Why Apollo Bay Needs More Than a Day

Having passed through Apollo Bay before, Emily discovered that finding the right place to spend time (and letting the tourists head home) was the best way to truly appreciate it.

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Gadubanud people who have occupied and cared for these lands and waters for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Gadubanud Country (Cape Otway) in southern Victoria sits west of Naarm/Melbourne – it’s hugged by rugged coastline to the south, and lush rainforest to the north, with bouncing hills in between. Arriving, I found woodlands of eucalypts, air rich with birdlife, and quiet sandy beaches with gentle lapping water to wade in.

I visited for the weekend after my hike and treated myself to a few nights at YHA Apollo Bay Eco. I found that when the day trippers went home, it revealed a sense of friendly familiarity, coastal cosiness, and endless potential adventures.

Some come here for sunny summer hangs, but I learnt that the magic truly begins when you stay beyond the sun and the sunny seasons.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

A Warm Welcome

My time here began at the YHA. It stood out as it’s an eco-certified sustainable property, and this aligned well with my values. I was after a balance of low cost, laid-back vibes, outdoorsy activities, and a mingled-yet-diverse spread of travelling humans.

I arrived in the afternoon, parked my tired and dreary butt at the reception and was greeted with coffee and smiles – everywhere should have fresh beans and a coffee machine at their front door!

The ‘What’s On?’ noticeboard was full of adventure offerings smattered over the colourful walls, including local activities and in-house entertainment; I knew then that staying would be worth my while.

I met my friend Josh and we began to check out the building in its entirety. Like many of the YHAs I’ve visited, the property was very unique. Apollo Bay Eco is set a block back from the bustling main drag and nestled underneath sheoaks, with a warm and inviting entrance. I made a mental note of the quiet lounge with a fireplace for future fireside post-adventure debriefs.

A Sustainable Sanctuary

Walking around the grounds it was clear how much effort had gone into making the building sustainable. There’s a passive solar design with thermal storage banks, timed low-energy lighting, recycling stations, a big focus on compost, a herb garden, rainwater tanks, and even a worm farm!

I learnt that YHA was first established in rural areas – allowing outdoor lovers and adventurous travellers to find comfort and access to places with a haven to sleep each night.

Having originated from the rural area of north eastern Victoria, this felt close to my heart.

Sharing such spaces feels valuable – the more that people can witness the beauty of nature, perhaps the more people that they can care for it too?

It felt like a super low-impact place to stay without compromising accessibility or affordability. I was hooked.

While Josh was off enjoying the pool table with some fellow travellers, I sneakily checked out our room. I could have chosen a co-living room with bunks, a family room, or even rented out the whole thing if my group was big enough. But we’d decided on a private room with two beds and on entering I was greeted with a snug bedside window.

It felt effortless to slow down and soak up the rolling hills surrounding Apollo Bay, the soothing flow of the tide, and the ancient forests, knowing we had a solid base to return to. We spent the afternoon stocking up on some food, storing it in one of the kitchens, and having a wander down to the local beach for sunset (of course, ice cream was involved).

With the temperature dropping, and the city dwellers on their way home, we were feeling the fresh breeze on our cheeks, the warmth of our borrowed blankets, and the calmness of a quiet beach as we watched the sun dip.

More Than a Day

Keen to learn a bit more about the other guests, we coaxed each other up to the rooftop for a free sunrise yoga session with fellow travellers (and views of the sea!). We were a diverse crew of friendly strangers; various Aussie accents, a solo Japanese traveller, young German boys on their gap year, and a European couple, who we’d later share wine with.

Continuing to embrace our social morning, we sought out local coffee at Shelter Cafe and discovered the backyard ‘corner sauna’.

We met some friendly locals who invited us in for an evening of sweltering, sweaty goodness – and yet again found ourselves thankful we were lingering around for more than just the day. Thankful also, that this place wasn’t just a summer fling – it was a winter haven.

As the day ventured on, there was much to explore. We visited Beauchamp Falls, and meandered the Kennett River nature walk in search of koalas. Knowing that we could retire to our beds without a hefty drive home, we settled into the day. Permission to take our time, meant that, upon arriving at the waterfall car park, we could share a slow picnic under giant Mountain ash trees.

It meant that after pottering down to the waterfall, we could sit and bathe in the tranquil atmosphere of mist, dappled light, falling water, relaxing in the cooler climate provided by the dazzling canopy.

Read more: Waterfall & Swimming Hole Safety

We watched others dunk themselves into the icy dark waters – before attempting to submerge ourselves. Koala spotting was mindful; sun-speckled ferns cradled the path and tall eucalypts walled the outer edges. We followed a river whilst paying close attention to the trees, and I found myself in a chilled daze, fully embodying the idea of slow travel.

And I loved it! That evening, we mingled with newfound buddies as we cooked dinner in the communal kitchens, enjoying the low-key, easygoing vibe of our accommodation. We retired, after a full yet luxuriously leisurely day of exploring and connecting.

The following morning, we watched the sun as it rose over the rolling hills and the beachside cypress trees. We took a morning hike along sleepy, intertidal Shelly Beach, admiring the rocky escarpments and protected forests of Cape Otway National Park. I breathed in the gentle sea breeze.

We people-watched as surfers went surfing, hikers set off on multi-day expeditions, and bike touring groups scaled the surrounding hillside. Our time in Apollo Bay was coming to an end and we were left in a daze of heartfelt joy and revitalisation.

YHA Apollo Bay had felt very ‘us’ – sustainable, eco features, and an offering to go slow, yet still have adventure on the doorstep. Apollo Bay is a sleepy yet social and active town –  doing our trip this way allowed the perfect combination of adventure, connection, and peace. We were glad we’d come for more than a day.

Extend Your Stay in the Bay With More Adventures

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• Best Beach Escapes from Melbourne
• Forrest is Your Adventure Playground Hidden in the Woods
• Stevensons Falls Hike – A Stunning Waterfall Suitable For Families
• 13 Trails and Waterfalls in the Otways, Victoria
• Discovering the Stunning Otways
• 10 Waterfalls Worth Chasing in Victoria