Apollo Bay: For Sea, Sand and Rainforest
Nestled at the southern edge of Cape Otway, in the foothills of the Otway Ranges, Apollo Bay has been enticing visitors for years with its clear blue waters and unique location.
It’s ideally situated between beautiful beaches, the striking natural beauty of the Otways, and along the world-renowned Great Ocean Road.
The Twelve Apostles are a series of amazing rock formations that stand like guardians of Victoria’s southern coastline. Unfortunately, London Bridge, a double-span natural arch, was connected to the mainland until the inner span dramatically collapsed in January 1990.
Take a drive to view this stunning natural wonder, or even better, join the 104km Great Ocean Walk, which stretches from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. If you're not feeling quite so energetic a shorter walk will still reward you with pristine bays, striking cliffs and historic sites such as the Cape Otway Lightstation – mainland Australia’s oldest lighthouse.
Whale watching, swimming and fishing are also popular activities for visitors.
Away from the water, the Otway rainforest is a wonderful destination of towering tree ferns and abundant wildlife. The Otway Fly Tree Top Walk lets you stroll above the forest, and be sure to pay a visit to Melba Gully to view the amazing glow-worms. Marriner’s Lookout, just a ten minute walk from town, is the place to head for striking, long-reaching views of the coast and hinterland.
Music lovers should make sure to visit in April, when the Apollo Bay Music Festival sets the town alight for three days. The 20-year-old festival features acts across a wide musical range, from pop to jazz and country to classical.
Apollo Bay is home to an assortment of shops, galleries and restaurants. Accommodation options include character-infused bed and breakfasts, family inns, motels and deluxe guesthouses.
Image Courtesy: Getty Images/Tourism Victoria
