Apollo Bay is a right-hander that peels off the harbour breakwall and outside jetty, tucked on the east side of Cape Otway past the national park. The wave breaks over a mix of uneven reef and sand. It is not the standout break in the area, but it is reliable enough that someone is usually out on it whenever it is breaking. Alongside the point wave, a set of well-protected beachies suits beginners and offers a place to hide from large, stormy conditions. Around the headland, Marengo adds a few more exposed reefs, a right-hand point, and some changeable small-swell beachies.
When It Works
The right off the breakwall and jetty handles moderate size and lines up noticeably better when there is some east in the swell. It draws swell from southwest through southeast, with southwest (SW) the best match, and it is usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3 m / 10 ft. It stays moderately consistent through the season, so worthwhile windows turn up when the setup lines up.
Wind and Tide
Look for west (W) offshore wind to clean it up. The wave favours low tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call, when the right can peel a long, clean line.
Local Tips
This one is best suited to intermediate surfers. Expect a busy lineup when it is working.
Access
There is a car park with free parking, plus roadside parking nearby.
