GOR National Heritage Centre
GOR National Heritage Centre
Great Ocean Road National Heritage Centre, Lorne 2013 - 2016
The Great Ocean Road National Heritage Centre stands as a tribute to Australia's rich history, commemorating the monumental efforts of over 3,000 returned servicemen who constructed the iconic coastal route between 1919 and 1932. Located within the Lorne Visitor Centre, this purpose-built exhibition space narrates the compelling story of the world’s largest war memorial through immersive displays and interpretive exhibits.
Peter Winkler Architects approached the design with deep respect for the site's historical significance and natural surroundings. The architecture integrates sensitively into the coastal landscape, employing robust, natural materials and forms that echo the rugged beauty of the region. Daylight filters through carefully placed openings, creating a quiet, reflective atmosphere that enhances the storytelling experience within.
The new design helps to identify some of the key linkages between the Lorne Heritage Centre and the visitor experiences along the Great Ocean Road around heritage. The aim is to encourage visitors—having explored the Centre—to stay longer and engage more meaningfully with various sites along the Great Ocean Road. This broader engagement supports the development of new tourism opportunities and deepens the overall heritage experience across the region.
Sustainability was a key consideration in the project. Passive solar design principles maximise daylight and natural ventilation, reducing energy consumption. Low-impact materials and construction methods were specified throughout, further reinforcing the project's environmental responsiveness.
The Centre not only serves as an interpretive and educational hub but also as a space for quiet contemplation—strengthening public appreciation of the Road’s historical, cultural, and natural significance. Through its careful blend of form, function, and context, the Great Ocean Road National Heritage Centre exemplifies architecture’s role in honouring the past while enriching contemporary experience.
