Enjoying a breathtaking location overlooking the Southern Ocean and nestled in the foothills of the Otway Ranges, there is much to enjoy in Apollo Bay. A seaside holiday destination, it’s no surprise that some of the most popular Apollo Bay attractions include swimming, surfing, kayaking and fishing. In fact fishing is one of the region’s most important industries, meaning fresh local seafood is always the star of the menu at many of the fantastic cafes and restaurants in Apollo Bay.
There are a range of unique antiques, gift shops, art galleries and tea houses to while away your days as well as regular weekend markets along the foreshore, ideal for picking up a variety of local arts, crafts, fresh produce and curios. If you’re looking for something a little more active, sunset beach horseback rides offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. However if you prefer a little more action, there are some excellent deep sea fishing adventures as well as visits to the local seal colony.
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in April, the Apollo Bay Music Festival brings a variety of local and international acts to town in one of the region’s biggest music festivals. Over 50 artists flock to the town to entertain residents and guests each night with a variety of music ranging from funk and jazz to folk, rock and pop. If you’re a sucker for wildlife you’ll enjoy the Melba Gully glow worms, Lake Elizabeth playpus and the sleepy koalas of the Kennett River.
The most popular attraction on the Great Ocean Road, the iconic limestone stacks known as the 12 Apostles is a comfortable drive from Apollo Bay and makes a fantastic day trip. Of course the most popular of the Apollo Bay attractions is the Otway Ranges. Home to cascading waterfalls, dense forest and lush fern gullies, the Otways are also home to the oldest mainland lighthouse in Australia. Activities and attractions range from mountain bike rides to the Otway Fly treetop walk for fantastic birds eye views of the Ranges.
