Melbourne to Apollo Bay along the Surf Coast

For those travellers out there who have not been able to secure a ride or hire a camper van then do not despair there is another option and it is not a $99 day tour!! Go and see the V-line company at Southern Cross rail station in Melbourne and you will be able to buy a ‘round trip’ ticket from Melbourne back to Melbourne via Apollo Bay and Warrnanbool for $67, which allows you to see most of the sites of the Great Ocean Road (In fact the coach actually stops for 30mins at the 12[6] Apostles and for at least 10 minutes at the other scenic spots along route so bring your camera - Be aware that the coach from Apollo Bay to Warnabhool only operates on Mon/Wed/Fri so plan your itinerary in advance).

The first leg from Melbourne to Apollo Bay starts with a run on the train from Southern Cross station to Geelong and then a quick transfer to a waiting coach, which then sets out along the ‘Surf coast’ J The landscape is wonderful with glorious sweeping turns winding around headlands revealing limestone landscapes cut by wave, buffeted by wind and eroded by rain. Large wave-cut platforms peek from below the crashing waves with the occasional prominent rock while the cliff faces beside the road show evidence of slumps and rock falls constantly checked and cleared by road crews. The road winds amongst the headlands and bays hugging the coastline and providing impressive panoramas of the naturally turquoise blue sea cresting against the limestone rocks of the coastline. Wonderful and as you are on a bus there is no need to keep your attention on the road enabling you to take in the wonders of nature on route ;). Make sure if you are travelling from Melbourne that you sit on the left hand side of the coach for the best views… They are at their most glorious after Lorne…

Apollo Bay is a tranquil and elegant little settlement where the coach drops you at the centrally located tourist information booth with its captivating wood carvings and harlequin patterned water fountain (tourist information will be shut by the time you arrive, so check it out in the morning for detailed maps and details regarding things to do in the area!!). Apollo Bay is small enough to walk around in 1/2 hour. The crescent bay has an absolutely cracking beach with the turquoise water gently lapping at the practically deserted soft smooth sand, ideal for an evening stroll (dogs and horses are banned during the day) - then it is time to find somewhere to eat and I would recommend ‘Apollo Bay Seafood Café’ half way along the sea front road, which provides a cabinet of fresh fish from which you select your fillet and they cook it for you to order ;) I had a ‘melt in the mouth’ Barramundi and chips $11, which was sublime and more than a match for any fish in the UK…

The YHA at Apollo Bay is welcoming and eco-friendly with lots of features to save water and energy. It also has wonderfully appointed lounge spaces, a great kitchen and knowledgeable staff. If you want Internet you will have to pay but there is a free video room for those chilly evenings. Overall highly recommended at $28 a night for dorm rooms.