Victoria For Everyone: Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay

Known as a tourist town these days, Apollo Bay is remains a centre for the local fishing, dairying and timber getting industries which gave birth to the town. The town is an ideal base for exploring the Otway Ranges and the Otway coast.

Where is it?: Apollo Bay is 186 km south west of Melbourne on the Great Ocean Road.

Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre
100 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria 3233
Ph: (03) 5237 6529

The bay on which the town stands was named after the schooner Apollo, under command of Capt. Loutit. Originally the white settlement here was known as Middleton. It was changed in 1874 to its Aboriginal name, Kambruk, but was changed again in 1952 to the name of the bay on which it stands, which had been its popular name for many years.

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The area was first settled by the Henty Brothers who established a whaling station at Point Bunbury in 1830s. The town was established in 1860.

Things To See and Do

The main recreational activities centre around the ocean. The water is clear and perfect for swimming, surfing and diving. Sea kayaking with local seals, deep-sea fishing and horse ride along the beach at sunset are also popular.

Bass Strait Shell Museum and the Old Cable Station Museum are two museums in Apollo Bay. A submarine cable terminus 3 km north of the town. Inspection can be made by arrangement.

Lookouts

Cape Patton Lookout offers spectacular views east towards Apollo Bay and Skenes Creek. This lookout lies east of Apollo Bay and just off the Great Ocean Road.

Surrounding Area

Great Otway National Park

Some of Australia's best rainforest scenery can be found in the Otway Ranges. Many walkways in Great Otway National Park have been created to give access to the tall trees, ancient plant life and lush ferns. You can walk among giant tree ferns at Maits Rest or experience the full beauty of the rainforest on the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk. There are many waterfalls in the national park's narrow valleys, ranging from the impressive Triplet Falls to secluded falls over fern-fringed pools. Spot native wildlife such as glow worms at Melba Gully, the elusive platypus at Lake Elizabeth or koalas at nearby Kennett River.

Tours

Activities

Surf Coast Walk

The 35 km Surf Coast Walk that passes through Anglesea and can be followed in either direction, along the coast and inland up beside the Anglesea River.

The Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk stretches 104 kms from Apollo Bay, to within sight of the magnificent 12 Apostles. It weaves through beautiful National Parks, deserted beaches and pristine marine sanctuaries. Cape Otway, the first major feature on the walk, has dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches and the historic Cape Otway Lighthouse (1846-48).

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road Drive, which passes along the picturesque Shipwreck Coast, featuring some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Australia. The main accessway through the region is the Great Ocean Road. The coastline contained within Port Campbell National Park is what those who drive the Great Ocean Road come to see - sheer limestone cliffs overlooking offshore islets, rock stacks, gorges, arches, and blow-holes. As part of the Shipwreck Coast, it hosts several well known attractions; including The Twelve Apostles, the London Arch (formerly London Bridge), Loch Ard Gorge, the Gibson Steps, and The Grotto.