Beach Number:

vic378

Includes Beaches:

Apollo Bay

State/Region:

VIC - Apollo Bay

Post Code:

3233

General Beach Hazard Rating:

5/10 (Moderately hazardous)

Beach

Apollo Bay is the southernmost town on the Great Ocean Road. It is fronted by a 3 km long, east facing, relatively safe beach, which is very popular during the summer holidays. The beach is protected by its orientation, Point Bunbury and the Apollo Bay Boat Harbour seawalls. As a result of this protection, the southern end of the beach has built out tens of metres along the northern harbour wall. Shoaling of the harbour has been a continual problem since it was constructed in the 1950s, with dredging often taking place.

The beach receives waves averaging 1 m at the southern end, which slowly increase in height up the beach. The southern end is safest, with a usually continuous, attached, shallow bar and few rips. Rip size and intensity increase up the beach. The Apollo Bay Surf Life Saving Club was founded in 1952 and averages 8 rescues annually.

Swimming

Relatively safe along the southern end and in front of the surf lifesaving club, so it's best to stay here and between the flags. Be careful of higher waves and rips further up the beach.

Surfing

Usually low to moderate beach breaks of variable quality. Westerly winds blow offshore. During big swell a small right hander runs down the western Harbour Wall.

Fishing

Best beach fishing is up the beach where the rips are more persistent.

General

An attractive town and beach, offering relative safe bathing and a beach sheltered from the westerlies.