3 Day

Explore the Otways from Apollo Bay

The harbour village of Apollo Bay boasts panoramic views, many seaside adventures and fresh local seafood. It’s arguably one of the most gorgeous stops along the Great Ocean Road. You can also experience and appreciate the beauty of the incredible Otways from Apollo Bay – just a stones throw away.

Day 1: Get to know Apollo Bay better.

A morning with wildlife

Start your morning with a coffee and nutritious treat from Emu Cafe at Wildlife Wonders. Once you’re fuelled up, take a walk up Marriners Lookout. At the top, the views across the town and the Southern Ocean will take your breath away.

Get up close to the local fur seal colony at Marengo Marine Sanctuary with Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak. Guided tours are on two-seater kayaks, they take about 90 minutes and are incredibly fun! Snorkelling tours, SUP hire and surf lessons are available too. 

  • Wildlife Wonders
    475 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay
Seafood treats await

Feeling hungry after your adventures? Well, it wouldn’t be a stay in Apollo Bay without seafood. The Fishermens Co-Op is the go-to for freshly caught seafood cooked for you on the spot, and the best chips to go with it!

Once you’re back, relax with a local brew from the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse. Sample local beer and wine while snacking on a platter of locally-produced cheeses, dips, bread and olive oil. Get a good night’s rest so you’ll be ready to resume your adventures tomorrow.

  • Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-op
    Breakwater Road, Apollo Bay

Day 2: Let's get active

Explore Forrest

If you’re up for mountain biking, then Forrest is the place for you. There are over 60 kilometres of trails to explore for mountain bikers of all experience levels. The routes lead through the graceful eucalyptus forests and beautiful bushland surrounding the town.

After your biking adventures, stop at the Forrest Brewing Company for a beer and a hearty meal, muddy feet are welcome! It is probably best to book a table online as they can get very busy.

  • Forrest Mountain Bike Trails

It’s now time to explore the waterfalls. We recommend visiting three of our favourites, starting with Stevensons Falls. It’s arguably one of the most spectacular in the Otways, with a walking track, river crossing and giant Sequoia trees. Just a 30-minute drive away is Beauchamp Falls where the viewing deck at the end of the hour-long walking track offers breathtaking views. Then head over to Hopetoun Falls, just 20 minutes away, and take a quick half-hour walk to reach this spectacular 30-metre-high waterfall.

  • Hopetoun Falls
    Great Otway National Park
Walk through the treetops

If you’re up for a bit of action, Otway Fly Treetop Adventures is the place to be with their famous zipline or a treetop stroll,a novel way to explore and get a bird’s eye view of the forest at the same time.

  • Otway Fly Treetop Adventures
    360 Phillips Track, Ferguson
Visit the lightstation

Last but not least on the itinerary today is the Cape Otway Lightstation experience. It will feel like you’re at the ends of the earth at Victoria’s oldest working lighthouse, you can even grab another coffee or hot drink at the Lightkeepers Cafe to sip on while soaking up the views.

Now head back to your home away from home in Apollo Bay, and relax with a casual meal at the Apollo Bay Hotel.

  • Apollo Bay Hotel
    95 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay

Day 3: Otway coast hamlets

Explore the treasures of the eastern side of Apollo Bay

Here you’ll find the small towns known as the Otway Coast Hamlets: Kennett River, Wye River and Separation Creek. Enjoy a slow, relaxing day by the coast or pack the boogie boards for the kids.

Head to Kennett River and spend some time exploring the coast. While you unwind and reconnect with nature, keep your eyes peeled for some cute koalas in the treetops.

Have lunch at the Wye General Store, and a coffee over in Wye River. Admire the scenery at your own pace, there are plenty of opportunities to get beautiful holiday snaps too.

  • Wye River
    Great Ocean Road

After lunch, cross the road for a beer at the famous Wye Beach Hotel and enjoy some of the most stunning views year-round.

If you’re keen for more beach time, head to Separation Creek for a laid-back vibe with pretty views. It’s also a great spot to see wildlife as it is home to kangaroos, koalas and echidnas.

When sleep beckons, go back to your accommodation for a restful slumber before making your way home, or onwards, the following day.

  • Separation Creek
    Great Ocean Road

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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.