RELAXING HOLIDAYS for FAMILIES and COMMUNITY GROUPS
Our goal is to support and promote family and communal life
The primary aim of Star of the Sea Guest House in Apollo Bay, Victoria is to promote and support family and community life by offering a place of relaxation, hospitality, reflection and tranquillity.
 Thus Star of the Sea:
- Provides accommodation for families and various community groups, to simply relax, holiday together and explore all the Otways has to offer.
- Welcomes individuals and groups wishing to make retreats and have prayer gatherings.
- Invites people to celebrate special occasions such as big ‘0’ birthdays, anniversaries and wakes.
- Provides individual Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Supervision on request.
- Offers a venue for staff meetings, workshops and seminars.
... and more
Star of the Sea is a perfect place to take time out from the hectic pace of everyday life, to breathe in the fresh, salty air and just ‘be’. Come alone, or with your partner and family, with your special community group or with work colleagues to simply slow down and enjoy being with each other in a relaxed and beautiful setting.
Brief History
The Sisters of Mercy of the former Ballarat East Congregation bought what was ‘Otway Chalet’ - a guest house - from Mr Tom Shallvey in 1962. Prior to the purchase, the Parish Priest had been urging Mother M Bonaventure to make a foundation in Apollo Bay. Hence, the property was purchased ‘to acknowledge Mother M Bonaventure’s Golden Jubilee…’ and ‘…to provide a simple, refreshing place for the Sisters to holiday together in the beautiful environs of Apollo Bay and the Otways.’ In December of that year and January, 1963, the Sisters had their first holiday.
In 1987 Star of the Sea was made available to everyone as a restful and safe place for a holiday, a retreat, for school camps and conferences. Over the years the venue has been renovated to make it into the comfortable and light-filled facility it is today.
Acknowledgement of Country
We pay our respects to the Gadubanud Peoples. They have cared for this Country for over 60,000 years. We recognise the importance of the mountain ranges, the variety of plants and animals, the wide and deep ocean and its myriad creatures, the fresh air and clean waters of the rivers and creeks.
Star of the Sea Apollo Bay, recognises the inherent dignity of all people and the gospel imperative to protect and nurture those who are vulnerable. More specifically, at Star of the Sea we are committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk. Click here to read our Safeguarding Commitment Statement.