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
Chocolate Gannets
From $163
Kutu Ev
From $287
Sandpiper Motel
From $56
Apollo Bay Holiday Park
From $58
Apollo Bay Waterfront Motor Inn
From $60
Coastal Motel
From $63
Seaview Motel & Apartments
From $64
Comfort Inn The International
From $64
BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park
From $76
The Dolphin Apartments
From $97
Rayville Boat Houses
From $99
Casa Favilla B&B
From $128
Beeches By The Sea
From $135
Seafarers Getaway
From $138
Apollo Bay Cottages
From $143
7 Falls Apartments
From $193
Captains at the Bay
From $194
Great Ocean Road Brewhouse
From $41
Apollo Bay Eco YHA
From $48
Angela's Beach Stays
From $48
Beachcomber Motel & Apartments
From $53
Beachfront Motel Apollo Bay
From $58
Motel Marengo
From $61
Iluka Motel & Restaurant
From $64
Great Ocean View Motel
From $65
Marengo Holiday Park
From $77
Apollo Bay Backpackers
From $39
The Lane House
From $194
Beach Break
From $196
Apollo's
From $202
Bella Vista Apollo Bay
From $215
Earth Sea Sky
From $232
Apollo Bay Accommodation
