Apollo Bay & Cape Otway
The green, wild heart of the drive — a laid-back fishing town with fresh seafood, wild koalas in the gums, and Australia’s oldest surviving mainland lighthouse.
Apollo Bay & Cape Otway
Roughly midway along the drive, Apollo Bay is a laid-back fishing town with a wide beach, fresh seafood and an easy pace — the perfect place to break the journey. Just beyond, the road turns inland through the Otways to Cape Otway, where wild koalas doze in the gums and Australia’s oldest surviving mainland lighthouse (1848) stands guard over the Shipwreck Coast. Together they’re the green, wild heart of the Great Ocean Road.
What to Do
Apollo Bay
Fresh seafood, a wide beach and a relaxed vibe — the classic mid-drive overnight.
Wild Koalas
Look up in the manna gums along Lighthouse Road for wild koalas.
Cape Otway Lighthouse
Australia’s oldest surviving mainland lighthouse, where two oceans meet.
Marengo Seals
A fur-seal colony offshore at Marengo, just south of Apollo Bay.
Tips
- Apollo Bay is a great second-night base — see where to stay
- Detour to Cape Otway for koalas and the historic lighthouse
- Dive into the Otways for rainforest walks and waterfalls
- Try the local seafood — see where to eat
- Drive slowly toward Cape Otway — koalas and wildlife are about
Apollo Bay & Cape Otway — FAQ
What is Apollo Bay known for?
A relaxed fishing town roughly midway along the drive — famous for fresh seafood, a wide beach, and its role as the gateway to the Otway rainforest and Cape Otway. It’s a favourite overnight base.
Can you see koalas at Cape Otway?
Yes — wild koalas are often spotted in the manna gums along Lighthouse Road toward Cape Otway. Look up, keep your distance, and drive slowly. See wildlife.
What is the Cape Otway Lighthouse?
Australia’s oldest surviving mainland lighthouse (1848), on a dramatic headland where the Bass Strait meets the Southern Ocean — the “Shipwreck Coast” begins here. Check current opening hours.
What is there to do around Apollo Bay?
Seafood and cafes, the beach, Marengo seals, and easy access into the Otways for rainforest walks and waterfalls. It’s a great base for a second night. See where to stay.
How far is Apollo Bay from Melbourne?
Around 3 to 3.5 hours via the coast; it sits roughly halfway along the Great Ocean Road, making it a natural overnight stop.
The Great Ocean Road, Planned Around You
The Twelve Apostles, the surf coast, the Otway rainforest and the wildlife — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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