Anja’s guidebook
Local Sights
Up in the Otway hills overlooking Apollo Bay sits Marriners Lookout. A short walk to a clearing finds an epic vantage point with what feels like a birds-eye view of the seaside fishing village. For the nature lovers, the views will make you melt. For the more adventurous, it’s a popular sight for hang-gliding and paragliding… it’s easy to see why. The land was originally privately owned but was kindly donated to the shire to share the jaw-dropping views. Marriners Lookout is a hidden gem; from the water’s edge the viewpoint goes completely unnoticed.
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Marriners Lookout Road
Marriners Lookout RoadUp in the Otway hills overlooking Apollo Bay sits Marriners Lookout. A short walk to a clearing finds an epic vantage point with what feels like a birds-eye view of the seaside fishing village. For the nature lovers, the views will make you melt. For the more adventurous, it’s a popular sight for hang-gliding and paragliding… it’s easy to see why. The land was originally privately owned but was kindly donated to the shire to share the jaw-dropping views. Marriners Lookout is a hidden gem; from the water’s edge the viewpoint goes completely unnoticed.
Take the self-guided rainforest boardwalk at Maits Rest in the Otways and see beautiful fern gardens and giant rainforest trees up to 300 years old.
Tread the boardwalk
A wooden boardwalk has been built over the tree-fern gullies and moss-covered roots of ancient rainforest trees, protecting the delicate ecosystem while providing visitors with unique views of the forest.
See native wildlife
If you're lucky, you may run into some of the local inhabitants, including swamp wallabies, koalas, ring-tailed possums and grey kangaroos. Rarely seen, but often heard at night, are the yellow-bellied gliders screaming out as they glide from tree to tree.
Location: Great Otway National Park
Distance: 800m
Duration: 30 minutes return
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Maits Rest Rainforest Walk
Great Ocean RoadTake the self-guided rainforest boardwalk at Maits Rest in the Otways and see beautiful fern gardens and giant rainforest trees up to 300 years old.
Tread the boardwalk
A wooden boardwalk has been built over the tree-fern gullies and moss-covered roots of ancient rainforest trees, protecting the delicate ecosystem while providing visitors with unique views of the forest.
See native wildlife
If you're lucky, you may run into some of the local inhabitants, including swamp wallabies, koalas, ring-tailed possums and grey kangaroos. Rarely seen, but often heard at night, are the yellow-bellied gliders screaming out as they glide from tree to tree.
Location: Great Otway National Park
Distance: 800m
Duration: 30 minutes return
Paradise Picnic Reserve is located approximately 7 kilometres from Apollo Bay on the Barham River Road. This site includes a picnic area and toilets on the west side of the road, and on the east side there is another beautiful picnic area on the river bank under a canopy of ancient tree ferns.
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Barham Paradise Scenic Reserve
595 Barham River RdParadise Picnic Reserve is located approximately 7 kilometres from Apollo Bay on the Barham River Road. This site includes a picnic area and toilets on the west side of the road, and on the east side there is another beautiful picnic area on the river bank under a canopy of ancient tree ferns.
The perfect place for a leisurely swim or snorkel, kayak adventures or simply rock-pooling. (PLEASE BE WARY OF SLIPPERY ROCKS)
Just past Apollo Bay, off the world-famous Great Ocean Road, Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary protects 12ha of ocean waters. About 150m offshore, this sanctuary protects a reef system known as Little Henty Reef which also is home to a small seal colony. Two sections of the reef, the inner and outer reef, are usually exposed and separated by a narrow channel known as 'The Gap'. Composed of sandstone they support wonderful intertidal and subtidal reefs which are packed with sea life.
Marengo Beach Break
8 Ocean Park DriveThe perfect place for a leisurely swim or snorkel, kayak adventures or simply rock-pooling. (PLEASE BE WARY OF SLIPPERY ROCKS)
Just past Apollo Bay, off the world-famous Great Ocean Road, Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary protects 12ha of ocean waters. About 150m offshore, this sanctuary protects a reef system known as Little Henty Reef which also is home to a small seal colony. Two sections of the reef, the inner and outer reef, are usually exposed and separated by a narrow channel known as 'The Gap'. Composed of sandstone they support wonderful intertidal and subtidal reefs which are packed with sea life.
The weekly Apollo Bay market is an excellent opportunity for a pleasant morning with quality handmade wares, conversation, coffee from nearby cafes and the beach all on offer. Apollo Bay Market stall holders are from the local area, making or growing what they sell.
Apollo Bay
The weekly Apollo Bay market is an excellent opportunity for a pleasant morning with quality handmade wares, conversation, coffee from nearby cafes and the beach all on offer. Apollo Bay Market stall holders are from the local area, making or growing what they sell.
