Surfside Backpacker

Great Ocean Road


Right across from the sand, this fantastic, sprawling 1940s beach house will appeal to those looking for a more quirky-style backpacker with true Apollo Bay character. Run by delightful owner Robyn, it has a homey lounge with couches, board games and huge windows looking out onto the ocean. Koalas are often spotted in the trees.

It's a 15-minute walk from the bus stop.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Great Ocean Road attractions

1. Community Market

0.47 MILES

Held along the main strip, this market is the perfect spot for picking up local souvenirs and produce. During Easter and the Queen's Birthday weekend it's…

2. Marriners Lookout

1.81 MILES

Located 1.5km from town back towards Cape Patton, this scenic walk offers wonderful panoramic views over town and the ocean. If you have a car it's a…

3. Apollo Bay Museum

1.87 MILES

Set up by the historical society is this collection of relics salvaged from shipwrecks, Aboriginal artefacts, historical photographs and pioneer displays…

4. Shelley Beach

2.73 MILES

Southwest of Apollo Bay, 6km along the Great Ocean Rd, is the signposted Shelley Beach turn-off. It’s an unsealed road. There are toilets and wood…

5. Cape Otway Lightstation

10.8 MILES

The oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia, Cape Otway Lightstation was built in 1848 without mortar by more than 40 stonemasons. There are…

6. Erskine Falls

21.85 MILES

Head 11km out of town to see this lovely 30m waterfall. It’s an easy walk from the Erskine Falls car park to the viewing platform (15 minutes return) or…

7. Qdos Art Gallery

21.86 MILES

Set amid the lush forest behind Lorne, Qdos always has something interesting showing at its contemporary gallery, to go with its open-air sculpture garden…

8. Otway Estate

22.57 MILES

Now that Prickly Moses has opened a taphouse in Apollo Bay there's less reason to make the trek up here to its brewery, but it's a nice excuse for a drive…