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The generations of holiday makers who have enjoyed the broad sweep of Apollo Bays' magnificent beach and protected bay would agree that Apollo Bay is "Paradise By The Sea"
A haven for all types of water activities, main beach is patrolled during summer. |
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21 Moore Street Apollo Bay VIC 3233
Every Third Sunday of the Month 9am-1pm at 21 Moore Street Apollo Bay Youth Club.
Beautiful, fresh, local produce.
BBQ Breakfast 9am-11.30am |
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Explore the Great Otway National Park – One of the finest temperate rainforests in Australia. Magnificent fern gullies, waterfalls, huge trees, some hundreds of years old. Walks and self drive tours await exploration in Victoria’s newest National Park which covers some 103,000 hectares and combines what was the Otway National Park, Angahook-Lorne State Park, Carlisle State Park, Melba Gully State Park and State Forest areas.
Walking tracks in the Great Otway National Park and the Otways can become muddy and slippery after rain. Appropriate footwear is recommended. Also be aware that mobile phones are frequently out of range in the Otways. And always stick to the nominated tracks do not venture off on your own.
Shelley Beach - Elliott River Walk
Approx 8kms west from Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road is the turn off to Elliott River picnic area. There is a 1 hour return walk to Shelley Beach. The longer walk to Elliott River takes about 2 hours.
Toilets, picnic tables. Be aware of tide movements avoid at high tide.
Blanket Bay
If planning a visit to Blanket Bay off season check road conditions
From Blanket Bay camp ground there is a diverse walk through coastal forest descending to Parker Inlet. Two lookouts along the way provide panoramic ocean and estuary views.
Approx 1.5 kilometers 30-40 minutes.
During the Summer and Easter holiday periods Blanket Bay campsites are allocated by ballot. Outside of this period the campground is available on a first-in first-served basis.
Cape Otway Lightstation Walks follow the Great Ocean Road 20kms turn left onto Cape Otway Lighthouse Road (clearly signed) approx 13 kilometers to the carpark. From car park there are marked walking tracks including a short walk to the fascinating cemetery the final resting place of early pioneers and ship wreck victims approx 30 minutes return. There is also a longer walk to Rainbow Falls approx 4-5 hours return. The Lightstation (entrance fee) is the oldest surviving lighthouse on the Australian mainland and was built by convicts in 1848. Guided tours allow you to experience views of the Southern Ocean from 90 metres above ground (take your camera or video) the tour also includes the Telegraph Station (1859) and other historic buildings. Accommodation is available and the café has great coffee and light meals.
Great Ocean Road Walk
91 km walk which links Apollo Bay to Glenample (opposite the 12 Apostles) passes through Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks.
Short walks, day hikes and overnight treks, guided walks, hire equipment, accommodation.
Overnight camps Information Parks Victoria 13 1963
Apollo Bay to Cape Otway Lightstation Distance 33kms Duration Approx 3 days. Outstanding coast and forest scenery. Shorter walks – step on step off include Shelley Beach, Blanket Bay, Parker Hill.
Maits Rest
Approx 17kms (25 minutes) from Apollo Bay on the way to Lavers Hill this walk is about 40 minutes return and is a great walk for any age. The boardwalk takes you into the heart of the rainforest under a canopy of trees.
The viewing platform is located beneath the old Myrtle Beech tree which is approximately 300 years old.
Melba Gully
3kms west of Lavers Hill 30 minute return walk relatively easy walk amongst huge blackwood, myrtle beech and tree ferns. Glow worms are seen at night. Toilets, picnic tables and free gas BBQ.
Safety Tips
Carry all weather clothing as sudden weather changes are common.
Mobile phones are frequently out of range.
Stay on the marked paths – do not wander off
Check conditions before heading out ie extreme weather
Inform someone of your plans
Be aware of slippery, winding roads and oncoming traffic.
Before setting out check conditions at The Apollo Bay Information Centre or go to Parks Vic website
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au |
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3 kilometres west of Lavers Hill approximately 1 hour leisurely drive from Apollo Bay.
Known as the Jewel of the Otways, this is one of the wettest places in the state. The gully has prolific plant growth and is a dense rainforest of Myrtle Beech, Blackwood and Tree-ferns, with an understorey of low ferns and mosses.
Perhaps the most unusual inhabitants of the area are the glow worms, which can be seen at night along the walking tracks.
