Things to Do in Apollo Bay: A Local's Guide to the Great Ocean Road's Most Serene Coastal Town
Apollo Bay holds a special place for me. Every time I drive the Great Ocean Road and that long curve of beach opens up in front of you, I feel like I'm exhaling for the first time in weeks. It's one of those towns that doesn't try too hard. The fishing boats still go out in the morning. The main street has real cafes, not just tourist traps. And the beach goes on forever in both directions. I've shot along this stretch of coast more times than I can count, and I always find something worth pointing a lens at.
Whether you're planning a trip or you've already got Apollo Bay in your heart from a past visit, here's what I'd point you toward when you're down there.
Get on the Beach Early
Apollo Bay's main beach faces north-east, which means mornings are golden. The light hits the water at a low angle and the whole bay just glows. If you're there during a calm spell, the reflections on the wet sand are something else entirely. I've been down there at dawn with barely another person around, and it's the kind of quiet that reminds you why you left the city.
If you want a different perspective, walk south along the foreshore toward the harbour. Watching the fishing boats head out past the breakwall in the early morning is a proper Apollo Bay moment that most visitors miss.
Drive the Hills Behind Town
Most people stick to the coast road, but the Otway hinterland starts almost immediately behind Apollo Bay. The Marriners Falls walk is an easy one and takes about an hour return through cool temperate rainforest. If you've got kids or just want a proper forest walk without pushing too hard, it's perfect.
Cape Otway is about 30 minutes south-west and worth every minute. The lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse on the Australian mainland, and the views back along the coastline from the headland are incredible. I've shot the coast from up here and the way the land meets the Southern Ocean is unlike anywhere else on the road.
Eat Well Without Trying Too Hard
Apollo Bay punches above its weight for food. The Buff (Apollo Bay Hotel) does a solid feed and the vibe is relaxed. For something lighter, the bakery on the main street is a proper local institution. If you want seafood, the co-op near the harbour sometimes sells fresh fish straight off the boats, which doesn't get much better than that.
There's a farmers market most Saturdays during the warmer months. It's small but good, and a great way to spend a morning if you're in no rush to leave.
Explore Toward Lorne and Wye River
If you're based in Apollo Bay, you're perfectly placed to explore both directions of the Great Ocean Road. Heading north-east toward Lorne takes you through Wye River, one of my favourite spots on the entire road. The colourful holiday houses up the hillside, the mouth of the Wye River flowing onto the beach, the whole thing just looks like a painting. My Wye River Art Print I came from a shoot up there on a clear morning and it's one I'm genuinely proud of.
Lorne is about 45 minutes from Apollo Bay and worth a stop for coffee, a swim at the pier beach, or a walk up Erskine Falls.
Take Apollo Bay Home With You
Here's the thing about a trip to Apollo Bay. You leave feeling properly reset, and then a few weeks later you're back at your desk and the whole thing feels like it was someone else's life. That's exactly why I started Local Breaks. I wanted people to be able to put a real place they love on their wall and have that feeling every day, not just when they're lucky enough to be down there.
My Apollo Bay Art Print I starts from $89 and is printed on 250gsm premium matte art paper using giclee archival inks designed not to fade over time. If you want it ready to hang, the classic framed version comes in solid FSC certified timber frames in black, white or oak, with a 10-year warranty and free shipping anywhere in Australia.
For something with a bit more depth on the wall, the shadow box frame has the glass sitting 20mm off the print, which gives it a really satisfying floating effect. It's a proper step up from a regular frame and looks brilliant with coastal photography. You can read more about the difference over at the product guide.
If you loved the Great Ocean Road stretch between Apollo Bay and Lorne, also have a look at the Great Ocean Road Art Print I and Great Ocean Road Art Print II. There's a whole range of prints from along this stretch of coast and they work brilliantly together if you're building out a wall.
For styling ideas, this post on Surf Coast Wall Art is worth a read. And if you're fitting out a coastal holiday rental, this guide for Airbnb hosts covers exactly what to think about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find Apollo Bay wall art?
Local Breaks has a dedicated Apollo Bay art print shot by Geelong-based photographer Sam Piasente during a real visit to the coast. You can find it at Apollo Bay Art Print I, available as an unframed print, classic framed print, or framed canvas, starting from $89 with free shipping Australia-wide.
What are the best things to do in Apollo Bay?
Walking the main beach early in the morning is a highlight, especially when the light is low and the bay is calm. The Marriners Falls walk in the Otways is an easy forest walk about 20 minutes from town, and Cape Otway Lighthouse is worth the drive for the coastal views. If you're visiting on a Saturday morning during summer, the farmers market on the main street is a great way to start the day.
How do I choose the right size wall art for Apollo Bay prints?
For a living room feature wall, a Large (59.4x84.1cm) or XL (84.1x118.9cm) print makes a strong impression and holds the wall properly. For a bedroom or hallway, a Medium (42x59.4cm) works well without overpowering the space. You can find a full breakdown at the size guide.
Do Local Breaks prints ship to Apollo Bay?
Yes, Local Breaks ships free to anywhere in Australia, including Apollo Bay and the surrounding Great Ocean Road area. All prints are made to order and printed and shipped from Victoria, so delivery times are reasonable for most Australian addresses.
Apollo Bay is one of those places that stays with you. I hope you get down there soon, and if you need a little piece of it at home in the meantime, you know where to find it.
