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Located just 197 kilometres from Melbourne, getting to Apollo Bay by car, train, bus and plane is easy. Travel along the famed Great Ocean Road with show stopping views around every corner, or save some time taking the backroads, descending into Apollo Bay from the lush Otway rainforest.
By Car
Apollo Bay is 197 kilometers away from Melbourne CBD and will take approximately 2hours and 30 minutes to drive.
The step by step directions below should take you there:
- Travel from Melbourne city onto the Westgate Freeway
- Continue onto Princes Freeway
- Continue on the M1 to Cape Otway Rd/C135 in Mount Moriac
- Take Forrest-Apollo Bay Rd to Great Ocean Rd/B100 in Skenes Creek
- Turn right onto Great Ocean Rd/B100
- Arrive in Apollo Bay
Alternatively, taking the scenic route via the Great Ocean Road will add 30 minutes to your journey (plus photo stops). To drive the Great Ocean Road, exit the Princes Freeway at the Torquay exit.
By Train
Train services operated by V/Line are available from Melbourne to Geelong, Colac or Warrnambool, stopping along the way in major towns.
To reach Apollo Bay, busses connect with trains at Geelong Train Station and Colac Train Station, accessing the coast via different travel routes. See connecting bus information under 'By Bus'.
Train times vary and are not available 24/7.
For train stops and timetables, please visit:
Website: ptv.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1800 800 007
By Bus
V/Line provides bus services to and from Apollo Bay, travelling to different coastal and hinterland towns. To visit Apollo Bay from Melbourne, busses connect with the Melbourne - Warrnambool train line at:
- Geelong Train Station - travelling along the Great Ocean Road through Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne and other coastal towns
- Colac Train Station (Wednesday and weekends only) - travelling down through Forrest, Barramunga, Tanybryn and Skenes Creek
Bus times may vary and are not available 24/7.
For bus and coach information and timetables visit:
Website: ptv.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1800 800 007
By Plane
Melbourne Airport
Also known as Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne Airport is the second busiest airport in Australia and is the major airport servicing the city with both domestic and international flights. Transport services and car hire are available onsite with connection to the city by public and private operators. Airport accommodation is available and basic convenience stores, cafes and restaurants are available most hours.
Website: www.melbourneairport.com.au
Phone: +61 3 9297 1600
The Avalon Airport
Located just outside of Geelong and only 45 minutes from Melbourne CBD, Avalon Airport is the closest airport to the start of the Great Ocean Road, being only a 35 minute drive from Torquay. It offers easy transport options to Geelong and Torquay as well as plenty of car hire options.
Avalon Airport currently supports budget Jetstar flights to and from Sydney, the Gold Coast, Adelaide and Hobart.
Website: www.avalonairport.com.au
Phone: +61 3 5227 9100
Toll Free: 1800 AVALON (1800 282 566)
Regional services are also available. Sharp Airlines fly into Warrnambool and Port Fairy from Essendon Airport in Melbourne.
Our visitor information centre
The yellow and blue 'i' sign is your passport to quality information and friendly service along the entire Great Ocean Road. Let our Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre staff help you make the most of your next visit!
Open daily from 9am - 9pm
Address: 100 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay
Essential services
Post Office
Australia Post - Apollo Bay
Shop 1 155-159 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay
Phone: +61 3 5237 6205
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday & Sunday: closed
Health Care Centre
Otway Health & Community Services
Address: 7-43 McLachlan Street, Apollo Bay
Phone: +61 3 5237 8500
Emergency Services
Police Station - Apollo Bay
Address: 31 Nelson St, Apollo Bay
Phone: +61 3 5237 6750
For police, ambulance or fire, call 000
Getting Around
Walk91 - Great Ocean Walk Specialists
Walk 91 was founded by a former Parks Victoria ranger, with a passion for the Great Ocean Walk and the Great Otway National Park.
Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak
Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak offer surfing lessons, guided sea kayaking tours to visit the fur seal colony and hire of a range of sporting equipment
Hike 2 Camp
Hike 2 Camp is a small local business with a unique experience on the Great Ocean Walk. All the fun of a big hike without the fuss!
Auswalk Walking Holidays
We have taken all the hassle out of organising your walking holiday allowing you to walk pack free carrying with you only your lunch and any essentials.
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.
Yarn with Brad
Two hour workshops on native plants and bush foods - held twice weekly in Apollo Bay. Learn about identification, seasonality, preparation and uses of native foods in cooking, herbs and spices.
