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
Apollo Bay Guest House
From $213
Chocolate Gannets
From $339
Kutu Ev
From $353
Apollo Bay Holiday Park
From $73
Angela's Beach Stays
From $74
Sandpiper Motel
From $88
Casa Favilla B&B
From $93
The Apollo
From $99
Stay Inn Apollo Bay
From $103
Comfort Inn The International
From $110
Apollo Bay Waterfront Motor Inn
From $111
Seaview Motel & Apartments
From $116
Coastal Motel
From $119
Captains at the Bay
From $121
BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park
From $136
The Dolphin Apartments
From $159
Beach Holiday Cottage
From $161
Seafarers Getaway
From $170
Rayville Boat Houses
From $217
Apollo Bay Cottages
From $218
Beeches By The Sea
From $219
7 Falls Apartments
From $265
Apollo Bay Seal Apartments
From $283
Achilles' Apollo Bay
From $287
Apollo's
From $301
Felicity Apollo Bay
From $314
Beach and Reef
From $321
Bruce and Lola's
From $334
14 Steps
From $457
Cypress Hill
From $732
Great Ocean Road Brewhouse
From $49
Apollo Bay Eco YHA
From $55
Great Ocean View Motel
From $72
Odyssey Apollo Bay
From $80
Beachcomber Motel & Apartments
From $84
Iluka Motel & Restaurant
From $88
Beachfront Motel Apollo Bay
From $122
Beachside Entertainer
From $181
The Source Otways
From $211
Poseidon Apollo Bay
From $271
Bimbadeen
From $271
Sound Of The Sea Apollo Bay
From $287
At Riverside
From $315
Beach Gum
From $334
Walshan House
From $334
Motel Marengo
From $475
Inn Off The Reef
From $274
Anchorage Apollo Bay
From $287
Valkei
From $308
Apollo Panorama Guesthouse
From $312
Coral Reef Apollo Bay
From $314
Eagle Ridge Apollo Bay
From $340
Blue Sea Apollo Bay
From $271
Glenoe Cottages
From $294
The Lane House
From $314
Bella Vista Apollo Bay
From $314
Earth Sea Sky
From $327
Apollo Bay Accommodation
