Once a fishing town, the beautiful Apollo Bay was never going to remain a secret for long, but despite creeping development it has kept its charm, with rolling hills looming over ribbons of surf beach, It’s more low key than Lorne, but has a good range of accommodation and restaurants and its jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding Great Otway National Park.
The Great Ocean Road visitor information centre is on the left as you arrive from Lorne and has Aboriginal history displays, rainforests, shipwrecks and the building of the Great Ocean Road.
It’s 1.5km from town to Marriners Lookout — for spectacular views of the town and coast from the car park, it’s about a 10-minute walk up to the lookout.
There’s a long-running community market in the centre of town every Saturday morning from 8:30am.
Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak, opposite the visitor centre, has surfing lessons, excellent seal kayak tours to the Marengo Reef Seal Colony and guided bushwalk, and also hires out boards, wetsuits, fishing rods and camping gear.
Otway expeditions runs mountain-bike tours through the Otways, as well as gentle bushbashing adventures in cross-terrain-and-water Argo buggies.
A marked multiday hike, the Great Ocean Walk, starts at Apollo Bay and runs about 100km all the way to the Twelve Apostles. You can hop on and off the trail for shorter walks or take on the whole trek in six days.
Apollo Bay is blessed with some excellent budget accommodations, including four backpackers and plenty of motels and B&Bs.
Surfside Backpackers: This rambling, homey weatherboard has a great location with tumbling-surf views from the lounge, an eclectic vinyl collection and a front garden with barbecues and hammocks.
YHA Eco Beach: The lounge and communal areas of this architect-designed hostel are like something out of a Home Beautiful magazine. It’s definitely on for the flashpacker – not only luxurious but eco-designed to fit into the natural surroundings.
Haley Reef Views B&B: The immaculate English garden gives you an idea of the care given to guests at this sweet little spot. It’s just a short stroll to the beach, but there’s an indulgent spa at relax in.
Sandpiper Motel: Simple beach-style rooms in sea blues and sandy tone make for a relaxing stay at this stylish modern motel. Go for a view of the ocean or a garden deck room. Some are self-contained and there’s a deluxe spa unit.
Marengo Holiday Park: In the suburb of Marengo, 2km west of town, this meticulously run beachside park has spacious deluxe cabins and campers are well taken care of with good facilities.
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