APOLLO BAY - VICTORIA
First visited in 1840 by the Henty brothers, founders of Portland and Mount Gambier, they established a small whaling station on the site of the present golf course. Apollo Bay is now a popular surf and swimming resort.
The first permanent settlers were timber cutters who came around 1850 and shipped their product via schooners and small ships from the crescent shaped beach, which is a feature of the town. It takes its name from the sailing ship 'Apollo' which visited there, although it was originally named Middleton.
Spectacular coastal views will be seen in the area and many lookouts provide excellent vantage points for photographers. Nearby Skenes Creek and Marengo have additional accommodation with ocean views. Sporting facilities include a 9 hole golf course, horse riding, tennis, squash and of course surfing, swimming and fishing.

Several museums and galleries will be found, including a shell museum in Noel St. A visit to the Cape Otway Lighthouse Station is recommended (Ph: 03 5237 9240 for information), and the many walks and drives into the Otways provide a relaxing interlude with nature at its very best.
Apollo Bay is an ideal touring centre for the Otway Ranges Forest Park, Turtons Track, Beauchamp, Stevenson, Hopetown and other Falls; the Otway National Park, Cape Otway and the Lighthouse, Lavers Hill, Maits Rest Rainforest Walk and the Melba Gully State Park.
One of the three major centres along the Great Ocean Road, it has all the facilities you will require. Motels, hotels, holiday flats, lodges and caravan parks provide varied accommodation. Several restaurants, and take-away food outlets serve local seafood and other dishes.
I am not sure if they are still operating, but there was a company providing Glow Worm Tours of a night. Enquire at your accommodation or the information centre.
PLACES OF INTEREST:
  • Cape Otway Lighthouse
  • Maits Rest Rainforest Walk
  • Turtons Track
  • Marriners Lookout
  • Waterfalls
  • Old Cable Staton Museum

    • View over Apollo Bay
    ACCOMMODATION & SERVICES:
    Click on a link to find out more.
    ACCOMMODATION
  • Lighthousekeepers Inn
    AUTOMOTIVE
  • Mobil Apollo Bay
    • INFORMATION CENTRE:
    Great Ocean Road Information Centre is opposite the corner of Collingwood and Hardys Sts. (on the beachfront). Ph: 03 5237 6529.
    HOW TO GET THERE:
    By car or coach along the Princes Hwy from Melbourne or Adelaide, turning onto the B100 at Warrnambool in the west or Geelong in the east.
    There is an airstrip south of Geelong beside the highway.
    © Copyright Peter W. Wilkins 2006