Apollo Bay
VIC 3233 • Rest of VIC
About Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay is a picturesque coastal town on the Great Ocean Road in south-western Victoria, about 190 km from Melbourne. With a population of around 1,790 residents and a median age of 52, it has an older demographic profile characteristic of sea-change destinations. The town sits between the Otway Ranges and Bass Strait, offering dramatic coastal scenery and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere. English and Australian ancestry predominate, with a significant proportion of residents born locally.
Apollo Bay is a major tourist destination along the Great Ocean Road, attracting visitors year-round with its beautiful beaches, fishing harbour, and proximity to Great Otway National Park. The town offers cafes, restaurants, galleries, and the popular Apollo Bay Music Festival. It appeals to retirees, sea-changers, and tourism workers, with holiday accommodation a key part of the local economy. The surrounding Otway hinterland provides excellent bushwalking, waterfalls, and wildlife experiences.
Apollo Bay falls under postcode 3233 and is governed by Colac-Otway Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Polwarth (Western Victoria) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- V/Line Coach — Geelong via Colac 2h 30min
- V/Line Coach — Warrnambool via Port Campbell 2h
Commute to Melbourne CBD
🛣️ Regional town; nearest major centre is Colac (45 min drive). Most residents work locally in tourism, agriculture or remotely.
The compact town centre is walkable with shops, cafes and the harbour within easy reach, but a car is essential for accessing surrounding attractions and services.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Pengilley Avenue
Housing 2021 Census
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 64
- 2. New Zealand 24
- 3. Ireland 16
- 4. India 15
- 5. China 14
- 6. Netherlands 13
- 7. Indonesia 11
- 8. Germany 10
- 9. Malaysia 10
- 10. Sri Lanka 9
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)