the centenary project on behalf of project partners regional Roads Victoria, Colac Otway Shire and Surf Coast Shire and in partnership with Lorne Business and Tourism Association, Lorne Historical Society, Business and Tourism Anglesea, Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce and Apollo Bay Historical Society. The program has been developed, designed and delivered by The Social Crew Event Agency and funded through the State Governments Regional Event and Regional Event & Innovation Funds.

The Documentary has been produced and directed by Clothesline Content through funding by the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Victoria Remembers Major Grant Program.