The Apollo Bay Farmer’s Market is on the 3rd Sunday of every month showcasing some of the finest culinary delights being produced in and around the Otways.
Apollo Bay Farmers' Market
19-21 Moore StThe Apollo Bay Farmer’s Market is on the 3rd Sunday of every month showcasing some of the finest culinary delights being produced in and around the Otways.
Apollo Bay's Food Scene
Eateries of Apollo Bay
Breakfast
Bay leaf Cafe
Sandy Feet Cafe
Cafe 153
Waves
Little Crumb Bakery
Scorched Grill
Icaro
Iluka
Lunch
Cafe 153
Bay Leaf Cafe
Sandy Feet Cafe
Waves
The Bakery
Apollo Bay Fisherman’s Co-op (fresh Fish and Chips and locally caught crayfish )
Apollo Bay Seafood cafe
Little Crumb Bakery
Oishii Sushi and Seafood
Raw Bar - Vegan -Juices
Icaro
Blue Bird Fish & Chips & Asian Restaurant
Dinner
Beacon Point (Chris’s Restaurant) Fine dining
Cassilinga for a Dinner (Italian, eat in or take away)
Dragon Bay (Chinese, eat in or take away)
2 Hotels
La Bimba (above the Bakery)
Apollo Bay Fisherman’s Co op (outdoor only or Take away) Located above the Harbour Fish and Chop
Apollo Bay seafood Cafe
Chop sticks
Sandy Feet Cafe
The Gin Distillery (Pizza)
Masala Bay
Apollo Bay Cupbob
Ice-cream
Dooley’s award winning ice-cream
There is 2 supermarkets in Town.
Foodworks is located in Hardy Street and closes around 7.30 pm
IGA located in the Main Street and closes around 9 pm
(Shopping bags are in the hallway for your use)
Apollo Bay Taxi Service Contact Number is 0400 229 222
A map is located in the unit for you to find your way around.
Enjoy your stay
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Apollo Bay Bakery
125 Great Ocean RdEateries of Apollo Bay
Breakfast
Bay leaf Cafe
Sandy Feet Cafe
Cafe 153
Waves
Little Crumb Bakery
Scorched Grill
Icaro
Iluka
Lunch
Cafe 153
Bay Leaf Cafe
Sandy Feet Cafe
Waves
The Bakery
Apollo Bay Fisherman’s Co-op (fresh Fish and Chips and locally caught crayfish )
Apollo Bay Seafood cafe
Little Crumb Bakery
Oishii Sushi and Seafood
Raw Bar - Vegan -Juices
Icaro
Blue Bird Fish & Chips & Asian Restaurant
Dinner
Beacon Point (Chris’s Restaurant) Fine dining
Cassilinga for a Dinner (Italian, eat in or take away)
Dragon Bay (Chinese, eat in or take away)
2 Hotels
La Bimba (above the Bakery)
Apollo Bay Fisherman’s Co op (outdoor only or Take away) Located above the Harbour Fish and Chop
Apollo Bay seafood Cafe
Chop sticks
Sandy Feet Cafe
The Gin Distillery (Pizza)
Masala Bay
Apollo Bay Cupbob
Ice-cream
Dooley’s award winning ice-cream
There is 2 supermarkets in Town.
Foodworks is located in Hardy Street and closes around 7.30 pm
IGA located in the Main Street and closes around 9 pm
(Shopping bags are in the hallway for your use)
Apollo Bay Taxi Service Contact Number is 0400 229 222
A map is located in the unit for you to find your way around.
Enjoy your stay
Sightseeing
So much fun to be had, exploring, just lazing around, swimming, surfing, building sand castles and simply breathing in all that fresh air.
Apollo Bay Beach
So much fun to be had, exploring, just lazing around, swimming, surfing, building sand castles and simply breathing in all that fresh air.
Not so far away
Experience the awesome natural beauty of the world-famous Twelve Apostles. Rising abruptly from the tempestuous Southern Ocean, these seven limestone stacks are the highlight of the Great Ocean Road. They are best viewed at sunset when the yellow rock turns red, orange and every shade in between.
Stop at the Twelve Apostles visitor centre and walk the short trail to the windswept lookouts to see the dramatic sight of waves crashing against the famous sea stacks.
The Twelve Apostles is one of Australia's most popular attractions all year round. You'll be lucky to have the lookouts to yourself, but there are likely to be much fewer people if you arrive earlier or later in the day.
