Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism is embarking on a celebration to mark 100 years since construction of the iconic Great Ocean Road began. 19 September 2019 marks 100 years since the construction of the Great Ocean Road began. It is the longest war memorial in the world. ‘The Story of the Road’ campaign features a series of curated events including gala screenings of the new documentary ‘The Story of the Road’, pop-up cinemas, public art installations and augmented reality experiences from Torquay to Apollo Bay.
The event celebrates the Great Ocean Road’s rich history as well as its role today as a global destination for both tourists and locals alike, connecting us with one of the most iconic and beautiful coastlines in Australia and standing as the largest war memorial in the world.
Launched as part of an event series, the half-hour documentary will be shown at Lorne Theatre and Apollo Bay’s Mechanics Hall. The screenings are followed by a program of short-films housed in five art-deco inspired pop-up cinemas, bespoke installations which encompass a curated art piece and tell stories through QR points activating augmented reality experiences along a trail.
CINEMA SCREENINGS
Kicking off the celebrations, ‘The Story of the Road’ – a new documentary which shares how the road came to be – detailing its construction by World War I returned servicemen and their lives as they built the 243 kilometre road, which serves not only as one of Victoria’s most iconic tourist destinations but the world’s largest war memorial. These very special limited screenings take us on a journey that explores the industry, community and surf culture that makes the Great Ocean Road what it is today, uncovering truths and discovering untold stories of returned ex-servicemen and civilians who built the road
Established in the 1930s to meet the demand of tourism as a result of completion of the Great Ocean Road, the Lorne Theatre is the ideal venue for the launch of the 100 Year celebration screenings.
The Lorne Theatre, with its original finishes include terrazzo floors, geometrically patterned ceiling panels and fixtures such as seating and lighting, opened in 1937, is one of the few remaining early single-screen movie houses left in country Victoria. Meanwhile, built in the 1850s to provide education in technical subjects, Mechanics’ Institutes quickly spread throughout Victoria wherever a hall, library or school was needed. 1200 Mechanics’ Institutes were built in Victoria but just over 500 remain today, and only six still operate their lending library services. Apollo Bay’s Mechanic’s Institute is now regularly used as a cinema and venue.
To add a nod to times gone by, whilst viewing the documentary, guests will be exported back in time, and encouraged to dress for the occasion. The screening experience is complete with a swing band, The Sugarfoot Ramblers, plus an old-fashioned sweets and beverage offering, including French75s courtesy of Great Ocean Road Gin, specially brewed 100-year-old lager recipe by Prickly Moses or perhaps a splash of a local favourite from Brown Magpie winery.
With just three screening experiences held to mark the commencement of the celebrations, it’s time to snap up tickets. The perfect excuse for a night out.
WHEN:
Wednesday 18 Sept – Lorne Theatre
Thursday 19 Sept – Apollo Bay Mechanics Hall
TICKETS:
visitgreatoceanroad.eventbrite.com
Adults $35, Concession $30, Child $15
includes screening, live music and drinks for purchase
POP-UP CINEMAS
Located in Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne, Wye River and Apollo Bay, shipping containers converted into art-deco inspired cinemas will house each short film. To complete the mini-series, visitors will be encouraged to journey the length of the road peer behind the curtains and enjoy an intimate viewing of a segment of the Story of the Road.
‘The Story of the Road’ mini-series includes five short, five minute films which connect locals to the key stories of their immediate surrounds, with each sharing stories of indigenous history, the diggers making of the road, the development of the community and what the region is known for today. A history of the past 100 to 40,000 years in some cases.
All materials fitting out the pop-ups have been sourced second-hand from across the state from Benalla to Bairnsdale. The interior style of each includes pieces sourced from across the state, such as refurbished cinema seating from Woodend cinema, chandeliers and vintage fixtures and iconic design pieces from the era such as tea trolleys, bevelled mirrors and club lounges.
The Pop-Up programme will commence on the Friday 20 September following the community screenings of the documentary, which also coincides with the commencement of the school holidays, Grand Final weekend and a variety of events across the region.
The Pop-Up Cinemas will be located in Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne, Wye River & Apollo Bay. Sessions will be held every 10 mins from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily with extra evening sessions during School holidays from 5:00pm till 7:00pm
Capacity in the cinemas is limited to 5-12 at any given time. Due to the intimate nature of the spaces, visitor numbers are limited to 5-12 at any one time. Please bear with us as there may be a short wait at busy times. Whilst the pop-up experience is free to attend, registration for your nominated session is encouraged. To register your preferred time, visit visitgreatoceanroad.eventbrite.com
For more information on the events to celebrate the Centenary of the Great Ocean Road, visit visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/iam100
