Beaches
The beaches along the Otways Coast offer a huge array of spectacular sights and serene swimming spots. From towering cliffs and lush rainforest backdrops to rockpools and some quality surfing opportunities, there's a space on the sand for every visitor.
Apollo Bay
Wide, crescent-shaped sandy beach. Protected waters make it excellent for swimming and popular with families. Lifesavers patrol in summer. Swim in the clear water, sea kayak with local seals, indulge in some deep-sea fishing, learn to surf, or horse ride along the beach at sunset. Along the coast, between Lorne and Apollo Bay, there are good surf spots at Cumberland River, Wye River, Baldy Rock, Skene’s Creek, Sawmills and Kennett River. The monsters around Apollo Bay are Marengo, Boneyards and Juniors, all just past the town.
Blanket Bay
Nestled in the Otway National Park this protected beach, adjoins the Blanket Bay Camping/Picnic area. There are lots of great rockpools for children to explore at either end of the beach. Take care when swimming because this unpatrolled beach can get choppy and may have rips. Off the Great Ocean Road, about 35kms from Apollo Bay.
Castle Cove
Located on a spectacular bend of the Great Ocean Road at Glenaire, Castle Cove is easily accessible with towering cliffs, a pull-over parking bay and steps to the beach. The area has high archaeological significance, with dinosaur fossils found there in recent times. This unpatrolled beach is not recommended for swimming.
Johanna
Towering cliffs frame the pristine sandy beach. Excellent surfing. An alternative venue for world surfing titles when theres no surf at Bells Beach. Unsafe for swimming. Off the Great Ocean Road, about 30kms from Apollo Bay.
Kennett River
Safe swimming and surfing beach at the mouth of the Kennett River. Lifesavers patrol during the summer. On the Great Ocean Road, about 14km from Apollo Bay.
Skenes Creek
Skenes Creek beach is 6km from Apollo Bay towards Lorne. It is primarily a surf beach and swimming is not recommended because of the rips on the left side of the beach, near the rocks. Lifesavers do not patrol this beach. In general, it is advised that visitors only swim at patrolled beaches. It is also not advisable to swim in the river.
Wye River
Sandy beach with lush forest backdrop at the mouth of the Wye River. Safe for swimming, surfing. Lifesavers patrol during the summer months. On the Great Ocean Road, 26km from Apollo Bay.