The 35 minute Madsen's Track Nature Walk departs from the picnic area, providing an adventure into a world of ancient, mossy trees and cool fern gullies.
Picnic tables, a gas barbecue and toilets are provided at this site. Camping is not permitted.
Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. |
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Caution
Walking tracks to the various waterfall in the Otways can become muddy and slippery after rain. Appropriate footwear is recommended and stick to the designated tracks. Also be aware that mobile phones are frequently out of range in the Otways.
Mariners Falls - CURRENTLY CLOSED
Turn right at the post office and follow the signs to Paradise and the Barnham River Road approx 13kms to the carpark. Follow the track along the river you will come to stepping stones (not always passable after heavy rains). Walk 3.4km (allow 1 hour return). See magnificent tree ferns, lichens and mosses on this stunning walk which takes you across several creek crossings. Waterproof footwear is recommended.
Triplet Falls
One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Otways which has in recent times undergone an extensive upgrade. View the lower cascades as you follow the raised boardwalk through to the main falls. 3 cascades thunder past the viewing platform.
Triplet Falls is approx 90 minutes from Apollo Bay via Lavers Hill. At Lavers Hill turn right into Colac Lavers Hill Road follow for approx 14 kilometres turn right onto Phillips Track. This gravel road will lead you to the falls a great place for a family picnic, facilities include toilets and tables.
Beauchamp Falls
Return to Lavers Hill Colac Road and turn right towards Beech Forest, approximately 8 kms. Just past Beech Forest turn right into Aire Valley Road (gravel road) a short drive turn left to Beauchamp Falls Picnic facilities include tables and toilets. The walk to the falls is quite strenuous for some, moderate for others. It is recommended that you are of a certain fitness level.
Hopetoun Falls
Return to Aire Valley Road turn left travel approx 6kms and you will arrive at the falls carpark. Easy walk down the steps with hand rail, approx 10 minutes, but be aware its a hard, steep, walk back to carpark. Boardwalk with viewing platform at the spectacular falls makes the effort worthwhile.
Well worth continuing for a short distance down Aire Valley Road to the forest of Californian Redwoods planted in 1936. To experience this forest, stop at the river crossing. |
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 Shop 6/7 157 Great Ocean Road Apollo Bay VIC 3233
Looking to do some Scuba diving around Apollo Bay?
Explore local rocky reefs at Marengo, Petticoat Creek, Browns Creek, Wongarra, Blanket Bay or Crayfish Bay.
Dive for lobster or abalone (when in season)
Explore the ship wreck of the SS Casino or the SS Fiji at Moonlight Head ?
We can tailor a dive trip to suit your requirements/experience
Aboard the MV Aquanaut, an 8mt plate alloy boat with
twin 150hp Mercury motors, you will have a really memorable dive trip - We’ll even throw in some refreshments.
Boat Dive Charter Prices:
2-3hr Dive Trip: $95 p.p
4-5hr Dive Trip: $140 p.p
(prices based on minimum of 4 people, weather conditions permitting)
Need to hire some dive gear for the trip ? We have a full range available. |
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Koalas can be seen in their natural habitat on the Cape Otway Lightstation Road. The road is narrow and traffic can be heavy so be aware as visitors tend to get excited and stop suddenly when they see a koala. The area with the most koalas is approximately 2 kilometres from the Lightstation. Remember do not pat or try and pick up a koala as they are not pets.
Did You Know
One of Australia's most famous and unique native animals is the Koala. Koala's are marsupials, that is the young are born and nutured in a pouch - They are not related to Bears. |
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17 kilometres west of Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road is Mait's Rest Rainforest walk in the Great Otway National Park. Easy stroll along boardwalks under a canopy of trees to viewing platform. Beautiful ferns and tall rainforest trees.
Walk approximately 1 kilometre allow 30-40 minutes. |
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Information about fishing along the Great Ocean Road.
List of best baits to use for each fish species.
Detailed information on the species of fish you might expect to catch in this area. |
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An all weather boat ramp is located at the harbour (western end of town). Fishing from the pier and breakwater produces good results. Surf fishing at Wild Dog Creek and Marengo are renowned for catches of salmon, trevally (great fighters) and the occasionally whiting.
Rock fishing is popular along the Great Ocean Road (be aware of your surroundings and the tide movements.
Remember you need a Fishing Licence for both ocean and river fishing. |
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