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Apollo Bay

Victoria

APOLLOBAY.TOWN

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Apollo Bay Local History

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Local History of Apollo Bay, Victoria

Apollo Bay is a picturesque coastal town located on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and sprawling national parks, which make it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area has a rich history, dating back to the pre-colonial era, when the area was inhabited by the Gadubanud people.

The Gadubanud People

The Gadubanud were the traditional owners of the land around Apollo Bay. They were a semi-nomadic people who lived off the land, hunting and gathering food from the natural environment. The Gadubanud had a rich culture and a deep spiritual connection to the land and the sea.

Unfortunately, the arrival of European settlers in the 1800s had a devastating impact on the Gadubanud people. Disease, violence, and forced displacement caused a dramatic decline in their population, and by the early 1900s, the Gadubanud had been almost completely wiped out.

European Settlement

The first European to explore the Apollo Bay area was Captain James Cook, in 1770. However, it wasn't until the 1800s that European settlers began to establish a permanent presence in the area. Timber cutting and farming were the main industries, and a small fishing village began to develop around the bay.

In the late 1800s, Apollo Bay became a popular destination for tourists, who traveled there by ship to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The town grew rapidly in the early 1900s, with the arrival of the Great Ocean Road, which was built between 1919 and 1932.

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's most iconic coastal drives. It was built as a memorial to the soldiers who died in World War I, and it stretches for 243 kilometers along the southern coast of Victoria, from Torquay to Allansford. The road passes through some of the most beautiful and rugged coastal scenery in Australia, including the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Otway Ranges.

Construction of the Great Ocean Road was a massive undertaking, and it provided much-needed employment for thousands of men during the Great Depression. The road was officially opened in 1932 and quickly became a major tourist attraction, bringing visitors from all over the world to the Apollo Bay area.

Modern-Day Apollo Bay

Today, Apollo Bay is a thriving coastal town with a population of around 1,500 people. The town has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with several art galleries and music venues, and it hosts several festivals and events throughout the year.

The natural environment around Apollo Bay is still a major drawcard for visitors, with pristine beaches, rugged coastlines, and dense forests to explore. The town is also a popular destination for foodies, with several excellent restaurants and cafes serving up fresh seafood and local produce.

Overall, the history of Apollo Bay is a rich and fascinating story of the intersection between European settlement and indigenous culture, and the natural beauty of the area continues to attract visitors from far and wide.


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