Welcome to Apollo Bay
The Great Ocean Road curves right through Apollo Bay, making it a natural stop for one of Australia's most celebrated coastal drives. Rainforest hikes in the Otway Ranges start close by, and the beach draws surfers and swimmers alike. Resorts in Apollo Bay tend to sit between the hills and the sea, giving you that rare combination of wild landscape and genuine coastal calm in one place.
How to find the best resort deal in Apollo Bay
Our search engine is an expert in finding flight deals. The good news? It's just as awesome at sniffing out great rates on resorts. These tips are your shortcut to saving on your stay.
Book in advance
Book in advance if you can. Planning well before you travel often means cheaper prices and a broader range of resorts, especially during peak seasons.
...Or bag a last-minute Apollo Bay resort deal
Things are often more expensive the closer you get to your stay. But outside of popular periods, late bargains can still pop up when resorts have rooms left to book.
Flexible on dates? Say hello to better rates
A little flexibility goes a long way when searching for cheap resorts in Apollo Bay. Choose midweek stays over weekends, or travel during the low season instead of peak holiday periods.
Go all-inclusive
If you want to spend most of your trip on site, all-inclusive resorts in Apollo Bay are worth considering. Activities, meals and drinks are bundled into the room rate, which can help keep spending in check. Find out if stays like this are available before booking.
Show discounted resorts only
For a simple way to skip the full-price options, turn on the 'Only show hotels with discounts' filter. It highlights properties with reduced rates or special promotions.
When to visit Apollo Bay
High and low season in Apollo Bay
Summer in Apollo Bay, roughly December through February, draws the biggest crowds. The weather is at its best for swimming, hiking, and exploring the coastline, and local cafes and eateries tend to be in full swing. Accommodation fills up fast over the school holidays and long weekends, so locking in your stay early is a smart move.
Visiting outside of summer means fewer people and a more relaxed feel around Apollo Bay. Winter can bring grey skies and rougher seas, but the area has a quiet appeal in the off-season, and you may find better availability and lower rates. Some smaller businesses cut back their hours, so it pays to check ahead before your trip.
The Apollo Bay Music Festival is one of the area's best-known annual events, drawing performers and visitors each year. Beyond that, local event details can shift from year to year, so checking with the visitor information centre in Apollo Bay or the Great Ocean Road tourism website before your trip is the best way to stay current.
Events in Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay Music Festival: Apollo Bay hosts this well-established music festival that draws artists and audiences from across the country. You'll find live performances across multiple stages, with the Great Ocean Road coastline right on your doorstep. It's a strong mix of folk, roots, and contemporary sounds.
Great Ocean Road Running Festival: This popular running event uses the Great Ocean Road as its course, with Apollo Bay serving as a key hub. You can take part in distances suited to different fitness levels. The coastal scenery makes it a draw for runners well beyond the local area.
Apollo Bay Seafood Festival: This community-focused event celebrates the town's fishing heritage with fresh local seafood at the centre of it all. You'll find food stalls, local producers, and live entertainment in a relaxed foreshore setting. It's one of the more low-key but genuinely local events on the regional calendar.
Check local tourism boards before your trip for the latest event details.
Best family-friendly Apollo Bay resorts
Get the family out of the house and into a stay at Seafarers Getaway. This 4-star resort has amenities that make life simpler when the kids are tagging along, such as a barbecue and Wi-Fi.
