The town of Apollo Bay is a decent place to be located on the Great Ocean Road, or indeed for a stop-off. A sizeable town in this area, it sits just east of the stunning Cape Otway and is very popular with tourists in summer on account of its beautiful bay, although it is quieter than other towns on this famous route.
There are two gorgeous beaches here that are separated by a headland and feature nice sands for sunbathing and moderate surfing. Horseback rides at sunset are a popular pastime, along with kayaking to nearby seal colonies and spotting southern right whales in winter.
It’s a pleasant little low-lying town, fronted by lots of parkland before you hit the beach. As the bay arcs round, you are never far from the water and there’s a small harbour from where deep sea fishing and whale watching trips can be had. Also expect souvenir shops, galleries and markets, along with cafés and great seafood eats.
Key sights are Marriner’s Lookout, which incorporates a short walk, Marriner’s Falls, and walking through rainforest to Maits Rest with its boardwalk, glow worms and rare snails. Cape Otway Lightstation is just a short drive from here, through the lush Great Otway National Park.
You can even do a scenic flight to the famed 12 Apostles from Apollo Bay, or take to the hills by mountain bike. More serious walking can be had along the Great Ocean Walk. If you’re here in April, be sure to check out the Apollo Bay Music Festival.
While there are lots of backpacker-style places in town, higher quality hotels and apartments also exist. Most are located right on the Great Ocean Road. It’s about two and a half hours from Melbourne to Apollo Bay by car and a similar time from Warrnambool when coming from the other direction.
Apollo Bay Accommodation
Bed of Roses Apollo Bay
From $190
Apollo Bay Guest House
From $244
Chocolate Gannets
From $509
Apollo Bay Holiday Park
From $71
Seaview Motel & Apartments
From $86
Apollo Bay Waterfront Motor Inn
From $93
The Apollo
From $94
Sandpiper Motel
From $96
Angela's Beach Stays
From $96
Comfort Inn The International
From $97
Coastal Motel
From $109
Casa Favilla B&B
From $119
BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park
From $132
Seafarers Getaway
From $161
Rayville Boat Houses
From $182
Apollo Bay Seal Apartments
From $192
Apollo Bay B&B
From $192
Captains at the Bay
From $194
Beeches By The Sea
From $212
Beach Holiday Cottage
From $234
Apollo Bay Cottages
From $291
Cypress Hill
From $462
14 Steps
From $487
Bruce and Lola's
From $775
Apollo Bay Eco YHA
From $33
Marengo Holiday Park
From $40
Beachcomber Motel & Apartments
From $73
Odyssey Apollo Bay
From $79
Great Ocean View Motel
From $101
Great Ocean Road Brewhouse
From $101
Beachfront Motel Apollo Bay
From $102
Iluka Motel & Restaurant
From $114
Motel Marengo
From $170
The Source Otways
From $210
Walshan House
From $289
At Riverside
From $293
Beach Gum
From $370
Apollo Panorama Guesthouse
From $86
Coral Reef Apollo Bay
From $281
Eagle Ridge Apollo Bay
From $443
Apollo Bay Backpackers
From $59
Bella Vista Apollo Bay
From $263
Glenoe Cottages
From $274
SeymourViews Apollo Bay
From $301
The Lane House
From $359
Earth Sea Sky
From $410
Apollo Bay Accommodation
