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 $239
Apollo Bay Guest House
From $269
Chocolate Gannets
From $385
Apollo Bay Holiday Park
From $94
Comfort Inn The International
From $107
Casa Favilla B&B
From $113
BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park
From $149
The Apollo
From $165
Beeches By The Sea
From $180
Captains at the Bay
From $181
Beach Holiday Cottage
From $194
The Dolphin Apartments
From $195
Apollo Bay B&B
From $200
Seaview Motel & Apartments
From $208
Apollo Bay Waterfront Motor Inn
From $211
Apollo Bay Cottages
From $214
Balconies At The Butter Factory
From $230
Seafarers Getaway
From $266
Sandpiper Motel
From $291
Coastal Motel
From $319
Achilles' Apollo Bay
From $333
Cypress Hill
From $494
Rayville Boat Houses
From $709
Bruce and Lola's
From $814
Apollo Bay Seal Apartments
From $1163
Apollo Bay Eco YHA
From $61
Beachcomber Motel & Apartments
From $95
Great Ocean Road Brewhouse
From $133
Great Ocean View Motel
From $191
Odyssey Apollo Bay
From $198
The Source Otways
From $209
Walshan House
From $240
Iluka Motel & Restaurant
From $245
At Riverside
From $309
Beach Gum
From $392
Motel Marengo
From $398
Eagle Ridge Apollo Bay
From $438
Apollo Panorama Guesthouse
From $1454
Apollo Bay Backpackers
From $60
SeymourViews Apollo Bay
From $301
The Lane House
From $345
Earth Sea Sky
From $432
Apollo Bay Accommodation
