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 $234
Chocolate Gannets
From $362
Kutu Ev
From $382
Apollo Bay Seal Apartments
From $95
Angela's Beach Stays
From $98
The Apollo
From $104
Casa Favilla B&B
From $105
Apollo Bay Waterfront Motor Inn
From $107
Coastal Motel
From $108
Sandpiper Motel
From $110
Comfort Inn The International
From $113
Seaview Motel & Apartments
From $114
Apollo Bay Holiday Park
From $121
Beach Holiday Cottage
From $156
Stay Inn Apollo Bay
From $159
Seafarers Getaway
From $208
Beeches By The Sea
From $213
Apollo Bay Cottages
From $217
The Dolphin Apartments
From $220
7 Falls Apartments
From $258
Felicity Apollo Bay
From $308
Rayville Boat Houses
From $329
Two Views Apollo Bay
From $635
Apollo's
From $694
Bruce and Lola's
From $888
Cypress Hill
From $1109
Apollo Bay Eco YHA
From $54
Beachcomber Motel & Apartments
From $58
Motel Marengo
From $79
Great Ocean Road Brewhouse
From $81
Iluka Motel & Restaurant
From $110
Beachfront Motel Apollo Bay
From $121
Odyssey Apollo Bay
From $128
Marengo Holiday Park
From $130
Great Ocean View Motel
From $151
The Source Otways
From $236
Beachside Entertainer
From $250
Beach Gum
From $328
At Riverside
From $733
Walshan House
From $771
Eagle Ridge Apollo Bay
From $308
Coral Reef Apollo Bay
From $694
Valkei
From $771
Glenoe Cottages
From $316
Earth Sea Sky
From $321
SeymourViews Apollo Bay
From $322
Bella Vista Apollo Bay
From $772
The Lane House
From $772
Apollo Bay Accommodation
