Apollo Bay

Travel Guide
Apollo Bay Harbour showing a marina, fishing and boating
Delight in crescent-shaped beaches with golden sand, jewellery markets and rainforest vistas around Apollo Bay, a sparkling gem along Victoria's Great Ocean Road.

Apollo Bay is a sweet seaside township of just over 1,000 locals. It features gorgeous galleries, a glistening harbour and markets selling intricate handmade jewellery. Spend days by the beach or explore the Great Otway National Park, just next door.

Learn about the town’s rich history at the Apollo Bay Museum, which exhibits immigrant relics and memoirs of early Australians. Apollo Bay was founded by timber cutters in the 19th century. The construction of the Great Ocean Road in 1932 brought a booming tourism industry to the area.

Most of Apollo Bay's action happens around its gorgeous harbour. Spend summer days lazing on the pristine beach, surfing frothy waves or sailing around the headland. In winter, see humpbacks waving their tails on a whale-watching tour.

Experience the region's artistic flair at a number of painting and photography galleries. Try fine seafood lunches around the harbour before a game at the Apollo Bay Golf Course.

Browse artisanal blown glass and precious stone jewellery stalls at the Apollo Bay Community Market. Alongside a large community of jewellery makers, this Saturday market features stalls selling local paintings, scented candles and delightful baked treats.

Healthy meals are found at the Bay of Apostles, which has a selection of certified organic produce. There is also a Farmer's Market held on the 3rd Sunday of each month at the Youth Club. Sample locally-sourced veggies or a fresh caught fish.

Just outside the township, experience stunning vistas of valleys, waterfalls and coastal outcrops at the Great Otway National Park. Walk atop cliffs or mountain bike down forest trails. Visit the Cape Otway Lightstation or attempt the Great Ocean Walk, which extends over 60 miles (100 kilometres) between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles.

Apollo Bay is 3 hours' drive from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. The town's harbour is best navigated on foot.

Visit Apollo Bay in April to see the Apollo Bay Music Festival, a multi-day celebration of tunes, performers, food and people.

Sandpiper Motel Apollo Bay
Sandpiper Motel Apollo Bay
4 out of 5
3 Murray Street, Apollo Bay, VIC
The price is RM350 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
RM350
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach motel in Apollo Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (749 reviews)
Excellent!
"Comfortable quiet and relaxing. Great location for a stroll to town centre and beach"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Sandpiper Motel Apollo Bay
Comfort Inn The International
Comfort Inn The International
4 out of 5
37 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, VIC
The price is RM472 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
RM472
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Apollo Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (299 reviews)
"Nice clean room"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Comfort Inn The International
Seaview Motel and Apartments
Seaview Motel and Apartments
4 out of 5
6 Thomson Street, Apollo Bay, VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM386 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
RM386
per night
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Apollo Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (675 reviews)
"Nicely renovated large room with lovely view from balcony. Very clean with comfie bed."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Seaview Motel and Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Seafarers Getaway
Seafarers Getaway
4 out of 5
6080 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, VIC
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Apollo Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (762 reviews)
"Good , quiet, beautiful view."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Seafarers Getaway
The Dolphin Apartments
The Dolphin Apartments
4.5 out of 5
2 Thomson Street, Apollo Bay, VIC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in Apollo Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private spa tubs. Popular attractions Great Ocean Road Visitor Information ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (605 reviews)
"Our room was very spacious. Clean. Looked like had a recent upgrade to all furniture. Check in/out was excellent. Enjoyed our short stay here"

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2024

The Dolphin Apartments
Rayville Boat Houses
Rayville Boat Houses
4 out of 5
9 Noel Street, Apollo Bay, VIC
Stay at this 4-star beach villa in Apollo Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private spa tubs. Popular attractions Apollo Bay Harbour and Great Ocean Road ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (254 reviews)
"I took my partner and her family just for one night to stay here. The manager was extremely welcoming and friendly along with her 2x four legged friends. The houses were well equipped and lovely. Amazing location and overall great experience. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2024

Rayville Boat Houses
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Apollo Bay

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
8
" "5 - Excellent 57.142857142857146%
4 - Good
4
" "4 - Good 28.571428571428573%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 14.285714285714286%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 Mar 2020

Such friendly staff. I was made to feel so welcome. Makes such a difference after a long day driving.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
15 Dec 2019

A nice place to stay on the Great Ocean Road

5/5 - Excellent

Mahala
18 May 2019

Beautiful place to stay. See Koalas at the Koala cafe just along the road at Kennet River, visit the Otway Lighthouse, Port Campbell, the redwood forrest, and the quirky Otway Junction Motor Inn and the Beechy Hotel.