The Great Ocean Road is special not only for its world-class scenery but also for its historical significance as the world's largest war memorial. Spanning 243 kilometers along the southeastern coast of Australia, it was hand-built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 to honor their fallen comrades from World War I. The road offers some of the most dramatic coastal vistas on the planet, most notably the Twelve Apostles, a collection of towering limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. Travelers encounter a diverse range of ecosystems, from the rugged "Shipwreck Coast" with its craggy cliffs and hidden beaches to the lush, ancient rainforests of Great Otway National Park. It is also one of the best places in Australia to spot native wildlife in the wild, including koalas in the eucalyptus trees of Kennett River and elusive platypuses in Lake Elizabeth. The road's combination of engineering marvel, somber history, and raw, windswept natural beauty makes it an essential pilgrimage for anyone visiting the state of Victoria.