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Apollo Bay – A Seaside Hub on the Great Ocean Road
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Dec 9, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 19
Apollo Bay – A Seaside Hub on the
Great Ocean Road
Nestled between the ocean and the forest, Apollo Bay is a relaxed seaside town on Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road. With its sweeping beaches, laid-back coastal vibe and excellent access to the Great Otway National Park, Apollo Bay is one of the best bases for exploring this spectacular part of south-west Victoria.
Located approximately 187 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, Apollo Bay is an easy and rewarding stop on a Great Ocean Road journey — whether you’re staying a night or settling in for a few days.
A Relaxed Town Centre by the Sea
Apollo Bay’s town centre stretches along the beachfront and grassy foreshore, creating a welcoming and easygoing atmosphere. You’ll find a great selection of cafés, restaurants and speciality shops, many with views across the ocean or parklands. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, fresh seafood or an afternoon coffee after a day of exploring.
Beaches, Foreshore Walks and Outdoor Fun
The long sandy beach at Apollo Bay is ideal for swimming, surfing and fishing, with gentle conditions often making it family-friendly. The foreshore walking paths are perfect for a scenic stroll, morning jog or sunset walk along the coast.
Families will appreciate the playground, skate park and open grassy areas, providing plenty of space for kids to play while adults relax and take in the sea air.
Tips for Visiting Apollo Bay
Stay a night or two to fully explore both the coast and the Otways
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for quieter beach walks
Use Apollo Bay as a base for waterfall and rainforest day trips
Check local conditions for swimming and surfing
Enjoy sunset along the foreshore for beautiful coastal views
Gateway to the Great Otway National Park
One of Apollo Bay’s biggest drawcards is its close proximity to the Great Otway National Park. From town, it’s a short drive to towering rainforests, scenic walking tracks, hidden waterfalls and highlights such as Cape Otway Lightstation, Maits Rest, Triplet Falls and Erskine Falls.
This unique mix of coast and forest makes Apollo Bay an ideal base for travellers wanting both beach time and nature adventures.
Attractions near Apollo Bay
The Cape Otway Lighthouse is 33 kilometres from Apollo Bay. It was built in 1848 and is the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia. It is also known as the 'Beacon of Hope'' and sits atop the towering sea cliffs 90 metres above the Bass Straight.
There is an entrance fee to the Cape Otway Lighthouse, where you can climb to the top and enjoy stunning views.
Hopetoun Falls in The Great Otway National Park is 40 kilometres from Apollo Bay. This lovely 30-metre waterfall is in a beautiful fern-filled gully along the Aire River.
You can see the top of the falls at the lookout a few metres from the carpark. Then, wander down 200 steps to the base of Hopetoun Falls, where you can sit and enjoy it from the viewing platform.
Maits Rest Rainforest is an ancient cool-climate rainforest 17 kilometres from Apollo Bay. Its towering Myrtle Beech trees, stunning tree ferns, and moss-covered forest floor are home to various wildlife and more than 40 species of birds.
The easy 800-metre circuit walk along the boardwalks through the forest takes about 30 minutes.
Beauchamp Falls in the Great Otway National Park is a 25-metre waterfall in a fern-filled gully along Dappeler Creek.
It is a moderate 2.5-kilometre walk through the dense rainforest that takes about an hour. From the lookout, you can see the top of the falls, and you can also take the short track to the base of the falls.
Otway Fly Tee Top Adventures
From Apollo Bay, drive along the Great Ocean Road to Lavers Hill and follow the signs to the Otway Fly. The drive is 70 kilometres and takes about 50 minutes.
The Otway Fly Treetop Adventures is located in the Otway Ranges, and the Treetop Walk offers amazing views. This is a two-kilometre walk through the rainforest and along the steel walkway through the treetop canopy, and it takes about an hour.
A short drive from The Otway Fly, you can explore Triplet Falls. This one-hour circuit walk meanders through the stunning ancient rainforest to a viewing platform, which provides spectacular views of Triplet Falls' three cascades.
The Redwoods in The Great Otway National Park are stunning 60-metre-high trees in a beautiful fern-filled gully along the Aire River. It is a truly enchanting place to wander around, breathe the fresh air and relax.
A Perfect Stop or Base on the Great Ocean Road
Apollo Bay effortlessly combines coastal charm with easy access to some of Victoria’s most beautiful natural landscapes. Whether you’re beach hopping, dining by the sea or heading inland to chase waterfalls and rainforest walks, this seaside town offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
For anyone travelling the Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay is more than just a stop — it’s a destination worth slowing down for.
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