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 $160
Apollo Bay Guest House
From $204
Chocolate Gannets
From $448
Sandpiper Motel
From $59
Coastal Motel
From $68
The Apollo
From $71
Comfort Inn The International
From $71
Casa Favilla B&B
From $76
Seaview Motel & Apartments
From $77
Apollo Bay Waterfront Motor Inn
From $78
Apollo Bay Holiday Park
From $81
Captains at the Bay
From $101
BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park
From $102
Stay Inn Apollo Bay
From $104
Apollo Bay Seal Apartments
From $108
The Dolphin Apartments
From $116
Rayville Boat Houses
From $140
Seafarers Getaway
From $168
Beeches By The Sea
From $203
Apollo Bay B&B
From $216
Apollo Bay Cottages
From $384
Cypress Hill
From $406
Achilles' Apollo Bay
From $440
Marengo Holiday Park
From $26
Apollo Bay Eco YHA
From $28
Beachcomber Motel & Apartments
From $55
Motel Marengo
From $59
Great Ocean Road Brewhouse
From $63
Beachfront Motel Apollo Bay
From $63
Odyssey Apollo Bay
From $65
Iluka Motel & Restaurant
From $76
Great Ocean View Motel
From $87
The Source Otways
From $199
At Riverside
From $260
Beach Gum
From $322
Walshan House
From $384
Apollo Panorama Guesthouse
From $69
Coral Reef Apollo Bay
From $260
Eagle Ridge Apollo Bay
From $347
SeymourViews Apollo Bay
From $177
Bella Vista Apollo Bay
From $260
The Lane House
From $288
Glenoe Cottages
From $291
Earth Sea Sky
From $379
Apollo Bay Accommodation