If you time it right, you can view the rock stacks in their best light – at sunset. In the summer, the sun sets further out to sea, while in the winter, the sun sets closer to shore. If the clouds stay away, you’re guaranteed a memorable photographs. Get snapping and admire the results over an evening meal in nearby Port Campbell.
At dusk you may see Little Penguins coming ashore on the beach far below. the tiny tracks in the sand show where they waddle back to their burrows safe from foxes, cats and dogs.
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Twelve Apostles Visitor Facility
Booringa RoadExperience the awesome natural beauty of the world-famous Twelve Apostles. Rising abruptly from the tempestuous Southern Ocean, these seven limestone stacks are the highlight of the Great Ocean Road. They are best viewed at sunset when the yellow rock turns red, orange and every shade in between.
Stop at the Twelve Apostles visitor centre and walk the short trail to the windswept lookouts to see the dramatic sight of waves crashing against the famous sea stacks.
The Twelve Apostles is one of Australia's most popular attractions all year round. You'll be lucky to have the lookouts to yourself, but there are likely to be much fewer people if you arrive earlier or later in the day.
If you time it right, you can view the rock stacks in their best light – at sunset. In the summer, the sun sets further out to sea, while in the winter, the sun sets closer to shore. If the clouds stay away, you’re guaranteed a memorable photographs. Get snapping and admire the results over an evening meal in nearby Port Campbell.
At dusk you may see Little Penguins coming ashore on the beach far below. the tiny tracks in the sand show where they waddle back to their burrows safe from foxes, cats and dogs.
This remarkable stand of the world’s tallest tree species have thrived in Otway soil, far from their native California. Towering on the sheltered river flat at the Aire Valley Plantation, these Sequoia Sempervirens Trees were originally planted in 1936 by Victorian foresters for experimental purposes. While still in their youthful growth phase, the Otway Redwoods may one day claim the title of tallest trees in the world. A walk for the first time between the massive trunks flanking the river creates a special feeling of awe and reverence – not to be missed.
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The Redwoods Otways
Binns RoadThis remarkable stand of the world’s tallest tree species have thrived in Otway soil, far from their native California. Towering on the sheltered river flat at the Aire Valley Plantation, these Sequoia Sempervirens Trees were originally planted in 1936 by Victorian foresters for experimental purposes. While still in their youthful growth phase, the Otway Redwoods may one day claim the title of tallest trees in the world. A walk for the first time between the massive trunks flanking the river creates a special feeling of awe and reverence – not to be missed.
Approximately 25-30 minutes west of Apollo Bay via the Great Ocean Road and Lighthouse Road is magnificent Cape Otway home to the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia. Koalas frequent Lighthouse Road so be very careful if you are stopping to photograph or admire them.
Accommodation is available at the Lightstation, with several other options from camping to luxury in the immediate area.
The west coast of Victoria once inspired fear for ships sailing from Europe or America. Sailors spoke of wild seas and dangerous reefs, of steep cliffs and heavy sea mists.
The 120 kilometers of coastline between Cape Otway and Port Fairy claimed over 80 ships in 40 years with hundreds of lives lost, ships which had travelled safely across half the world only to find disaster miles from their destinations.
Matthew Flinders said “I have seldom seen a more fearful section of the coastline” and the Cape Otway Lightstation stands as a testament to that.
Australia's most significant lighthouse
Cape Otway Lightstation is the oldest, surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia. The light, which has been in continuous operation since 1848, is perched on towering sea cliffs where Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean collide. For thousands of immigrants, after many months at sea, Cape Otway was their first sight of land after leaving Europe.
The iconic lighthouse is the highlight of your visit which you can explore at your pace. Climb to the top (90 metres above the wild Southern Ocean) and experience the stunning coastal views and sometimes you may be lucky enough to see a ship cruising past or whales on their migratory path. There is so much more to see and do within the Lightstation grounds. Guided and self-guided tours daily from 9am.
The Lightstation precinctis the traditional home of the Gadabanud people. Discover more about this isolated but resourceful Aboriginal clan.
Australia's first submarine cable link was laid between Cape Otway and Launceston in 1859. The Telegraph Station has been meticulously restored.
A radar bunker was constructed in 1942 after a United States ship was sunk by a German mine off Cape Otway.
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Cape Otway Lightstation
Lighthouse RoadApproximately 25-30 minutes west of Apollo Bay via the Great Ocean Road and Lighthouse Road is magnificent Cape Otway home to the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia. Koalas frequent Lighthouse Road so be very careful if you are stopping to photograph or admire them.
Accommodation is available at the Lightstation, with several other options from camping to luxury in the immediate area.
