Location and Guesthouse

Star of The Sea, Apollo Bay: On the Great Ocean Road and in the Otways region

Immerse yourself in the gifts of Mother Nature

We are located in picturesque Apollo Bay, on the Great Ocean Road, in south-western Victoria which is known for its tranquil beaches and rolling green hills. The Guesthouse is less than 1km from the town centre of this vibrant community.

Choose to immerse yourself in the gifts of Mother Nature: stroll on a beach along the Great Ocean Road Walk, go hiking on the bush trails, and explore the myriad nature reserves, waterfalls and tracks in the nearby Great Otway National Park. Take the plunge and swim or surf in the revitalizing waters of this world-renowned coast!

A neatly made single bed with striped bedding, a wheelchair, and chairs in a well-lit room with a window and a small wall-mounted artwork.

Two children wearing caps look at an open book with text and music notes, placed on a wooden stand indoors.

A brightly lit dining area with wooden tables and blue chairs, large windows letting in sunlight, and various items on the tables.

Single-story house with a red metal roof and brick chimneys surrounded by green shrubs and bushes under a clear blue sky.

Two children wearing sun hats sit at a table in a bright, modern kitchen or dining area with various items on the tables and shelves.

Aerial view of a curved sandy beach, calm blue ocean, small marina with boats, and green vegetation along the shoreline under a clear sky.

Endless activities to experience

There are endless activities to experience within an hour’s drive, such as the stunning Otway Fly Treetop Walk, the spectacular sequoias of The Redwoods Otways and nearby Triplet Falls, the world-renowned Twelve Apostles off the coast at Port Campbell. Enjoy a family picnic at Lake Elizabeth in the West Barwon Reservoir region. The historically significant Cape Otway Lightstation is just one of the region’s many lighthouses. There are countless waterfalls and fern-filled forest spots like Melba Gully and Mait’s Rest Rainforest Trail and so many breath-taking coastal sights like Blanket Bay and Shelly Beach. The wildlife includes koalas, platypus, whales, seals, kangaroos and wallabies, and countless species of birds.

Four people stand in a forest, joining hands as they wrap around a large tree trunk.
A group of people wearing coats stand in a circle on grass in a park-like area, surrounded by trees.
Cloudy sky over the ocean at sunset, with waves crashing on rocky beach and wet sand reflecting pink and orange light.
Waves crash along a misty shoreline with hills and silhouetted trees in the background on an overcast day.
Close-up of two pink protea flower buds with green leaves in natural light; one bud is partially opened, the other remains closed.
People participate in a group exercise class, lying on mats and stretching their legs with resistance bands in a well-lit room with wooden floors and comfortable furnishings.
A group of adults and children, some with scooters and helmets, pose together outside a building on a concrete path and steps.

Cycling and running adventures

The Otways and Great Ocean Road offer diverse cycling experiences such as the Anglesea Mountain Bike Trails in the Otway Hinterland for off-road adventurers and the scenic Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail for leisurely rides. Key events include the Great Ocean & Otway Classic Ride, Amy's Gran Fondo, and the Otway Odyssey, featuring rides of varying distances and terrains for different skill levels.

Every year, over ten thousand people cross the globe to experience Australia’s most stunning running event: the Great Ocean Road Running Festival, and they marvel at the unique and iconic beauty of this spectacular part of the Victorian coastline through Apollo Bay.

Star of the Sea Guesthouse has:

  • 12 bedrooms that can accommodate 21 people.
  • A shared bathroom for every two bedrooms.
  • ‘Catherine’s Corner’ has kitchen facilities and a sitting room for up to 10 people.
  • The ‘McAuley Wing’ contains a chapel, a fully equipped commercial kitchen, a large sitting room area, and a dining room to accommodate up to 30 people.
  • Laundry and drying facilities.
  • A games room with a pool table and table-tennis table.
  • A separate ‘Chalet’ building with kitchen and bathroom facilities for large group gatherings and special occasions.
  • Two bathrooms each with a shower and toilet are furnished for those with special needs.
  • A large outdoor furnished verandah adjacent to the dining room and commercial kitchen with a gas BBQ onsite.
  • An extensive grassed area that can be used for games and activities and which has beautiful views of grazing cattle and sheep on the neighbouring farmlands.

Please Note: 

  • Self-catering is recommended and the town centre is renowned for the number and variety of restaurants, hotels, cafes, bakeries and dining options on offer.
  • The responsible use of alcohol by adults is acceptable on the premises.
  • Smoking is only permitted outside and extreme care is urged in hot and dry conditions to prevent possible bushfires.
  • WiFi is available in every room.
  • Parking for up to 10 vehicles is available within the grounds.
  • No pets are allowed.

Accommodation Costs

A minimum of TWO nights’ stay per person is required. A non-refundable 50% deposit is needed to confirm the booking at least one month before arrival, and the balance is to be paid on arrival.

The rates set up to 31 January 2027 are:

  • Adults @ $75/night + $15 for use of linen & towels/person
  • Secondary school students @ $45/night + $15 for use of linen & towels/person
  • Primary school children, pre-schoolers and babies are given free accommodation and pay only for the Guesthouse linen if it is used
  • Note: Accommodation rates are negotiable for those with special circumstances.
  • Accommodation costs may be seasonally adjusted: contact the Manager to confirm costs especially in the ‘low winter’ period.

Payment Methods:

Electronic

Account Name: Star of the Sea Guest House
Comm Bank BSB: 063 141
Account No.: 104 72 043

Please forward an email copy of your electronic payment to apollobay@mcauleyministries.org.au

Cash

Payments are to be made personally by each family’s contact person or each group’s co-ordinator to the Manager of Star of the Sea on arrival.

On Arrival Requirements

Client Safeguarding Declaration Form

All adults and teenagers of families and groups staying at Star of the Sea are expected to have read McAuley Ministries’ Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct, and to act in accordance with these policies during their stay. The contact person for each booking will be asked to sign a separate document on arrival affirming this on everyone’s behalf. The link to the document is: https://institute.mercy.org.au/mercy-in-action/mcauley-ministries/safeguarding-of-children-and-adults-at-risk/

Room Occupancy Details

To comply with Fire and Safety Regulations you need to fill in two copies of the “Room Occupancy” form listing the names of people in each room. These will be provided to you when you arrive: one copy is to be given to the Manager of Star of the Sea on the first night, and the second must be with the group’s co-ordinator in case of a fire evacuation.

‘Pay it forward’

Star of the Sea was established to provide a holiday for families who could not otherwise afford a break. We have been able to assist single parent families, refugees, people who are needy and unwell because of the generosity of our guests. If you would like to contribute to this your donation would be gratefully received on their behalf.

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