Unwind on the Great Ocean Road in Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is a peaceful town along the coast of southwestern Victoria. Though small, the town is filled with attractions to entertain all types of visitors.  Located between picturesque, but never too-crowded, beaches and the breathtaking Otway Ranges, this little town with a population of less than 2000 offers an enticing balance of sophistication and modesty.  Its residents are known for being approachable and unassuming, despite the cosmopolitan lifestyle that Apollo Bay affords them, with its plethora of cafes, restaurants, shops, and fresh seafood.  These amenities, in combination with the two natural wonders sandwiching the town, make for an appealing destination for a tourists of all different tastes and traveling style preferences.  It can certainly be said that Apollo Bay has something for everyone.

Visitors to Apollo Bay access the town via the Great Ocean Road, or simply go for a drive along what is thought of by many as one of the most scenic coastline roadways in the world.  The Great Ocean Road winds its way 243 kilometers along Victoria’s beautiful southwest coast from Torquay to Allansford.  It takes passengers through lush rainforests, along high cliff tops, up to stunning headlands, and down along the edges of beaches, and it offers panoramic views of the full range of scenery that diversifies the region.  Not to mention, the stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is often considered to be the most striking section.

Weather conditions in Apollo Bay are perefct for beach activities any time of the year.  For this reason, outdoor activities are high on many people’s to-do lists when they’re planning a trip to Apollo Bay.  Clear water and great waves make the ocean inviting for swimmers and surfers alike, and visitors have the opportunity to sea kayak alongside local seals, go deep-sea fishing, take surfing lessons, or even ride a horse along the beach at sunset.

Apollo Bay is not short on sporting clubs.  This is good news for sports fanatics of many varieties, who can take advantage of such clubs as the Apollo Bay Surf Lifesaving Club, the Apollo Bay Sailing Club, the Apollo Bay Golf club on Nelson Street, and the Apollo Bay Pony Club.  Adventurers might want to try an exhilarating downhill mountain bike ride through the Otways, or do some off-road driving in a rented a 4-wheeler.

The Otway Ranges provide Australia with some of its best rainforst scenery.  Nature-lovers can take a walk through  the tall trees and giant tree ferns, fascinating ancient plant species, and lush ferns and mosses that make up the local forests and gulleys.  Treetop walks along the Otway Fly are a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the rainforest.  Hikers near Apollo Bay can also find Australia’s oldest lighthouse.

Apollo Bay’s location at the foothills of the Otway Ranges makes mountain activities a priority for many visitors.  Apollo Bay is only about thirty minutes away from the trails to Hopetoun Falls.  Additionally, the popular Great Ocean Walk starts in Apollo Bay and stretches 100 kilometers to historic Glenample.  Hikers can walk part of the trail, or make the whole journey, camping aong the way.

Fresh seafood is always an option at Apollo Bay’s many cafes and restaurants.  The town is also filled with places to shop, from gift shops and galleries to tea houses and the Saturday foreshore market, where bargains on local crafts and produce can be found.

Accommodation in Apollo Bay is available for travelers on every type of budget.  From luxury and boutique hotels to motels and backpacker hostels, there is somewhere to stay, regardless of your traveling style preferences.