Apollo Bay, VIC

A crescent bay beneath the Otway Ranges — the last major town before the Twelve Apostles, with calm water and reliable fishing.

Live AI Coastal Briefing

Sunday 12 July is shaping up to be a cool and overcast day, with the temperature currently sitting at 8C and a heavy cloud cover of 100%. The humidity is quite high at 95%, and the wind is blowing at 29 km/h from the WNW, with gusts reaching up to 67 km/h. This is setting the scene for a dramatic day along our beautiful coastline, with the crescent bay looking particularly rugged under the grey skies.



The ocean conditions are certainly not for the faint of heart today, with wave heights reaching an extremely large 3.32m, making it a dangerous day to be in the water. The water temperature is a chilly 14.7C, which means that a 3/2 full wetsuit is recommended for anyone brave enough to venture in. The tide times are also worth noting, with high tide at 08:22 am reaching 3.8m, and low tide at 01:55 pm dropping to -2.0m.



For all the sports and fitness enthusiasts out there, today's conditions are going to be a challenge. Surfers will need to be experienced and well-equipped to handle the large waves, while runners and cyclists will need to bundle up against the cold and wind. Anglers may find the conditions suitable for fishing, but will need to be mindful of the strong winds and rough seas. Paddleboarders are advised to stay out of the water due to the dangerous wave heights, and instead consider alternative activities on land.



As we head into the afternoon, the cool and overcast conditions are expected to continue, with no chance of rain and a low UV index. The air quality is good, with an AQI of 27, making it a great day to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air, as long as you're not planning to venture into the rough seas. So, grab a warm cup of coffee, wrap up warm, and get out there to enjoy the dramatic scenery and fresh air – it's going to be a great day to appreciate the beauty of our coastline from the shore.

About This Coastline

Apollo Bay is a working fishing town and Great Ocean Road stop where a broad beach lies beneath the forested Otway ranges.

Its identity has developed through the constant exchange between land and sea, leaving natural and cultural features closely interwoven.

The Vibe

The atmosphere is relaxed and practical, mixing family holidays with fishing boats, seafood businesses and walkers beginning longer journeys through the national park.

The town feels open and spacious despite its popularity. The prevailing mood is determined less by organised entertainment than by the weather, water and patterns of local use.

The Local Anchor

The harbour and fishing fleet provide the strongest local anchor, supplying a visible connection between the town and Bass Strait.

Apollo Bay also serves as a gateway to the Great Otway National Park and the Great Ocean Walk. The anchor remains important precisely because it is rooted in this particular coastline and cannot be transferred to another destination.

The Landscape

The main beach curves around a relatively open bay and can receive substantial swell, while the harbour creates a more protected corner.

Behind the coast, steep forested country rises towards waterfalls and temperate rainforest, giving the shoreline a powerful green backdrop. Viewed from shore or headland, the landscape demonstrates how quickly Australian coastal environments can move from sheltered to exposed.

This meeting of water, land and community gives Apollo Bay a character that is far richer than a simple beach stop.