| Nestled in at the base of the Otway Ranges, | | | | Cape Otway, a rugged peninsula that juts out into |
| separating the lush green rainforest from the | | | | the ocean and marks the start of the |
| deep azure blue of the Southern Ocean, lies the | | | | treacherous Shipwreck Coast. The Cape Otway |
| peaceful coastal hamlet of Apollo Bay. Referred to | | | | lighthouse towers over the coastline from the |
| by locals, and remembered by visitors, as | | | | peninsula, built to guide ships into the Bass Strait. |
| 'paradise by the sea', Apollo Bay is built on a | | | | These days you are able to climb the lighthouse |
| perfect, bow shaped beach whose white sands | | | | and enjoy the coastal views on either side from |
| and gentle waves help justify this label, as does | | | | its top, taking in the broken cliffs and rocks that |
| the relaxed atmosphere of the town and the laid | | | | have proved so perilous to ships of the past. |
| back, no worries attitude of its residents. | | | | Behind the peninsula is the Otway National Park, |
| With a history of fishing that dates back over 100 | | | | which is a continuation of the rainforest that |
| years, fishing, together with farming and tourism | | | | covers the mountains in the hinterland. |
| is one of the chief incomes of the town. The | | | | Back into town and you can spend some time |
| huge fleet moored in the towns harbour has | | | | browsing through the many art galleries and |
| become something of an attraction to visitors, | | | | studios that have developed in the area. Apollo |
| who like to wander through the wharves | | | | Bay has a strong tradition of arts and crafts, and |
| observing the different boats coming in with their | | | | many artists come here to find inspiration from |
| catch for the day. Seafood doesn't come much | | | | its tranquil setting and picturesque surrounds. A lot |
| fresher than this, and lobsters and various other | | | | of inspiration is taken from the sea, and in the |
| fish and crustaceans can be bought directly from | | | | foreshore of the centre of town there are |
| the fishermen. If you fancy a bit of fishing | | | | twenty four sculptures that strongly represent |
| yourself then charters are available from which | | | | this influence. Created by various artists from |
| you can fish out at sea or along the coastline, or | | | | around the world, these sculptures are a large |
| you can hire rods and try your luck in the surf of | | | | feature of the towns centre. On Saturday |
| the beaches around Apollo Bay. These beaches | | | | mornings a market opens on the foreshore, |
| are swimming safe, so a dip could provide the | | | | where local produce and arts and crafts is |
| perfect respite from your endeavours with the | | | | available for purchase, and many bargains can be |
| rod. | | | | found. In keeping with the strong cultural vibe of |
| On the landward side of Apollo Bay lie the | | | | the town, the Apollo Bay Music Festival is held |
| spectacular Otway Ranges. Characterised by the | | | | here each year in April. It attracts local and |
| thick, lush rainforest vegetation and breath taking | | | | international artists and draws in people from all |
| mountain scenery, you will need at least a couple | | | | over the world. |
| of days to explore the exciting and enthralling | | | | If golf is your game then you will be delighted |
| attractions throughout this mountain range. There | | | | with the nine hole course in Apollo Bay. Hugging |
| are thirteen impressive waterfalls in these | | | | the coastline, each hole offers its own unique |
| mountains, and it is well worth your while to visit | | | | views of the ocean as well as its own challenges |
| at least a few of them as they are all easily | | | | to the golfer. Its the perfect way to get some |
| reachable from Apollo Bay. The Erskine Falls are | | | | fresh air and take in some of the views the town |
| the most visited, where water cascades down a | | | | offers. Talking about sports, the Great Ocean |
| steep rocky face into a fern lined gully, kicking up | | | | Road marathon is held in Apollo Bay annually and |
| a wall of spray that coats everything around in a | | | | draws crowds from all over the region and |
| fine layer of moisture. Triplet Falls are just as | | | | contestants from all over the world. It takes |
| impressive, sharing the same damp rainforest | | | | place in May every year, so if you are sports |
| characteristics. | | | | mad then try and work your holiday around these |
| Heading slightly west from Apollo Bay you reach | | | | dates. |