Apollo Bay

Quick facts

• Population approximately 1,200
• 195 kilometres south-west of Melbourne
• Base to explore the Great Otway National Park and waterfalls
• Apollo Bay Music Festival.

This part of the world is regarded by many as ‘Paradise by the Sea‘. Discover the town’s wide, crescent-shaped sandy swimming beach, backdrop of rolling green Otway hills, relaxed lifestyle, waterfalls, national and state parks and abundant wildlife in the nearby ranges.

Like many places along the Great Ocean Road, the beach is a focus for activity all year round. Swim in the clear water, sea kayak with local seals, indulge in some deep-sea fishing, learn to surf, or horse ride along the beach at sunset.

Head to Marriners Lookout Road for panoramic views over the town and coast. Another favourite lookout is Cape Patton, east of Apollo Bay near Wye River. Or take to the air for spectacular views of the nearby Twelve Apostles on one of many charter flight available from the local airport.

Fishing is an important local industry. The local fishing fleet moors behind a huge breakwater and makes its daily catch available from the brightly coloured fishermen’s co-operative at the pier entrance. Wander along the pier past stacks of craypots, and see the fishermen making ready for another trip out to sea.

Seafood is always on the menu at the local cafés and restaurants. For great views try Chris’s at Beacon Point high in the hills overlooking the sea. Shop for art and curios in the many gift shops, galleries and tea houses and peruse the regular Saturday foreshore market for local crafts and produce.

Head into the Otways to find mainland Australia’s oldest lighthouse. Explore nearby forest and waterfall walks or enjoy an exhilarating ride through the ranges on a mountain bike. Take a treetop walk along the Otway Fly and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the spectacular Otways rainforest.

Activities and attractions

• Dine on the catch of the day and other fresh regional produce at local restaurants, cafés and pubs
• Buy fresh seafood from the harbourside fishermen’s co-op
• Admire local artwork at the galleries, tea houses and gift shops
• Take off on a scenic flight around the Twelve Apostles
• Swim or surf at beautiful beaches
• Picnic on the foreshore and at Paradise on Barham Valley Road
• Tackle in full or in shorter sections, the stunning Great Ocean Walk  
• Take in sweeping views from Marriners and Cape Patton lookouts
• Join a cruise or paddle a kayak to see the local seal colony
• Ride a horse on the beach
• Try your luck at local fishing spots
• Play a round of golf
• Visit Great Ocean Road Wines, sip on local wine and experience milking, shearing and other farm activities
• Experience the Otway Fly treetop walk – the longest and highest walk of its kind in the world
• Meander the pathways and boardwalks of Triplet Falls near Beech Forest, one of the most spectacular falls in the Otways
• Enjoy the beauty of the rainforest and fern gardens on easy short walks at Maits Rest and Melba Gully in the Otways – don’t miss the nightly spectacle of the glow worms at Melba Gully
• Visit the historic Cape Otway Lightstation – climb to the top for amazing coastal views.

Events

• Apollo Bay Show & Food and Wine Festival – January
• Otway Odyssey Mountain Bike Event – February
• Great Ocean Sports Festival – February
• Apollo Bay Music Festival – March
• Victorian Surf Life-Saving Championships – March
• Great Ocean Road Marathon – May
• Carols by the Sea – December.

How to get there
Apollo Bay is located 195 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, a scenic 3½ hour drive by car via the Great Ocean Road. A recommended shorter alternative route is via Forrest and Birregurra, which takes just under 3 hours. Daily coach services are available from Melbourne or rail/coach services via Geelong.