A day down the coast
Apollo Bay is about 1 hour 50 minutes from north Torquay by the Great Ocean Road, without a long stop along the way. That's a good chunk of the day in the car, but the road keeps changing: open coast, small towns, then the green folds of the Otways. Start early and give yourself room to pull over when a view earns it.
You can make Apollo Bay the day out, with the beach, harbour and a walk at Marengo. Or keep going to Cape Otway Lightstation and Maits Rest, then continue west on a longer run towards the Twelve Apostles. Our pick for an unhurried day is Apollo Bay, the lighthouse and one short forest walk. Leave the extra stops for another trip.
Past Apollo Bay, the Great Ocean Road heads inland and climbs through the Otways. Maits Rest comes up on your left, and a little further on you turn left onto Lighthouse Road, which winds through forest and farmland to the cape. Allow about 35 minutes from Apollo Bay to the lightstation. It's a lovely drive but not a fast one, and if there's been heavy rain or fire activity, check road conditions before you set off.
Photo: Emily Godfrey,
courtesy of Visit Victoria 
Photo: Belinda VanZanen,
courtesy of Visit Victoria Apollo Bay, before the lighthouse
Apollo Bay is a proper seaside town, with a long beach beside the main street and a working harbour at the western end. Stretch your legs on the foreshore, have a look at the boats and pick up lunch before you head back into the Otways. The beach is exposed to the Southern Ocean, so keep an eye on the water and follow any local safety signs if you're planning a swim.
The Fishermen's Co-operative is in the middle of a harbour redevelopment. Its current notice says the old harbour restaurant is closed, with fresh fish and hot food available from 18 Pascoe Street while the work goes on. The arrangement can change as the project moves along, so check the Co-op's own update before you plan your lunch around it.
For a short coastal walk, head west to Marengo, just outside town. The Great Ocean Walk begins in Apollo Bay and continues all the way to the Twelve Apostles, but you don't need to take on the multi-day route to get a taste. The section from Marengo to Shelly Beach is 4.4 km one way, with exposed coast and a beach crossing. Treat tides, swell and weather seriously if you choose that walk; for an easy stop, a wander around the Marengo shore is enough.
There's also a guided seal-view kayak tour with Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak, launching from Marengo. The operator describes it as a 90-minute paddle with instruction and guides, and supplies wetsuits, helmets and life jackets. You need to be able to swim 50 metres; it's for ages 12 and up, and children under 18 must paddle with an adult. Tours depend on sea conditions, so book ahead and confirm the day's plan with the operator.
Cape Otway Lightstation
Cape Otway Lightstation is Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse on the mainland. The light was built in 1848, on a headland that was an important first sight of land for ships arriving from Europe. Inside the heritage precinct you'll find the lighthouse, keepers' buildings and stories of the coast. It has a much quieter feel than the big roadside attractions further west.
At the time of writing, the precinct is open Friday to Tuesday from 9.30am to 4.30pm, with last entry at 4pm, and closed on Christmas Day. Entry fees apply. Conservation work has closed the tower to climbs and interior visits, and views are affected during works scheduled from October 2026 to January 2027. The precinct and cafe remain open, with discounted entry while the tower is closed. Check the lightstation's current hours, access and ticket details before you go.
The lighthouse itself is reached on foot from the entrance. Bring a layer even if Apollo Bay is sunny; the cape can feel cooler and more exposed. There are a few short paths around the precinct, but the main pleasure is taking time with the buildings and the view over the coast. Don't expect to climb the tower during the current works.
Koalas along Lighthouse Road
The manna gums along Lighthouse Road are known for koalas. Look up into the forks of the trees as you drive, but let the passenger do the spotting. If you see one, use a safe pull-off and give it space. A koala may be asleep high in the branches, and there isn't a guaranteed number waiting beside the road.
The story here is more complicated than a reliable roadside wildlife stop. Victorian wildlife managers have documented over-browsing at Cape Otway, where koalas fed heavily on their preferred manna gums and many of those trees died. Management programs have aimed to improve both koala health and the woodland. The published population figures are several years old, so we won't pretend to know how many you'll see now. Enjoy a sighting quietly, and don't approach or feed wildlife.
A short rainforest walk at Maits Rest
Maits Rest is a good change of pace after the headland. The rainforest walk is an 800-metre loop through the Otways, reached from its own car park on the Great Ocean Road. It's short enough to fit into a day trip, and gives you a forest stop without signing up for a long hike.
Wear shoes that can handle a damp track, and take the walk slowly. The air under the trees feels a long way from the windy cape. Conditions and access can change after storms, so check the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority's track update before setting off. If you've already had a big walk at Marengo, choose one forest stop rather than trying to squeeze in both.
From here, you can retrace the road to Apollo Bay or continue west towards the Twelve Apostles. The full coast drive from Torquay to the Apostles is about three hours without stops, so adding Cape Otway and Maits Rest makes for a long day. For the full route, timing and booking notes, see our Twelve Apostles day trip guide.
Cape Otway and Apollo Bay FAQ
How long is the drive from Torquay to Apollo Bay?
Allow about 1 hour 50 minutes from north Torquay if you drive straight through. The Great Ocean Road has plenty of places worth a stop, so the real trip takes longer.
Can you climb Cape Otway Lighthouse?
The tower is currently closed for conservation work, including climbs and interior access. The heritage precinct remains open with discounted entry.
What days is the lightstation open?
Its current schedule is Friday to Tuesday, 9.30am to 4.30pm, with last entry at 4pm. It closes on Christmas Day.
Are koalas guaranteed along Lighthouse Road?
No. Koalas live in the area, but sightings vary and there is no reliable number to promise. Look from the car, pull over safely and keep your distance.
How long is the Maits Rest walk?
The rainforest loop is 800 metres through the Otway forest.
Can you see seals by kayak at Apollo Bay?
Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak runs guided seal-view tours from Marengo, subject to sea conditions. Participants need to swim 50 metres and be at least 12 years old.
For more road-trip planning, see our three-day Great Ocean Road itinerary, the Twelve Apostles day trip and our Kennett River koala guide. After a long day on the road, come back to Holyday House and warm up by one of the three wood fires. Send us an enquiry to plan your stay.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 17 October 2026. Opening hours, patrols, rules and closures change — check with the source before you go.
- Cape Otway Lighthouse — Cape Otway Lightstation (official)
- Operating Hours — Cape Otway Lightstation (official)
- Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-operative — Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-operative (official)
- Seal Tour — Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak (official)
- Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary — Parks Victoria
- Great Ocean Walk — Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority
- Short and Day Walks — Parks Victoria / Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority
- Maits Rest Rainforest Walk — Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority
- Koalas at Cape Otway — Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
- Driving route from Torquay to Apollo Bay — OSRM routing service