Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay Family

Families in Apollo Bay can find practical ways to learn, get active and seek support—from library sessions and kindergarten to supervised surf programs. Regional and broader services also offer clear pathways for families navigating disability, caring responsibilities or family violence.

🌊 Surf skills and beach activities

Apollo Bay Surf Life Saving Club — Nippers

Children aged 7–13 as at 1 October can build surf awareness through seasonal beach activities. Participants complete a swim assessment, as Nippers is not a learn-to-swim program. A parent or guardian must be a current club member, hold a current Working With Children Check and sign their child in and out. Active parent involvement is essential.

Apollo Bay Surf and Kayak — Surf Groms

This local three-day program introduces children aged 5–12 to beginner surfing and surf safety. Each two-hour session combines beach and water activities. Booking through the provider is required.

📚 Early learning and family health

Apollo Bay Library — early literacy programs

Babies, toddlers and preschoolers can join regular story, rhyme and toddler activities run by Geelong Regional Libraries. A responsible adult or carer must supervise children throughout each session. Check the current program for dates and whether booking is needed.

Apollo Bay Kindergarten

Operated by One Tree Community Services, this 66-place sessional kindergarten offers Victorian Government-funded three- and four-year-old programs. Eligible children turning three or four by 30 April 2026 can access 15 hours of free kindergarten each week. Families can submit an enrolment request or join the waitlist through One Tree.

Colac Otway Shire Maternal and Child Health Service — Apollo Bay

Families with children from birth to school age can access this free universal service at its Apollo Bay location within Otway Health. It opens on Mondays, and families should contact the centre to arrange a visit. Enhanced home visiting may be available following referral by a maternal and child health nurse, doctor or another support service.

🤝 Disability, carer and family support

Association for Children with Disability — Support Line

Victorian families of children aged 0–18 with disability or developmental delay can receive free information and advocacy support by phone. A dedicated 1800 number is available for regional callers. The line can help families understand rights and advocate, but it does not offer counselling, legal or financial advice, or case management.

Carer Gateway

Adult carers, including people caring for children, can use this Australia-wide pathway to connect with local providers and free supports where eligible. Counselling may be available in person, by phone or in groups after assessment and planning.

The Orange Door — Barwon

The Colac location provides nearby regional access for women, children and young people experiencing family violence, as well as families seeking support with children’s care and wellbeing. People can contact the free service directly during business hours without a referral.

✅ Before you take part

• Confirm current dates, session availability and booking requirements before travelling.
• Check age cut-offs carefully, particularly for kindergarten and surf programs.
• Ask providers about accessibility, individual support needs and suitable adjustments.
• Allow time to complete required enrolment, membership, assessment or referral steps.
• Confirm supervision arrangements and what a parent or carer must do during the activity.

📌 If you run a family-focused business, service, program or community group serving Apollo Bay and surrounds, you are warmly invited to add a new listing or update your existing details.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on apollobay.town.