Apollo Bay, located halfway along The Great Ocean Road, is a charming seaside town with plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy during their Great Ocean Road day trip. It offers a variety of activities and dining options for those passing through on a Great Ocean Road journey.
The town features various events and festivals, offers unique dining choices, and is surrounded by stunning Australian scenery.
Apollo Bay History
Captain Loutit bestowed the name Apollo Bay in 1845, named after his trading vessel. The area began attracting sailors, whalers, sealers, and timber cutters in the early 1800s, with settlers starting to build homesteads in the Apollo Bay area in 1849, four years after the town was established.
Apollo Bay is located in Victoria
Apollo Bay VIC is 197 kilometres southwest of Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. The drive from Melbourne to Apollo Bay typically takes about 2.5 hours without stopping.
Activities in Apollo Bay, Australia
Apollo Bay Victoria offers various activities for visitors, including those near the seaside town. Be sure to check out the following options.
The Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Walk officially begins in Apollo Bay and ends at the 12 Apostles, offering avid hikers a chance to explore the stunning coastline. The trail spans over 100 km and typically takes around eight days. If you’re short on time, you can also choose to hike sections of the trail independently.
Prepare your best hiking boots to discover hidden beaches, lookout points with expansive views, and culturally significant sites of the Gunditjmara People.
Mariners Lookout
Mariners Lookout is a well-known lookout in Apollo Bay, Victoria, offering panoramic views of the town, ocean, and countryside. The walk from the car park to the peak is approximately 10 minutes along a well-marked trail, although it is pretty steep.
Sunset is a popular time for visitors, so don’t forget your camera. Many people come with a picnic or drink to enjoy the view. It is also a popular spot for hang gliders to take off. Whether you enjoy this sport or not, it’s a great place to watch the sunset for free.
Wildlife Tour at Dusk
If you are considering viewing wildlife along the Great Ocean Road, consider joining a conservationist-led tour. You can observe koalas, emus, kangaroos, wallabies, and other smaller animals while learning from your guide.
The animals are more active at dusk, increasing the likelihood of observing them. After a bush walk, participants will enjoy a board of local cheese and produce with their group, along with local beer or wine. Additionally, 100% of the profits from this tour support local conservation and research projects.
Apollo Bay Beach
Apollo Bay, Victoria, features a scenic 3km long sandy beach with golden sand that is flat and protected by dunes, making it a popular attraction for visitors.
At Apollo Bay Beach, visitors can swim or take a stroll. Lifeguards are present during the summer months for added safety. The beach has smaller waves, making it ideal for beginner surfers. Amenities include a playground, toilets, and parking available behind the beach.
Anchor Memorial and Apollo Bay War Memorial
For those interested in history, the memorials for the sinking of the SS Casino in Apollo Bay on July 10, 1932, can be visited. A memorial for the event was erected near Apollo Bay Beach on the 50th anniversary of the tragedy in 1982.
The Apollo Bay War Memorial, erected in 1922 by residents of Apollo Bay to honour those killed in service during the First World War, is located near the Anchor of SS Casino.
Apollo Bay Museum
The local history of Apollo Bay VIC includes its indigenous roots, maritime history, shipwreck relics, and information on the fishing and logging industries. The museum has operating hours of 2 pm to 5 pm on weekends and public holidays.
Apollo Bay Harbour
Apollo Bay Harbour is a bustling hub of activity, with several commercial fishing boats that play a vital role in supporting the local economy and providing livelihoods for nearly 100 people. Visitors and locals frequent the area to observe the fishermen bringing in their catches.
During low tide, marine life, such as jellyfish, stingrays, and various fish, can be observed near the docks at Apollo Bay Harbor. Visitors interested in fishing must obtain a Victorian recreational fishing license and fish within the designated areas within the breakwater walls.
The Apollo Bay Harbour is famous, with a beach protected by breakwater walls, making it suitable for families with small children.
A public boat ramp and landing jetty are available for those with a boat or water vessel. Southern Right Whales can often be spotted in the area during winter.
Maits Rest Rainforest Reserve
Maits Rest Rainforest Reserve offers a short walk surrounded by ancient trees and giant ferns in the Otways, located 15 minutes from Apollo Bay’s centre.
The boardwalk at Maits Rest is 800 meters long, forming a loop that starts and ends at the car park. The walk takes around 30 minutes, offering opportunities to spot wildlife such as wallabies, kangaroos, and koalas.
