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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
Stellavista
Boasting both picturesque countryside and ocean views this recently built two storey family home is set at the foot of the Apollo Bay hills, a short walk to town and...
Apollo Bay Guesthouse
Waterfront property bed & breakfast - close to shops, restaurants & golf course
Beeches by the Sea
Beeches Villa's are superbly located 100 meters walk from the beach and short stroll to Apollo Bay town centre.
Sandcastle
Sandcastle is a large, six-bedroom beach house. Contemporary coastal décor with two kitchens, two living areas, two dining rooms and large back garden with barbecue area to accommodate 14 guests.
Bimbadeen on Busty
Enjoy commanding views of both the ocean, trees and the rolling hills – perched high in the clouds on an elevated position, this magnificent home provides seclusion and beautiful surroundings...
Sky Pods - Luxury Off-Grid Eco Accomodation
Relax in luxury, architecturally designed, self-contained Sky Pods, situated on a 200-acre, private wildlife refuge property on the rugged coast of Cape Otway.
WHAT TO CHECK OUT
Great Ocean Road Shuttle
Great Ocean Road Shuttle service the inconic Great Ocean Walk - find out how they can help you
Wildlife Wonders
Opening 13 February 2021. Discover Australia’s natural beauty at Wildlife Wonders. Guided by a conservationist you will encounter unique wildlife living freely in a stunning bushland environment overlooking the ocean.
Smyth Real Estate Apollo Bay - Holiday Rentals
Smyth Real Estate Apollo Bay is a locally owned business, operating in Apollo Bay since 1996. They provide all aspects of real estate management to Apollo Bay and surrounding communities.
Great Ocean Road Escapes
Fresh salty air, rolling green hills and the wash of the sea in the distance - these are the sights, smells, and sounds of your Apollo Bay escape.
EcoShiatsu
EcoShiatsu provides remedial therapies for yourself, your home and the earth through healing arts, creative design, education and facilitation. Located in Apollo Bay, contact Fern to find out more.
Great Ocean Road Tagalong Tours
The Magical Forest and Waterfalls tour begins with you learning how to prepare your 4WD Vehicle for a day trip into the Amazing Otways Ranges.
PLACES TO EAT OR GRAB A DRINK
Great Ocean Road Brewhouse
Situated on the Great Ocean Road in Apollo Bay where the hills meet the ocean. The Great Ocean Road Brewhouse is a craft beer haven with over 100 craft beers...
Adventura Fresh Fish
Buy fish directly off the fishing boat Adventura in the Apollo hay Harbour each Saturday morning.
Bay Leaf Cafe
Bay Leaf Café is the spot for breakfast, coffee and cake, lunch with beer and wine.
Chopstix Apollo Bay
Chopstix Noodle Bar is an original casual dining experience centred on a modern Australian adaptation of hawker-style funky Asian street food.
Dooleys Ice Cream
Dooleys Multi-Award Winning Premium Ice Cream is made with premium quality produce in Apollo Bay with a mission of spreading the love of incredible ice cream using the finest ingredients.
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...