Nestled along the Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay offers visitors a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Explore the natural beauty and warm hospitality of this coastal gem.
The beach offers sunset horseback rides, gift shops, galleries, and teahouses. There are also many culinary options, including seafood, due to its importance in the local fishing industry. Chris’s at Beacon Point is recommended for dinner with ocean views, as it sits high in the hills overlooking the sea. Those who enjoy fine seafood should visit in February for the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival.
The regular Saturday foreshore market offers a variety of local crafts, artworks, trinkets, and fresh produce for weekend visitors to enjoy.
Explore the ocean with Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak
Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak offers guided kayak tours to Marengo Marine Sanctuary and a local fur seal colony. Visitors can paddle through clear waters and observe the diverse marine life in the area. Additionally, the company provides equipment rental for surfing, snorkelling, and stand-up paddleboarding, allowing for a full day of water activities.
Water activities can be enjoyed during summer due to warmer and calmer temperatures. Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak provides friendly staff who will ensure an unforgettable experience, whether you are an experienced water sports player or a beginner.
The Scallop Pie is Apollo Bay Bakery's specialty
At Apollo Bay Bakery in Apollo Bay, visitors can enjoy the famous scallop pie, a local specialty made with fresh scallops, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked inside a flaky pastry.
Apollo Bay Bakery offers a variety of sweet and savoury treats, including pastries, cakes, and sandwiches, in addition to their famous scallop pie. The bakery is open daily, making grabbing a quick bite or a delicious treat convenient while exploring Apollo Bay.
Experience history at Apollo Bay Distillery
Learn about the nautical history of Apollo Bay and enjoy expertly crafted gin at the Apollo Bay Distillery. Experience a variety of gin cocktails made with different botanicals and learn about the distillery’s connection to the region’s maritime past. Additionally, the distillery offers a range of food options, making it an ideal location for a relaxed lunch or dinner.
Apollo Bay Distillery is open daily, offering visitors a chance to experience the local flavours of Apollo Bay. Whether you have a deep appreciation for gin or seek a noteworthy dining experience, the Apollo Bay Distillery is a place that guarantees to make an impression.
Beach
To enjoy a beach, you can swim, surf, play, relax, or enjoy the views. Apollo Bay Beach offers all of these activities. It is also a famous whale-watching spot. There are many places along the Great Ocean Road where you can easily access the water.
To ensure a safe swim during the summer, swimming in areas patrolled by surf lifesavers, indicated by red and yellow flags, is recommended. Numerous facilities are available along the beach, including toilets, picnic tables, BBQ facilities, parking, showers, shelters, shops, and cafes.
Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary
This marine sanctuary spans over 12 hectares of water. It starts 150 meters off the shore near Apollo Bay. The sanctuary safeguards the Little Henty Reef System. It is home to various sea life, including abalones, sea snails, and urchins. Seals also inhabit this area. The sanctuary provides a vast sea area for cultivating different types of marine life in the inner and outer reefs. It is a hidden gem of Apollo Bay, just a few kilometers from the city center.
Discover on foot
Apollo Bay is the starting point for the Great Ocean Walk to the 12 Apostles, and it also offers many short walks with mostly accessible routes to enjoy the coastal views.
There are a variety of walks available in the area, ranging from short walks along the foreshore through the sculpture park to history trails and coastal walks between Marengo and Wild Dog Creek, catering to different moods and interests.
Shelly Beach Circuit Walk
The circuit trail suits families and offers scenic views on the Great Ocean Road. It typically takes about 45 minutes to complete and starts at the Shelly Beach picnic area, leading you across the beach to the rocky terraces of Elliott River.
Fresh seafood
You can enjoy a variety of seafood restaurants in the area that serve freshly caught fish, making dinner a delightful experience.
Apollo Bay is known for its seafood and holds a festival for this cuisine in February. Additionally, the town hosts the Apollo Bay Music Festival in April, a prominent event in Victoria.
Wildlife Wonders
Wildlife Wonders, located near Apollo Bay along the Great Ocean Road, allows visitors to observe the diverse flora and fauna in the Otway Ranges.
No enclosures exist on the property, meaning what you may see is unpredictable. However, you will be accompanied by a guide and provided with binoculars to enhance your chances of spotting wildlife.
Guided day trips are available.
Additionally, there are Great Ocean Road tours available during dawn and dusk, when the wildlife is the most active.
Relax at the Foreshore Reserve
This precinct is located between the Great Ocean Road and Apollo Bay Beach. There is an adventure playground and a skate park for kids. You can also walk among wood sculptures and see the recovered anchor from the Speculant wreck. Picnic shelters are available for relaxation, and several paths lead to the beach for stunning ocean views.
The Visitor Information Centre is located nearby and, along with our guides, it is a reliable source of information. Additionally, the Foreshore Reserve acts as the starting point for various walks, including the History Trail, Harbour Walk, and walks to either Wild Dog Creek or Marengo.
Visit Apollo Bay Golf Club
There is a scenic 9-hole course in Apollo Bay for individuals who enjoy playing golf. This course offers views of Mounts Bay and Apollo Bay Beach and Harbour, allowing players to enjoy the surroundings while playing a round.
Locations for whale watching
Apollo Bay is a good location for whale watching from May to September. You can see them from Apollo Bay Beach without going on a cruise. The bay’s sheltered water attracts mothers and calves. Cape Otway Light Station is also a popular viewing point. Over winter, you can see whales from any elevated coastal vantage point.
Southern right, humpback, and blue whales can all be found in the area. The Apollo Bay Visitor Centre is a reliable source of information for the latest whale sightings.
Apollo Bay Scenic Flights
One benefit of proximity to sites like the 12 Apostles is the ease of viewing them on a scenic flight from Apollo Bay. In Marengo, adjacent to Apollo Bay, Apollo Bay Aviation provides airplane and helicopter flights over the 12 Apostles and Bay of Islands along the eastern coast of Apollo Bay or a brief scenic flight over the town.
Fishing Charters
If you enjoy fishing, consider joining Apollo Bay Fishing Charters. They offer family charters for beginners and kids and outer reef trips for more experienced anglers. Additionally, they provide sunset cruises that allow you to enjoy sightings of seals and dolphins.
Explore the rock pools at Shelly Beach
The car park for the Shelly Beach walk is close to Apollo Bay. It is only a 10-minute drive near Wildlife Wonders. This walk is 2km long and takes you to a secluded beach through the forest. You can explore the rock pools at low or mid tide and enjoy forest views. It is an easy to moderate walk, and kids will enjoy the rock pools.
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