Apollo Bay - A brief history

The name named Apollo Bay dates back to 1845 after the vessel sailed by Captain Loutit, the Apollo which docked in the bay to shelter during a severe storm.

1850 saw the first settlers to the area being attracted by fishing and the large timber. Sawmills started up soon after producing railway sleepers which were used to build the Melbourne to Bendigo railway.

The sleepers would then be shipped by sea to Geelong before being transferred to the railhead.

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The annual Apollo Bay Music festival brings together some of the best musicians in April each year.  Some of the performers to play in recent years have been Ramblin Jack Elliot, Xavier Rudd, Joe Camilleri’ and Jeff Lang
 

A jetty has been situated on the same location in the harbor since 1885. It has been rebuilt several times over the years, the current jetty dates back to 1954, the concrete pylons near by date back to the previous jetty which was built in 1892.

Like much of the Great Ocean Road's rugged coastline, Apollo Bay has no shortage of tragic ship wreaks. Some of the more memorable include the Casio which actually sank in the harbor, with 10 lives being lost in 1932.  The US Cargo ship the City of Rayville also sank after hitting a mine off Cape Otway in 1940- It is noted for being the first United States shipping casualty of World War II.

Apollo Bay was the home to the first telegraph connection from the mainland of Australia to Tasmania. The station is now a museum which is open to visitors on weekends.

Opening in 1935 the station provided telegraph, phone and broadcasting capabilities until 1963 when microwave and more advanced technologies took over.

Apollo bay is now enjoyed as a major tourist town, with holiday makers visiting all year round.