Apollo Bay: Hiking, Beach and Culture

Apollo Bay combines the starting point of a long-distance walking trail more than 100 kilometres long with a long beach, water sports and small cultural discoveries. The Great Ocean Walk runs from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles; in the town itself, Apollo Bay Beach, which faces east, and the harbour are also special places to visit. When planning a holiday, the main question is whether hiking, beach days or insights into the town’s history should take centre stage.

The Great Ocean Walk: Coastal Scenery and a Long-Distance Walking Trail

The Great Ocean Walk takes in tall Otway forests, coastal heathland, wild beaches, river crossings, rocky shore platforms and wind-swept cliffs. The landscape along the trail therefore offers more than beaches and coastal views: forest, heathland and river crossings are also among the described experiences. Hiking enthusiasts will find a trail whose character is shaped by these varied landscape features.

The route stretches for more than 100 kilometres from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. The full trail is generally walked from east to west, from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. This direction helps you get your bearings as you explore the Great Ocean Walk. At the same time, the distance is an important point to consider when planning your trip: this is a long-distance walking trail, not just a short stroll along the beach.

Apollo Bay Beach: Three Kilometres of Coastline

Apollo Bay Beach is three kilometres long and faces east. The beach is a distinct aspect of the town for choosing the focus of your holiday, alongside the long-distance walking trail. Activities available at Apollo Bay Beach include swimming, surfing, fishing and boating. If you enjoy spending time by the water, you can take these options into account when planning your days, while hikers can keep the Great Ocean Walk in mind as an alternative focus.

At the southern end of the beach, near Point Bunbury and the harbour wall, a sheltered bay forms. This area is suitable for families and casual swimmers. The sheltered bay therefore offers a specific point of reference for travellers looking for a suitable place to swim. It is described as being at the southern end of the beach; the rest of the three-kilometre-long Apollo Bay Beach remains a distinct beach landscape.

Surfing and Kayak Tours

Apollo Bay Surf and Kayak offers surf lessons for beginners through to advanced surfers. They cater to different experience levels, making the lessons a dedicated way to explore surfing. Fully guided kayak tours to the Australian Fur Seal colony in Marengo Marine Sanctuary are also available. If you prefer being out on the water, you can consider these tours as a guided experience. The surf lessons and kayak tours are clearly different in format: one is about learning and practising, the other about a guided trip to a seal colony.

Museum and Gallery in Apollo Bay

The Apollo Bay Museum displays historical artefacts relating to the history of Apollo Bay and its surrounding area. It is housed in the buildings from which the undersea cable once connected Tasmania to the mainland. The buildings’ history and the objects on display provide two distinct points of connection for a museum visit: the site’s former function and the history of the region.

The museum’s collection also includes items from local shipwrecks such as the Casino, Wollamai and Speculant. Arts Inc. Gallery is housed in the bright front room of the heritage-listed Mechanic’s Hall on the Great Ocean Road in Apollo Bay. The museum and gallery offer different cultural perspectives on the town, each with its own focus: historical artefacts at the museum, and a gallery in a heritage-listed building.

At Apollo Bay Harbour, you can walk along the pier and enjoy the view back towards Apollo Bay and the surrounding hills. These experiences offer different reasons to consider Apollo Bay as a holiday destination.

More town pages: Lakes Entrance, Framlingham, Murtoa, Traralgon, Murrabit, Frankston North, Yea and Mallacoota.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.