Pros & cons
PROS
- Helpful staff with current track and tide advice plus free maps
- One-stop spot for local bookings, brochures, and practical planning
CONS
- Limited gear and supplies—don’t expect camera cards or trail equipment
- Closes at 5 pm, so plan errands before late starts
Overview
Set right on the Apollo Bay foreshore at 100 Great Ocean Road, this is the region’s official visitor hub and an easy, worthwhile first stop before you dive into the Otways. It’s clean, well run, and known for staff who actually know the trails, tides, and day-to-day realities of getting around.
What You’ll Find
- Up-to-date advice on local attractions and the Great Otway National Park, plus free maps and brochures.
- Help with bookings and logistics so you can lock in tours, stays, and shuttles without guesswork.
- Restrooms and a tidy garden outside with native coastal plants and interpretive signs; there are also quirky sculptures on the grounds.
Why Stop Here for Otways Plans
If you’re tackling the Great Ocean Walk, this is the place to ask about current conditions, tide times, and transport options. Phone coverage on the walk is patchy—Telstra has the best chance of reception along the route—so plan pick-ups and contingencies here before you head out. Apollo Bay has groceries for trail resupplies; stock up before multi-day hikes.
A Note on Park Management
From July 1, 2025, parts of the Great Otway corridor along the Great Ocean Road are managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, while Parks Victoria manages the majority of the park. The team here can point you to the right manager for site-specific updates.
Best Time to Visit
Open daily 9 am–5 pm. Drop in right at opening to sort plans before you hit the road or trail; it makes the rest of the day smoother and you’ll catch staff before lines build.
Where it is
-38.7544, 143.6695Tips for Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre, Apollo Bay
- 01Ask for current track conditions and tide times if doing the Great Ocean Walk.
- 02If you’ll need reception on the walk, a Telstra SIM has the best chance along the route.
- 03Grab free maps and lock in bookings here before heading into the Otways.
- 04Stock up on groceries in Apollo Bay before multi-day hikes.
- 05Open daily 9 am–5 pm—arrive at opening to plan your day efficiently.
Amenities
Near Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre, Apollo Bay
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayGreat Ocean WalkVictoria’s signature coastal thru-hike from Apollo Bay to the ApostlesChallenging · 64.6 mi · 27 hr
1.2 mi awayMariners' LookoutApollo Bay’s best panorama after a quick uphill strollTrailhead · Parking
3.6 mi awayShelly BeachQuiet pocket beach with a short walk, picnic spot, and wildlifeTrailhead · Parking
3.6 mi awayShelly Beach WalkShort, steep drop to a wild beach with superb rock pools at low tideModerate · 1.3 mi · 1 hr
3.9 mi awayElliot Ridge CampgroundHike‑in forest camp with koalas, shelter, tank water and drop toiletCampground · Restroom
6.2 mi awayMaits Rest Rainforest WalkAn easy boardwalk through ancient, mossy beech and fern rainforestTrailhead · Parking
6.2 mi awayMaits Rest LoopShort, lush boardwalk through ancient myrtle beech and tree fern rainforestEasy · 0.5 mi · 30 min
7.6 mi awayCalifornian Redwoods WalkShort, moody wander beneath 1930s redwoods by the Aire River.Easy · 0.5 mi · 45 min
