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2021 WOTIF AUSSIE TOWN OF THE YEAR CELEBRATES APOLLO BAY
by GREAT OCEAN ROADAt a time when we’re all craving escapism and space, Apollo Bay and the Great Ocean Road holds all the answers.
This week we’re celebrating that Apollo Bay has been recognised as the State Winner and national third placing in the 2021 Wotif Aussie Town of the Year campaign. So we've decided to pause and be grateful for the things we cherish about beautiful Apollo Bay.
SIMPLE PLEASURES & CAPITAVTING YOUR TASTEBUDS
Apollo Bay most known for its off the boat ocean catch, superb Southern Rock Lobster and the annual Seafood Festival in February that rejoices the town's connection to the ocean….. but there are lots of options if you’re looking to taste your way through The Bay.
Already a locals favourite, the Apollo Bay Distillery (which opened at the start of 2020) serves up traditional Italian pizza with seasonally sourced local produce and exotic handcrafted gins with local botanicals as well as home craft beers and ciders – simply put ‘great food & quality booze’.
Masala Bay can’t be surpassed, refusing to compromise on anything but the best produce, they deliver excellent service and cuisine…… FYI everything coming out of the tandoori smoker is well worth a try!
It is hard to mention everyone and the rumour is that there are some exciting new businesses opening soon, but when you’re in The Bay, make sure you take in, take out and indulge on a scallop pie from the Apollo Bay Bakery, a meal or two at Casalingo and soak up the amazing views and food at the legendary Chris’s Restaurant.
WALKS, WATERFALLS & WONDERMENT
A trip to The Bay wouldn’t be complete without soaking up the big nature.
The Great Otway National Park exemplifies breathtaking beauty and is home to some of Victoria’s prettiest places. Stretching from Torquay to the 12 Apostles and wrapped by the Southern Ocean the Otways is a place for discovery.
The must-experience places:
- The Great Ocean Walk
- Hopetoun Falls, Beauchamp Falls & Stevenson Falls
- The Californian Redwood forest in the heart of the Otways
- And of course please take in the sheer size of (the aptly named) Mountain Ash trees – they are astounding!
Top-notch attractions:
Wildlife Wonders is a must-do and see experience. The experience takes visitors on a 75-minute guided walk through the magical Otways bushland, where you'll discover lush tree-fern gullies, eucalypt woodlands and spectacular ocean viewpoints. Your conservationist guide will share with you the secrets of the bush and the plants and animals who call the Otways home.
Otway Fly Tree Top Adventures has two key attractions, the zipline experience and the treetop walk. Depending on your level of commitment, both experiences are extremely enjoyable and take you high above and deep into all the levels of the cool temperate rain forest.
Trees Adventure Yeodene Park, based about 45 minutes from Apollo Bay, is great value, an awesome high ropes facility and a really fun way to spend two or three hours.
Cape Otway Lightstaion is Australia's oldest working lighthouse and worth the visit - you'll feel like you're at the end of the earth. A perfect vantage point for whale spotting between June and September too!
LUXURY, CASUAL OR CAMPING - THERE'S AN ACCOMMODATION OPTION FOR EVERYONE
Apollo Bay doesn’t really have resort-style accommodation which definitely suits its style. However, accommodation providers like Holiday Great Ocean Road have a range of luxury holiday houses on their books across the small coastal hamlets like Wye River, Kennett River, Apollo Bay and the Otways. If you’re after a quality motel room there’s also plenty on offer, plus the caravan parks like BIG4 Pisces Apollo Bay, Marengo Holiday Park and Apollo Bay Holiday Park have great facilities…..and like everywhere, stellar views!
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE...OR SPACE
A trip to Apollo Bay can be action-packed, or, you could simply stop to take in the relaxed nature of the town and its friendly community.
There are so many beautiful beach strolls to be had and a short ride, or, drive will take you to secluded beaches where the only footprints are yours. Take a gentle walk out to the harbour to meet the resident geese and stingrays, or maybe your preferred pace entails a patch of grass on the foreshore with a good book, or fish and chips, in Apollo Bay, the choice is yours.
Wherever your Apollo Bay journey takes, you won’t want to leave once you’ve arrived.
WHERE TO STAY
The Dolphin Apartments
The Dolphin Apartments offer luxury accommodation in the beautiful Apollo Bay. The town nestles into the picturesque green foothills of the Otway Ranges that roll down to a sweeping arc...
Chocolate Gannets
Chocolate Gannets offers four luxurious holiday Villas with ocean views. Each Villa has two spacious bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a relaxing lounge with crackling fireplace topped...
Holiday Great Ocean Road
Holiday Great Ocean Road are multi-award winning leaders in Holiday Rental Management along the Great Ocean Road, providing a specialised property management and accommodation booking service.
Cloud Nine Apollo Bay
Could Nine is in an excellent location in Apollo Bay, just one street back from the Great Ocean Road and the main street of Apollo Bay.
Panorama Views
Where the ocean air joins the harmony of the coast and sea, this luxurious five bedroom family friendly holiday home thrives on its breathtaking panoramic bay views, extensive accommodation for...
Valley View Nature Retreat
Welcome to Valley View Nature Retreat. Farm stay in Apollo Bay. Relax and unwind in the beautiful surroundings of this unique property, set on the banks of a small lake...
WHAT TO CHECK OUT
Hike 2 Camp
Hike 2 Camp is a small local business providing a unique experience along the Great Ocean Walk. Stay in the ocean view 'hike-in hike-out' campsites exclusively for Great Ocean Walkers.
73MOTO Great Ocean Road Motorcycle Rentals
73MOTO is a motorcycle rental business that prides itself on hiring classic retro styled motorcycles for self guided rides along the Great Ocean Road. At 73MOTO, they create encounters.
Holiday Great Ocean Road
Holiday Great Ocean Road are multi-award winning leaders in Holiday Rental Management along the Great Ocean Road, providing a specialised property management and accommodation booking service.
Apollo Bay Aviation
Fly by Helicopter departing from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles via the Shipwreck Coast and Otway Rainforest, by either helicopter or aeroplane.
Otway Herbs
Otway Herbs is a nursery with a large terraced open garden set high in the hills, 12 km from Apollo Bay, 8km from the Great Ocean Road and 2 and half hours drive from Melbourne ,access via Wild Dog creek Rd with magnificent views en route and at the nursery.
Coast Apollo Bay
Coast Apollo Bay is a long established gallery and gift shop which has been operated by artist, Heather Williams for more than 20 years.
PLACES TO EAT OR GRAB A DRINK
Breakfast Boxes Delivered to Your Accommodation, Apollo Bay
Ask about having a hamper waiting at your accommodationfor your arrival. Add a bottle of local wine or delicious Apollo Bay Distillery Gin.
Cafe 153
Located in the Stunning Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road, Cafe 153 is an exciting experience for foodies and travellers alike.
Tastes of the Region
At Tastes of the Region you can browse through a selection of over 100 local, Australian and International craft beers.
Adventura Fresh Fish
Buy fish directly off the fishing boat Adventura in the Apollo hay Harbour each Saturday morning.
The RAWR Bar
RAWR Bar is a premier and authentic health hub that has been proudly serving the Apollo Bay area and beyond since 2017.
Sweet View - The Great Ocean Road Lolly Shop
Sweet View is a small family-owned and operated confectionery retail business in Apollo Bay, selling traditional English sweets, Australian and International lollies, gourmet and Australiana chocolates as well as premium...