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.
On your first day, get to know Apollo Bay better! Immerse yourself in this coastal hamlet and feel like a local for a day.
Start your morning with a coffee and nutritious treat from Emu Cafe at Wildlife Wonders, or head to The RAWR Bar for a range of yummy vegan smoothies.
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.
Feeling hungry after your adventures? Well, it wouldn’t be a stay in Apollo Bay without seafood. The Fishermans 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.
Dinner in Apollo Bay can be an easy pizza at Casalingo, or a memorable dining experience at Birdhouse, try whatever takes your fancy.
Get a good night’s rest so you’ll be ready to resume your adventures tomorrow.
Treat yourselves to a morning coffee and treat from Icaro Wholefood Cafe or for the vegans, The RAWR Bar offers up a delicious range of smoothies
Once you’re fuelled up, head for a walk up to Marriners Lookout and enjoy the stunning view across the town and the expansive Southern Ocean, it will take your breath away every time
Check out the local Fur Seal colony up close with Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak tours to Marengo, they also offer snorkelling tours, SUP hire and surf lessons
Peckish after your adventures, well it wouldn’t be a stay in Apollo Bay without seafood. The Fishermans Co-Op is the go-to for fresh caught seafood cooked for you on the spot (and of course the best chips to go with it)
Once you’re back, it’s time to relax with a local brew from the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse
After dinner it’s time to get a good rest and explore some more tomorrow
Begin your day with a cup of coffee from Forrest General Store. Browse the local produce and pick up some locally distilled gin from Otways Distillery while you’re there, you won’t regret it!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hit the sack and get ready to continue your adventure in the morning!
First stop, coffee. Heading straight to Forrest General Store for their fantastic coffee will start your day well. It’s always worth browsing the local produce too (Tip: pick up some locally distilled gin from Otways Distillery while you’re there)
If mountain biking is your thing, then Forrest is the place for you with over 60kms of trails to explore
After your biking adventures, Forrest Brewing Company is the perfect place to stop for a beer and a hearty meal (muddy feet welcome!)
After your lunch, it’s time to explore the waterfalls. We recommend starting with Stevensons Falls, then Beauchamp and Hopetoun Falls
If you’re still up for a bit of action, Otway Fly Treetop Adventures is the place to be with their famous zipline (or treetop stroll if that’s more your thing)
Last on the itinerary today is the experience of Cape Otway Lightstation, it will feel like you’re at the end of the earth – you can even grab another coffee at the Lightkeepers Cafe there
Time now to head back to your home away from home in Apollo Bay, relax at home with some takeaway or perhaps a casual meal at the Apollo Bay Hotel
Today you get to 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.
Grab breakfast first at the Little Crumb Bakery. Their goodies always delight our taste buds!
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.
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.
Grab some breakfast in Apollo Bay (Little Crumb Bakery always delights) and drive on over to Kennett River for some solid relaxing coast time (don’t forget to look out for koalas here too!)
Wye General Store is your best bet for lunch today, and a fantastic coffee, over in Wye River
After lunch, meander across the road for a beer at the famous Wye Beach Hotel for stunning views
If you’re keen for some more beach time, head a bit further to Separation Creek for stunning views and a relaxing vibe
After you’ve got enough vitamin D, time to head back, pack up and head on home feeling refreshed and revitalised
Staying over at Apollo Bay is one of the most convenient and practical ways to explore the Otways and all it has to offer. Sometimes a three-day trip simply isn’t enough to see and do it all, and some experiences are so grand that you just have to come back for round two, or three! Whatever the case may be, the Otways and Apollo Bay will be here to welcome you back.
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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.