The west coast of Victoria once inspired fear for ships sailing from Europe or America. Sailors spoke of wild seas and dangerous reefs, of steep cliffs and heavy sea mists.
The 120 kilometers of coastline between Cape Otway and Port Fairy claimed over 80 ships in 40 years with hundreds of lives lost, ships which had travelled safely across half the world only to find disaster miles from their destinations.
Matthew Flinders said “I have seldom seen a more fearful section of the coastline” and the Cape Otway Lightstation stands as a testament to that.
Australia's most significant lighthouse
Cape Otway Lightstation is the oldest, surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia. The light, which has been in continuous operation since 1848, is perched on towering sea cliffs where Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean collide. For thousands of immigrants, after many months at sea, Cape Otway was their first sight of land after leaving Europe.
The iconic lighthouse is the highlight of your visit which you can explore at your pace. Climb to the top (90 metres above the wild Southern Ocean) and experience the stunning coastal views and sometimes you may be lucky enough to see a ship cruising past or whales on their migratory path. There is so much more to see and do within the Lightstation grounds. Guided and self-guided tours daily from 9am.
The Lightstation precinctis the traditional home of the Gadabanud people. Discover more about this isolated but resourceful Aboriginal clan.
Australia's first submarine cable link was laid between Cape Otway and Launceston in 1859. The Telegraph Station has been meticulously restored.
A radar bunker was constructed in 1942 after a United States ship was sunk by a German mine off Cape Otway.
The Great Ocean Road and the 12 Apostles are iconic landmarks in Australia. But there are many other locations along the Great Ocean Road which are equally worthy of visiting and adding to your once in a lifetime road trip. The Grotto is one of those.
Most people doing the Great Ocean Road drive from east to west have run out of steam by this point and often don’t bother driving the extra 10-15 minutes to this westerly stop on the Great Ocean Road, but that really is a mistake.
This guide includes everything you need to know about visiting the The Grotto, why you should add this to your Great Ocean Road trip, how to get there and where to stay nearby.
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The Grotto
2 Great Ocean RdThe Great Ocean Road and the 12 Apostles are iconic landmarks in Australia. But there are many other locations along the Great Ocean Road which are equally worthy of visiting and adding to your once in a lifetime road trip. The Grotto is one of those.
Most people doing the Great Ocean Road drive from east to west have run out of steam by this point and often don’t bother driving the extra 10-15 minutes to this westerly stop on the Great Ocean Road, but that really is a mistake.
This guide includes everything you need to know about visiting the The Grotto, why you should add this to your Great Ocean Road trip, how to get there and where to stay nearby.
Childers Cove and the nearby Murnanes Bay and Sandy Cove could be the Great Ocean Roads' best hidden gems.
The twin inlets feature towering limestone cliffs on three sides and the mighty southern ocean ahead of you.
Sandy Cove, as the name suggests, has more sand and lends itself to either an idyllic beach walk or to just find a spot to sit and marvel at the sandstone stacks protruding from the sea.
What truly makes Childers Cove special is that while the 12 Apostles attract millions of visitors each year, this is a place which is just as spectacular that in all likelihood, you will have to yourself.
Childers Street
Childers StreetChilders Cove and the nearby Murnanes Bay and Sandy Cove could be the Great Ocean Roads' best hidden gems.
The twin inlets feature towering limestone cliffs on three sides and the mighty southern ocean ahead of you.
Sandy Cove, as the name suggests, has more sand and lends itself to either an idyllic beach walk or to just find a spot to sit and marvel at the sandstone stacks protruding from the sea.
What truly makes Childers Cove special is that while the 12 Apostles attract millions of visitors each year, this is a place which is just as spectacular that in all likelihood, you will have to yourself.
Blanket Bay is a beautiful small bay just east of the Cape Otway Light Station. A short drive from there are places such as Parker River (and falls) and Crayfish Bay where remnants of Eric the Red may be found in the right conditions. Low tide is the best time to visit these stunning beaches as beautiful rock pools will be accessible for you.
Blanket Bay Road
Blanket Bay RoadBlanket Bay is a beautiful small bay just east of the Cape Otway Light Station. A short drive from there are places such as Parker River (and falls) and Crayfish Bay where remnants of Eric the Red may be found in the right conditions. Low tide is the best time to visit these stunning beaches as beautiful rock pools will be accessible for you.
We have some of the most beautiful Waterfalls, great walks to them, so worth the hike.
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Triplet Falls And Little Aire Falls Carpark
We have some of the most beautiful Waterfalls, great walks to them, so worth the hike.
Neighbourhoods
1 Costerman Terrace
1 Costerman TerraceCome and check out our garden and beautiful hill views from your bedroom.