Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is a serene coastal town on Victoria's Great Ocean Road, cradled between the Otway Ranges and the Southern Ocean. Its crescent-shaped beach, backed by rolling green hills, offers a quintessential seaside escape. The town serves as both a gateway to the Great Otway National Park and a perfect stop on the classic drive from Torquay to Warrnambool.

Highlights & What to See

• Apollo Bay Beach: A wide, sandy stretch ideal for swimming, surfing, or simply strolling at sunset. The calm waters near the jetty are perfect for families.
• Great Otway National Park: Explore lush rainforest walks, towering waterfalls (like Triplet Falls and Hopetoun Falls), and the iconic Cape Otway Lightstation, Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse.
• Marriners Lookout: A short, steep walk rewards you with panoramic views of the bay, the town, and the Otway hinterland — a photographer's dream at golden hour.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for koalas in the eucalypts along the Great Ocean Road, and from June to October, southern right and humpback whales pass close to shore.
• Local seafood: The town's working harbour supplies fresh catches; don't miss the fish and chips at the Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-op or a platter at Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant.

Suggested Time to Spend

Apollo Bay is best enjoyed as a two-night stopover. Spend your first day exploring the nearby waterfalls and lighthouse, then a second day relaxing on the beach, kayaking in the bay, or walking sections of the Great Ocean Walk. If you're short on time, a full day will let you hit the highlights, but you'll wish you'd stayed longer.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Great Otway National Park — the rainforest and lighthouse are practically on your doorstep
• Twelve Apostles & Port Campbell National Park — a stunning 90-minute drive west along the Great Ocean Road
• Lorne — a vibrant beach town 45 minutes east, with great cafes and the Erskine Falls walk
• Otway Treetop Adventures — zip through the canopy near Beech Forest
• Sovereign Hill — a living gold-mining museum in Ballarat, about 2.5 hours north, perfect for history buffs and families

Please check official sources for current details.