Big Beach Houses and Group Accommodation in Apollo Bay

Set between the Southern Ocean and the forested hills of the Otways, Apollo Bay is a strong choice for group holidays on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. The town combines a long sandy beach with cafés, restaurants, shops and plenty of outdoor activities, making it suitable for family gatherings, walking groups, celebrations, school trips and relaxed weekends with friends.

Large beach houses and group accommodation in Apollo Bay provide a convenient base for exploring both the coast and the Great Otway National Park. Groups can spend the morning swimming, surfing or walking along the town’s three-kilometre beach, before heading inland to discover rainforest trails, waterfalls and wildlife. The beach is patrolled during peak periods, while the gentler breaks close to the harbour are popular with beginner surfers.

Apollo Bay also marks the eastern starting point of the Great Ocean Walk. The full route continues for around 110 kilometres through forests, across clifftops and past remote beaches towards the Twelve Apostles, but there are plenty of shorter sections for groups looking for a half-day or full-day walk. Nearby options include the coastal trail towards Marengo and Shelly Beach, along with the climb to Marriners Lookout for views over the town, harbour and coastline.

The town is well placed for group day trips along the Great Ocean Road. Drive east towards Lorne for coastal lookouts, beaches and small seaside communities, or travel west through Great Otway National Park towards Cape Otway and the limestone formations around Port Campbell. Cape Otway Lightstation is approximately 50 minutes from Apollo Bay by car, while the surrounding national park offers mountain biking, waterfall walks, forest trails and treetop activities.

After a day outside, groups can return to Apollo Bay for seafood, local produce and meals at the town’s beachside restaurants. Self-catering properties are also a practical option for larger parties, with many offering spacious kitchens, shared dining areas, outdoor entertaining space and views across the ocean or surrounding countryside.

Apollo Bay is around three hours by road from Melbourne, with the journey following one of the best-known sections of the Great Ocean Road. Public transport is available via train to Geelong and connecting coach services through Lorne, although having cars makes it easier for groups to explore the national park and more remote parts of the coast.