Melbourne to Apollo Bay: The Great Ocean Road Tour
Apollo Bay, situated on the stunning and rugged Great Ocean Road, is a captivating gem on the southern coast of Victoria, Australia. This delightful coastal town, located approximately 197 kilometres southwest of Melbourne—just over a two-hour drive—combines natural beauty, cultural diversity, and a laid-back seaside atmosphere, making it a popular choice for both peaceful getaways and thrilling adventures.
Apollo Bay’s captivating coastline is the focal point of its natural beauty, where the powerful Southern Ocean converges with the untamed cliffs and picturesque sandy beaches. The rhythmic symphony of waves crashing against the shore provides a tranquil backdrop for visitors as they venture along the town’s scenic waterfront. The appeal doesn’t stop there. With a range of activities and things to do along the way, the Great Ocean Road trip to Apollo Bay is a must for families, friends and adventurers.
Things to Do Around Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether taking a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores, basking in the gentle warmth of the sun, or partaking in invigorating water activities such as swimming, surfing, or fishing, Apollo Bay’s beaches offer an array of possibilities for both unwinding and enjoying recreational pursuits. Looking for things to do in Apollo Bay? Melbourne Tours offers great ocean road small-group ecotour from Melbourne and during our travels, we have explored and enjoyed almost everything there is to do in Apollo Bay. Here are some of our top recommendations for things to do in and around Apollo Bay.
Beyond its immaculate beaches, Apollo Bay beckons adventurers to venture into its lush hinterland, where they can uncover thriving rainforests and cascading waterfalls. The Great Otway National Park, which encompasses a significant portion of the surrounding area, offers nature enthusiasts a diverse range of natural wonders and biodiversity to discover. Within this park, hiking trails wind their way through ancient forests, leading explorers to hidden treasures such as the majestic Californian Redwoods, the serene Lake Elizabeth, and the captivating glowworm caves of Melba Gully. Every step taken in this wilderness reveals a vibrant tapestry of flora and fauna, ranging from majestic eucalyptus trees to playful native wildlife like koalas, kangaroos, and a diverse array of colourful birdlife.
For individuals fascinated by marine life, Apollo Bay presents unique prospects for encountering wildlife. Serving as a portal to the mesmerising marine world of the Southern Ocean, visitors can partake in remarkable whale-watching adventures. From June to September, southern right whales can be spotted off the coast of Apollo Bay, exhibiting impressive behaviours like breaching and tail slapping during their migration along the shoreline. Additionally, seal colonies residing on nearby rocky formations offer more opportunities to observe and admire Australia’s diverse marine ecosystems.
Apollo Bay offers breathtaking natural beauty and a thriving cultural scene that embraces the town’s history and artistic essence, offering a myriad of things for visitors to do. The highly anticipated Apollo Bay Seafood Festival, held every year, honours the region’s abundant marine treasures by offering a mouthwatering variety of freshly caught seafood delicacies, accompanied by live music performances and the display of exquisite artisan crafts. Throughout the year, local markets serve as platforms for regional artists, designers, and growers to showcase their talents, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant arts and crafts community that thrives within the town.
As evening approaches, the skies above Apollo Bay illuminate with the radiance of countless stars, creating a stunning setting for those passionate about observing the night sky. Enjoy a Great Ocean Road sunset tour and take in the breathtaking views. Far from the bright lights of urban areas, the celestial marvels of the Southern Hemisphere reveal themselves, showcasing constellations, planets, and the dazzling expanse of the Milky Way.
The History of Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay is renowned for its extensive and captivating history, which stretches back thousands of years. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the Gadubanud people, who were indigenous Australians, inhabited the region and flourished in perfect harmony with the natural surroundings.
The presence of shell middens, stone tools, and rock art scattered throughout the area serves as a lasting testament to their profound bond with the land. In 1802, Captain Matthew Flinders made the first recorded European sighting of Apollo Bay while sailing along the southern coast of Australia aboard the HMS Investigator. He decided to name the bay after his ship, which had faced a storm during the voyage. However, it was only in the mid-19th century that European pioneers began to create a permanent community in the vicinity. The year 1854 saw the surveying of the township of Krambruk (later renamed Apollo Bay), signifying the commencement of Apollo Bay’s transition from a remote coastal outpost to a prosperous maritime town.
During the latter half of the 19th century, Apollo Bay experienced remarkable prosperity as a prominent hub for timber harvesting, fishing, and shipping. The dense forests encompassing the Otway Ranges offered an endless supply of valuable timber, which was diligently extracted and transported to Melbourne and other burgeoning settlements along the coast. Simultaneously, the fertile waters of Bass Strait supported a flourishing fishing industry, providing an ample supply of marine life to meet the demands of local markets and beyond.
Apollo Bay’s history witnessed a significant turning point with the establishment of the Great Ocean Road in the early 20th century. This remarkable feat not only enhanced the region’s appeal to tourists but also spurred economic progress. Originally conceived as a memorial honouring the brave servicemen of World War I, the Great Ocean Road has become an enduring symbol of Australia’s resilience and innovation. Meandering along the awe-inspiring coastline, this iconic thoroughfare granted passage to once-secluded communities, including Apollo Bay.
With the rise of tourism, Apollo Bay experienced a significant change, transitioning from a quiet fishing village to a sought-after coastal resort. The town attracted numerous visitors who were captivated by the unspoiled beaches and the opportunity to explore the untamed wilderness of the Otway Ranges. Additionally, tourists could engage in various recreational pursuits like surfing, fishing, and hiking. To cater to the diverse preferences of travellers seeking both relaxation and excitement, a wide range of accommodation options emerged, including charming guesthouses, cozy beachside cottages, and luxurious resorts.
Whether relaxing under the stars on the beach or participating in organised stargazing excursions, travellers in Apollo Bay have the opportunity to witness the magnificent splendour of the cosmos in a pristine coastal environment. Apollo Bay serves as a symbol of the strength and determination of its residents, who have overcome the challenges of time and transformation to establish a destination of lasting charm and energy. Whether walking on its sunny beaches, discovering its verdant rainforests, or savouring its delicious seafood offerings, visitors to Apollo Bay are welcomed to embark on an expedition through history and nature, where the bygone era and contemporary times harmonise flawlessly on the coast of Victoria, and there is an exciting expanse of things to do.
If you’re in search of ideas and inspiration, contact Melbourne Tours today. The Great Ocean Road awaits.