Apollo Bay Farmers Market
Apollo Bay Farmers Market occurs at the Scout Hut on the third Sunday of each month, showcasing local vendors selling handmade goods and local produce. The market, though small, sometimes features live music and always has a good atmosphere.
Apollo Bay Fishing Charters
Apollo Bay Fishing Charters provides 4-6 hour fishing charters, including special bluefin tuna charters. Their boat, the 8.8 Nossa Cat, is equipped for a comfortable day at sea. The company is run by a local family and captained by experienced fisherman Daniel Kent.
Pre-booking is recommended, as time slots can fill quickly during the busy summer months. Private bookings are also available.
Sunset Cruises
This sunset cruise is only available during peak season and is limited to ten passengers. The cruise includes stopping at the Marengo Marine Sanctuary to see Australian fur seals and search for dolphins. The cruise also offers a view of the sunset over the water, making it a unique experience.
Shopping
Apollo Bay is a small town with shops that offer a variety of items. You can brow boutiques, bakeries, clothing shops, and souvenir stores. Apollo Bay Bloom is a coffee shop and creative space that sells homewares, clothes, and local art.
Coast Apollo Bay has been a longstanding institution in the area, operated by a local artist who sells artwork, prints, products from other local artists, clothing, and jewellery.
Otways Herbs is a garden and nursery located just outside of town. They sell exotic plants, medicinal and culinary herbs from around the world, and their natural products like massage oil. It’s an excellent place for finding unique gifts.
Participate in a Seal Kayak Tour
Participants on the 90-minute tour will paddle out to the seal colony at the Marengo Marine Sanctuary in Apollo Bay. Qualified guides will instruct how to use the kayaks and ensure ocean safety measures are in place before heading to the colony together. Once at the colony, information about the lifestyle and behaviours of the seals will be shared.
The colony is home to over 150 seals, often swimming to the kayaks for a close encounter. This tour is suitable for individuals of all ages and kayaking skill levels.
Apollo Bay Golf Club
If you’re interested in playing golf during your holiday, Apollo Bay Golf Club offers a well-maintained 9-hole course with ocean views near Apollo Bay beach. The cost for all-day golf is around $25.
Rent gear for outdoor adventures
Apollo Bay is situated near some of Victoria’s best natural areas. Apollo Bay Surf and Kayak offers rentals for surfboards, wetsuits, snorkel gear, boogie boards, and stand-up paddle boards. Visitors can take this equipment to the beach and enjoy their outdoor experience.
Visitors can also explore the inland trails in the Otways by renting mountain bikes. Apollo Bay Surf and Kayak staff can guide you to the best locations based on individual interests.
Taste the best ice cream
Dooley’s Ice Cream is located on the main street in Apollo Bay and has received awards for its delicious ice cream. It is known for its premium chocolate ice cream, vanilla ice cream, and other flavours that have won the Australian Grand Dairy Awards multiple times.
Their ice cream is made in-house, with various flavours and frequently updated flavours. Customers can choose from traditional or more unique options, such as chilli chocolate or lemon curd, and may return for multiple visits.
Visit Apollo Bay Distillery
The Apollo Bay Distillery is the only distillery on the Great Ocean Road, making it a must-visit for gin lovers. You can stop by for a tasting and try a gin flight, or stay for lunch and enjoy delicious bites like pizzas, truffle fries, and calamari.
The restaurant is in the old post office building, offering indoor and outdoor dining options. The spacious outdoor area provides views of the foreshore and welcomes dogs.
Apollo Bay’s Retro Cinema
The retro 180-seater cinema space is in the Main Hall of the Mechanics Institute, a local community centre. Movie showings and hours are carefully listed on the website, so checking there for the most up-to-date information is recommended.
Visit a Waterfall
Beauchamp and Hopetoun Falls are two notable waterfalls found along the Great Ocean Road, within an hour’s drive from Apollo Bay. Each waterfall has its designated parking lot and can be easily accessed via a well-marked walking path.
Beauchamp Falls has amenities such as a picnic area and washroom facilities. When visiting the waterfalls, be cautious and wear proper footwear, primarily if you descend to the bottom, where it can be slippery.
Visiting Cape Otway Lightstation
Cape Otway Lightstation, situated around 30 minutes from Apollo Bay, offers a glimpse into the area’s rich history. Explore the Heritage Trail to learn about the Aboriginal culture, local wildlife, and preserved historical buildings dating back to 1848, including the Keepers Lodgings and Assistant Lightkeepers Cottage.
Whales can sometimes be spotted just offshore between May and October, with several viewing points available around the property.
