Dog-Friendly Apollo Bay: Visiting with a Dog

The coastal town of Apollo Bay is a popular stop along the Great Ocean Road, located near the southernmost point of the drive and Cape Otway. Find out more about the dog-friendly beaches and walks around Apollo Bay, plus the best pet-friendly accommodation.

Dog-Friendly Beaches around Apollo Bay

For most of the year, dogs are allowed off-leash on the beaches in and around Apollo Bay. However, there are restrictions during the busy summer months.

Between the 24th December and 30th April, dogs are not allowed at on Apollo Bay Main Beach between 9am and 7pm. This applies in between Marriners Lookout Road and the harbour.

The same restriction also applies at Marengo Beach, in between the carpark opposite Ocean Park Drive and the carpark near the caravan park, and along all of Skenes Creek Beach, in between the rocky outcrops.

Outside of these times and during the rest of the year, dogs are allowed on these beaches, either off-leash but under effective voice control or on-leash. Dogs are also allowed off-leash on other stretches of beach in the area, such as the northern section of Marengo Beach.

It’s always best to check the latest signage, as the rules can change. Also keep an eye out for any nesting seabirds and keep your dog on a leash nearby. Areas where Hooded Plovers nest between September and March are generally fenced off and signposted.

Dog-Friendly Walks around Apollo Bay

One of the most famous walks in the area is the Great Ocean Walk, that officially starts at the Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre. While dogs are not allowed along the majority of the 104km long walk, there are some dog-friendly sections before the walk enters the Great Otways National Park.

For starters, you can follow the 3.2km long gravel path connecting Apollo Bay and Marengo, that runs along the western side of the Great Ocean Road and is officially part of the walk, although one of the least interesting sections. It’s also possible to walk along the beach running parallel with your dog, which is mainly off-leash.

Dogs are also allowed along the section of the Great Ocean Walk immediately south of the caravan park in Marengo, until the national park boundary at Three Creeks Crossing, a distance of 3 or 4km. There are signs clearly marking the park boundary. This part of the walk passes through rural farmland overlooking the coast.

On-leash dogs are also permitted to join you walking north from Apollo Bay to Skenes Creek. The 6km-long path starts behind the Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre.

More Dog-Friendly Sightseeing around Apollo Bay

While visiting Apollo Bay, try and spot a koala or two in the wild. One of the best chances of spotting koalas is at Kennett River, a 25 minute drive north of Apollo Bay.

When you reach Kennett River, turn off and park near the suitably named Kafe Koala. It’s then a simple matter of walking along the road behind the caravan park with the other tourists, until you see people looking up at the trees and taking photos.

There’s no restrictions against dogs in this location, so you can be joined by your dog, although take care. Always keep your dog on a leash, plus walk away from the koalas if your dog becomes too interested and starts to become agitated or bark.

It’s not the only location along this coast where you may spot koalas – we also spotted some just outside of Apollo Bay, thanks to tourists stopped along the road taking photos.

Another fun dog-friendly excursion from Apollo Bay is the walk to Beauchamp Falls, located in the Otway Forest Park, where dogs are allowed on a leash. The start of the walking track is located approximately 50 minutes inland from Skenes Creek – follow the Beech Forest Road then the Aire Valley Road, with the final 3km stretch unsealed.

The walk to the falls is a 3km return walking trail passing through lush mountain ash forest. Note that the trail isn’t easy, with many steps, and it’s prone to being slippery when wet. It’s best for energetic, agile dogs. Allow about 1 to 1.5hr for the return walk.

Dog-Friendly Parks in Apollo Bay

There are no official off-leash dog parks in Apollo Bay. Instead, dogs are only required to stay on-leash along the Great Ocean Road (i.e. the main road), in between Nelson Street and Joyce Street, according to the council’s domestic animal management plan. Dogs are allowed off-leash in other areas, although they are prohibited from playgrounds.

Dog-Friendly Dining in Apollo Bay

There’s plenty of dog-friendly dining options around Apollo Bay. My top recommendation is to enjoy a seafood lunch or early dinner at the Apollo Bay Fisherman’s Co-Op. There’s plenty of outdoor tables, either under shelter or under umbrellas, overlooking the harbour, and the fish is guaranteed fresh. Note that it is closed on Mondays plus closes relatively early at 7pm.

Another great dog-friendly dining option in Apollo Bay is the nearby Great Ocean Road Brewhouse. Dogs are allowed in both the front and back beer gardens (including a partially enclosed area), with water bowls and dog treats on hand.

The pub is open every day from 11am until late, with the bistro serving up lunch and dinner daily. Choose from an extensive menu with daily specials, with beer paddles of local craft beer and gin flights also available.

Pet-Friendly Accommodation around Apollo Bay

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There are multiple pet-friendly accommodation options available to choose from in Apollo Bay, although be warned that the two main caravan parks in Apollo Bay do not allow pets.

Instead, make a booking for the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve. This basic campground with powered and unpowered sites has been recently renovated and is dog-friendly year round. Note though that the new tents coming soon are unlikely to be pet-friendly.

For more camping options or if you’re looking for a pet-friendly cabin, check out the Marengo Family Caravan Park. Pet dogs are also allowed at this beachfront park year round, both on sites and in all of their cabins.

Choose between the Holiday, Seaview and Seaview Spa Cabins, each that can accommodate up to five or six guests. Just note that pets are not allowed on carpeted areas and on furniture in the cabins. No extra fees apply for pets.

Dogs are also welcome year-round at the Skenes Creek Foreshore Caravan Park, at least when the park is open. (I believe it closes over the winter.) Select from both powered and unpowered sites, just metres from the beach.

There’s also quite a few pet-friendly holiday homes to rent in and around Apollo Bay. Right in the town make a booking for the one-bedroom Blue Bollard. Pets are allowed inside, as long as they are not wet, but not in the bedroom or on the furniture.

For something more luxe, make a booking for Manta Ray One at Skenes Creek. This architecturally stunning house sleeps up to seven guests and has breathtakingly beautiful ocean views. Your dog will appreciate the enclosed yard, kennel and dog blankets provided for inside.

Head Next To

• Explore the rest of the dog-Friendly Great Ocean Road
• Dog-Friendly Lorne
• Dog-Friendly Warrnambool