Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is a coastal gem on Victoria's Great Ocean Road, where the Otway rainforest meets the Southern Ocean. This laid-back fishing village offers a perfect base for exploring the region's dramatic coastline, with its own stretch of golden sand and a working harbour that supplies some of the best seafood in the state.

Highlights & What to See

• Great Ocean Road drive: The stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is one of the most scenic, with sweeping ocean views and opportunities to pull over at lookouts like Marriners Lookout for a bird's-eye view of the bay.
• Apollo Bay Beach: A wide, patrolled beach ideal for swimming, surfing, or a leisurely stroll at sunset. The pier at the eastern end is perfect for fishing or spotting dolphins.
• Otway National Park: Head inland to explore ancient rainforests, towering eucalypts, and the Otway Fly Treetop Walk. Keep an eye out for koalas and lyrebirds.
• Cape Otway Lightstation: Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse, set on dramatic cliffs. The road there is a prime spot for seeing koalas in the wild.
• Marriners Lookout: A short, steep walk rewards with panoramic views over the town, bay, and surrounding hills – especially stunning at golden hour.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three nights is ideal to soak up the atmosphere and explore the surrounding attractions. Spend your first day settling in with a beach walk and fresh seafood dinner; dedicate a full day to the Otway National Park and Cape Otway; and use a third day to drive the Great Ocean Road further west to the Twelve Apostles or east to Lorne. If you're short on time, a one-night stop allows for a sunset at the beach and a morning rainforest walk.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Great Ocean Road: The scenic drive itself is a highlight, with iconic stops like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge just a 90-minute drive west.
• Lorne: A charming seaside town 45 minutes east, known for its surf beaches, waterfall walks, and the Lorne Pier.
• Port Campbell National Park: Home to the most dramatic coastal formations, including the Twelve Apostles – a must-visit on any Great Ocean Road itinerary.
• Otway Fly Treetop Walk: A thrilling walk among the canopy of the temperate rainforest, located about 30 minutes inland from Apollo Bay.
• Kennett River: A popular spot just east of Apollo Bay for koala spotting along the Grey River Road, plus a short walk to a waterfall.

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