What to do in Beautiful Apollo Bay?
Apollo Bay is a beautiful town in the Otway Ranges, located on the Great Ocean Road. It’s famous for its stunning views of Bass Strait and its sandy beaches. There are plenty of things to do while visiting Apollo Bay, including hiking through rainforest and coastal bushland, or having a surf. Here are my favourite things to do when you’re in the bay!
Climb up Marriner’s Lookout
One of the most popular attractions in Apollo Bay is Marriner’s Lookout. This lookout offers some of the finest views on Victoria’s coast and is a must-see for anyone traveling along The Great Ocean Road. To get here, make your way off the Great Ocean Road onto Marriner’s Lookout Road, drive all the way to the top of the hill and you’ll find the carpark. Then it’s on foot from there, the walk is fairly steep but most fitness levels will manage. Views across Apollo Bay from Cape Patton through to Marengo Beach are well worth the walk.
Kayak out to see Australian Fur Seals
If you want wildlife, there’s a little known secret that Apollo Bay is home to a colony Australian Fur Seals! Their home is in their natural habitat at the the Marengo Marine Sanctuary. To see them, we recommend taking a kayak tour with our friends at Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak. You can paddle out and get close enough that they will swim right up to your boat! They love showing off for people and it’s amazing how playful they are.
Picnic at Paradise
Apollo Bay is a great place to relax and enjoy nature, and Paradise is the perfect spot for it. It’s about a 10 minute drive down the Barham River Road, or you can opt to take your time and ride a bike. Once at Paradise, you’ll find the beautiful picnic area among the cool-temperate rainforest, along the Barham River, relaxing and rejuvenating!
See a Koala in their natural Habitat
Seeing Koalas in their natural habitat is a must-do activity in Apollo Bay. Unlike the most of their range throughout Australia, Koalas are not endangered here in South-West Victoria and they are actually common. They are typically a little more active at night, but can be seen during the day. Try to look for Eucalyptus trees with lots of leaves missing, that’s usually a great place to start when Koala Spotting.
Visit the Apollo Bay Harbour
The Apollo Bay Harbour is a beautiful spot where you can watch local fishermen bring in their daily catch, take a leisurely stroll along the breakwater, or enjoy a swim at nearby mothers beach. This vibrant harbor is a must-visit for anyone exploring Apollo Bay.
One of the standout features of the harbour is the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op, a cornerstone of the local fishing industry. The co-op has been operating since the 1940s and plays a crucial role in supporting the local fishing community. Here, you can purchase the freshest seafood directly from the source, including abalone, crayfish, and a variety of fish caught in the pristine waters of the Southern Ocean. The co-op also operates a seafood restaurant where you can savor delicious, freshly prepared dishes while enjoying stunning views of the harbor.
Hopefully, these tips will help put you on the right track to an amazing time in Apollo Bay. If you want to know more about what else there is to do in this beautiful part of the world, reach out to us here at Captains at the Bay, we’re happy to help!
– The Captain