Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve

Located along the iconic Great Ocean Road, approximately 2.5 hours from Melbourne, Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve is an ideal base for a relaxed coastal getaway or outdoor adventure. Positioned just outside the Apollo Bay town centre, the park sits beside the Barham River, and directly across the road from the beach, offering the best of river, coast and town in one convenient location.

The reserve features a variety of spacious camping options, including family-friendly and dog-friendly campsites, with select sites located right along the Barham River or overlooking the footy oval. 

For a unique stay, guests can enjoy Great Ocean Road glamping in the park’s new Eco Safari glamping tents, set within a dedicated glamping precinct. These modern tents offer a peaceful river setting and include options with private ensuites, river views and accessible features, delivering comfort and convenience while staying close to nature. Glamping at Apollo Bay is the perfect option to base yourself and explore the Great Ocean Road iconic highlights including the Otway National Park, Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Our Eco Safari glamping tents have also been featured by Australian Traveller in a guide to new accommodation along the Great Ocean Road, showcasing Apollo Bay as a standout Great Ocean Road glamping destination. 

Clean and functional amenities are available throughout the park, making it easy to settle in and relax. Located next to the local footy oval provides plenty of space to run around and play. From the campground, it’s less than 1km to Apollo Bay’s town centre, where you can explore local cafés, restaurants, shops and the 9-hole golf course - all within easy walking distance.

A short stroll across the Great Ocean Road leads to the beautiful Mounts Bay beach, popular for swimming, surfing and fishing, while excellent river fishing is available right at your doorstep along the Barham River.

If you are travelling the Great Ocean Road with your pet, dogs are welcome year-round on our dog-friendly campsites, making Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve a great option for pet-friendly holidays.

When you stay at Great Ocean Road Parks, your fees help maintain our campgrounds and are reinvested into the magnificent Great Ocean Road coastline. Your stay helps support public facilities, infrastructure and coastal projects that protect and preserve this special place for future generations.

Q: Is Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve close to the beach?
A: Yes. Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve is located alongside the Barham River and close to the beach, with the town and its shops, cafés and restaurants nearby. It's less than 1km to Apollo Bay’s town centre.

Q: What accommodation is available at Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve?
A: The park offers camping and glamping, including riverside glamping tents, making it suitable for both traditional campers and guests looking for a more comfortable stay.

Q: Is Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve dog-friendly?
A: Yes. Dogs are welcome on the park’s campsites year-round, making Apollo Bay a good base for a dog-friendly Great Ocean Road getaway.

Looking for more inspiration? Discover all the Top things to see & do in Apollo Bay or read our Blog for more things to see and do along the Great Ocean Road.

Top things to do in Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Apollo Bay is a relaxed seaside town on the Great Ocean Road. Apollo Bay is known for its beaches, fishing heritage, access to Great Otway National Park and as the starting point of the Great Ocean Walk. There are plenty of things to do in Apollo Bay for visitors exploring Australia’s most scenic coastal drive.

Fishing is an important local industry so seafood is often on the menu at the local cafes and restaurants. Weekend visitors will love the regular Saturday Apollo Bay foreshore market for local crafts, artworks, and fresh produce.

Some of the best things to do in Apollo Bay are found in nearby Great Otway National Park, a rainforest wilderness filled with waterfalls, walking tracks and wildlife. Visit Melba Gully rainforest at night to check out resident glow worms. Hike the Great Ocean Walk between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles. Or snorkel, dive or kayak the close by Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary with the resident seal colony.

Popular Things to Do in Apollo Bay

Outdoor & Beach Activities

• Walks along Apollo Bay Beach
• Fishing at Barham River 
• Boating at Apollo Bay harbour
• Sunset views along the Apollo Bay coastline
• Seasonal whale watching (May to September)

Scenic Walks & Nature Experiences

• Kayak tour with the Australian fur seals
• Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary Protected marine sanctuary with reefs, seals and diverse sea life.
• Maits Rest Rainforest Walk – a short boardwalk through ancient rainforest and towering myrtle beech trees.
• Great Otway National Park - explore spectacular rainforest, waterfalls and wildlife
• Great Ocean Walk – a spectacular long-distance trail linking Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles.
• Californian Redwoods in Beech Forest

Scenic Lookouts & Waterfalls

• Viewpoints & Lookouts (Marriners Lookout, Mount Defiance Lookout)
• Waterfalls (Triplet Falls, Hopetoun Falls)

Iconic Great Ocean Road Attractions

Base yourself in Apollo Bay and take a short drive to explore the dramatic coastline of Port Campbell National Park and Bay of Islands Coastal Park, home to some of the most spectacular rock formations along the Great Ocean Road, including:

• Twelve Apostles
• Loch Ard Gorge
• London Arch (previously London Bridge)
• Gibson Steps
• The Grotto
• Bay of Islands
• Childers Cove

World-Class Attractions

Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre (opening October 2026)

Family-Friendly Attractions

• Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park
• Wildlife Wonders
• Otway Fly Treetops Adventures
• Glow worms at Melba Gully

Food & Local Experiences

• Fresh seafood at Apollo Bay Fisherman's Co-Op
• Taste local flavours along the Otway Harvest Trail
• Ice cream at Dooley’s Ice cream
• Craft beer at Great Ocean Road Brewhouse
• Spirit tasting at Apollo Bay Distillery
• Enjoy Markets and Shopping

Historic Landmark

• Cape Otway Lightstation

Where to stay in Apollo Bay

Stay in a glamping tent or on a dog-friendly campsite beside the Barham River at the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve. The reserve is located a short walk from the Apollo Bay township and just a short drive from Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary and the rainforest trails of Great Otway National Park.

Looking for more inspiration?

Read our Blog for the top things to see and do along the Great Ocean Road, including hidden gems, scenic lookouts and local food stops, whether you’re travelling with kids, with dogs, solo or by season.

Nearby Towns to Explore

• Marengo - reef, seals and rainforest walks
• Port Campbell - gateway to Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
• Princetown – wetlands and wildlife
• Skenes Creek – coastal town known for beach walks and fishing.