Providing visitors information on accommodation, tours, things to see and do in Apollo Bay and the Otways. Interpretation centre, interesting souvenirs amd gifts available to suit all ages. Free maps and general information handout sheets.

With the charm of a fishing village, golden sandy beaches nestled into the lush green foothills of the Otway Ranges, Apollo Bay truly is 'Paradise by the Sea.' Located on the awe inspiring coastline of the Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay is 186km south-west of Melbourne (or 2.5hrs to 3hrs by car).

Whether it be a romantic getaway, family holiday, business conference or time to simply relax, there really is something for everyone. From lush rainforests and the magnificent waterfalls of the Otways to superb restaurants and cafes, tearooms, art galleries and shops, museums, golf course, harbour with an active fishing fleet, sandy beaches and a wide variety of adventurous sports, there are numerous experiences awaiting you.

Apollo Bay and the Otways is a great base from which to explore the spectacular scenery that abounds in the surrounding Great Otway National Park. Get ready to pull on those hiking boots and expereince the new 91kilometres Great Ocean Walk featuring some of the most remarkable coast and forest scenery in the country. Visit the Cape Otway Lightstation, the Otway Fly Treetop Walk, not to mention the cliffs and rock formations of the Twelve Apostles and Port Campbell National Park.

Apollo Bay and the Otways boasts a wide range of accommodation including B&Bs, rural retreats, self-contained cottages, backpackers, caravan parks, motels and executive units.

While you are in the area make sure you call into our Visitor Information Centre, on the foreshore, to find out the many more activities available to you during your stay.

Local directions

Located right on the main road, on the ocean side as you drive into Apollo Bay from the Melbourne side.

Facilities

Opening hours

Open Daily (closed Christmas Day)
9:00am -5:00pm

Memberships

• Visitor Information Centre

Additional business information

Great Ocean Walk
Whether you are an avid hiker, enjoy camping under the stars, or short walks with the family, the Great Ocean Walk (GOW) provides challenging and diverse experience along some of Australia's most spectacular coastline. The Great Ocean Walk on Victoria's west coast, stretches 91 kilometres from Apollo Bay to Glenample Homestead (adjacent to the 12 Apostles). It passes through the Great Otway National Park and Port Campbell National Park and Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary. The GOW has been designed so that walkers can "step on and step off" the trail at a number of places, completing short, day or overnight hikes. This gives hikers the choice to walk during the day and take advantage of local accommodation and restaurant options, or camp overnight at one of the picturesque camping sites. Take the walk and enjoy spectacular coastal and forest scenery including rocky platforms, sheltered beaches, pristine estuaries, tall forests, heathland and coastal woodland. Visit www.greatoceanwalk.com.au for more information.....

What's On
Events & Markets JAN: Apollo Bay Art Show Apollo Bay Agricultural Show FEB: Apollo Bay Great Ocean Swim APRIL: Apollo Bay Music Festival JUNE: Open Golf Tournament, Apollo Bay MARKETS Apollo Bay Foreshore Community Market: Saturdays, 9am-1pm Colac: Memorial Square, third Sunday of month, 9am-2pm

Where Did The Name
Apollo Bay was named in 1845 when Captain Loutit called the town after his schooner "Apollo" which he sheltered here during a storm. In fact, he would often use the bay for anchorage when plying between Portland and Geelong.In the late 1800's the town experienced name changes to Middleton and Krambruk but in 1898 was renamed Apollo Bay.