Check out the beautiful village of Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road Tour, located at the foot of the Otways in the lands of the Eastern Maar people. Dive into the waters of the Southern Ocean, wander the coastline and explore petrified rainforests with waterfalls, ferns and crystal-clear streams. When your adventure for the day is over, head out to enjoy the fruits of the sea caught by local fishermen.
Visiting Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road
Apollo Bay is an excellent base for day trips to the Twelve Apostles and the Otway Ranges and has attractions for visitors to explore.
The town along the Great Ocean Road offers a variety of activities for all ages, including coastal attractions, local culture, and entertainment options lasting into the evening.
The coastline in this area is known for its rugged scenery and natural wonders, with Apollo Bay being an excellent starting point for exploration. Located halfway along the Great Ocean Road, visitors can enjoy beautiful seascapes with sprawling beaches and shimmering waters. Keep an eye out for the diverse selection of native flora and fauna in the area.
Coastal Country
Swim, dive, surf and paddle in the pristine coastal waters. Take a dip on the beach, get on a surfboard or kayak and get up close and personal with the local seal colonies. Fishermen also have plenty of choice, with deep-sea fishing topping the list of fun activities.
For the uninitiated, there are horseback riding on the beach at sunset, souvenir shops, galleries and teahouses, and countless culinary delights. Fishing is an important local industry, so seafood is always on the menu at cafes and restaurants. For an ocean-view dinner, check out Chris’s at Beacon Point, located high in the hills overlooking the sea. Do you like seafood? Head to the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival in February.
Weekend visitors will love the regular Saturday market on the beach, where you can buy local crafts, art, trinkets and fresh produce.
Activities in Apollo Bay
Discover Apollo Bay’s coastal area
Visitors can enjoy a variety of watersports in the village, including swimming, diving, surfing, and kayaking in the warm, clear waters of the southern ocean. Apollo Bay offers opportunities for watersports enthusiasts of all levels.
The area is known for its local wildlife, including a colony of seals. Visitors can also take deep-sea fishing with local fishermen to experience the traditional trade.
Apollo Bay is located on the traditional lands of the King Parrot People, also known as the Gadubanud. Today, the Gunditjmara people are recognized as the land’s traditional custodians.
Explore land activities in Apollo Bay
If you prefer land activities, Apollo Bay offers a variety of options. You can ride horses along the beachfront or explore artisan shops. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the galleries in the area, and there are also tea houses to visit. On weekends, an open-air market features local artwork, antiques, and fresh produce.
Apollo Bay has fresh seafood
You can enjoy a variety of freshly caught fish at seafood restaurants for dinner.
Apollo Bay is known for its rich seafood offerings, and a festival celebrates this cuisine in February. Additionally, music enthusiasts can enjoy the Apollo Bay Music Festival in April, one of the most significant events in Victoria.
Explore mountains and waterfalls in Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay, located away from the shorefront, offers a variety of rainforest landscapes. Explore the surrounding Otways to encounter Australia’s oldest wildlife, picturesque waterfalls, and fern gullies. This tranquil area is filled with walking trails that meander through ancient rainforests and beside scenic streams.
Venture a few kilometres inland to discover tranquil streams, enchanting waterfalls, and the mysterious glow of forest fireflies. Look out for native glow worms at Melba Gully, and watch for the elusive platypus at Lake Elizabeth.
The Otways surrounding Apollo Bay in Australia feature the country’s oldest lighthouse, the Otway Fly treetop walk, and numerous hiking trails suitable for mountain biking. You may even spot a koala during your visit if you’re lucky.
Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary
The marine sanctuary near Apollo Bay covers over 12 hectares of water, starting 150 meters off the shore. It protects the Little Henty Reef System and is home to various sea life, including abalones, sea snails, and urchins. Seals and a diverse range of marine life in the inner and outer reefs can also be found in this area. This sanctuary is a hidden gem just a few kilometres from Apollo Bay’s city centre.
Shelly Beach Circuit Walk
The circuit trail is recommended for families and offers a picturesque walk along the Great Ocean Road. Starting at the Shelly Beach picnic area, the easy 45-minute walk leads across the beach to the rocky terraces of Elliott River.
Great Ocean Road Brewhouse
This brewhouse in Apollo Bay offers 100 craft beers from their line and their sister company, Otway Brewery. They have a tasting room called Tastes of the Region, where you can sample local beers with cheese and dip platters. In addition to the onsite restaurant, there is a bar with 14 beers and one cider on tap. Budget-friendly accommodation is available upstairs with eight heritage rooms for overnight stays.
