Apollo Bay sits within a unique geographical niche surrounded by the Otway Ranges and the ocean at the halfway point of the Great Ocean Road. The district is blessed with generous rainfall, resulting in many streams, waterfalls, pockets of rainforest and lush farmland. The ocean provides a busy fishery with Southern Rock Lobster, abalone, calamari and a diverse range of fish supporting a thriving local fishing industry. The surrounding hills are home to a wonderful range of flora and fauna and small farms producing quality sustainable produce, including grass-fed beef, lamb, dairy, fruit, vegetables and truffles. The beaches and rocky coastline are exquisite and attract surfers and fishers alike from all over the state.
These traits make for a fabulous tourist destination with attractions such as Wildlife Wonders, The Otway Fly and the Twelve Apostles adding to the offering.
Locals fought hard at the end of the last century to end old-growth logging and to establish the Great Otways National Park. The community is currently rallying to stop seismic testing and oil drilling in the Otway Basin. The Chamber supports local community groups, such as OCEAN, taking action to stop unsustainable industries that threaten the pristine natural assets of the district.
The Chamber recognises that only through forward-thinking attitudes to power security, provision of local produce, a strong, circular local economy can the town be guaranteed a prosperous and sustainable future.