Although we live in Melbourne and have been through Apollo Bay on a number of occasions, we have never made it our destination before and it was such a pleasant trip.
A little sleepier than Lorne and those towns a little closer to Melbourne, Apollo Bay wasn't as hectic in Spring, although I imagine in summer it gets really busy. We always appreciate being away from the mad crowds and the setting of Apollo Bay is utterly gorgeous. Never before had we been to the seabreak, but the view from the fishing co-op back to town on a late afternoon was particularly gorgeous. We didn't have fish and chips, but the next morning bought some gorgeous flathead fillets which we had on the bbq.
The house is an older style weatherboard which has been gorgeously renovated throughout the lounge/dining, kitchen and bedrooms. The property is completely secure so if you were travelling with either toddlers or even if you took your dog, they would be completely safe and contained. There are hidden decks all around the house and at the back a lovey yard which is almost like a secret garden. We didn't get to enjoy the outside as much as it was quite cold and wet - but that would be next on our list.
The house is beautifully styled - lovely furnishings, a great faux wood fire in the lounge, mixed in with some lovely older pieces.
The kitchen appears to have been renovated recently and I have to say the whole place was super clean. The cupboards in the kitchen and all the kitchenware, glasses, pans etc, were spotless. There's nothing worse than going away and having to wash items before you can use them, but that won't be the experience here.
We LOVE to cook and were impressed with the quality of all the kitchenware items and appliances (in fact everything in the house was of a top quality). There was also a real generosity in the kitchen, with quality coffee (and a great machine), T2 and Twinnings teabags, cereals, hot chocolates, basic quality supplies of many things and fresh bread and milk waiting for us.
We squabbled a little over the bedrooms as they were all gorgeously styled, with beautiful linen, bedheads, pillows, rooms you really wanted to stay in.
The bathroom is original, but super cute, with original pale yellow bath and sink and picked up details throughout. I would say that the shower is like we all grew up with, good pressure and absolutely fine, unless you're a larger person, then I think you may find it squeezy! We took bath bombs from LUSH with us and enjoyed the bath.
Very happy to recommend Gillian's house, we really hope we can manage to find some dates to visit again during the summer.
We would also recommend a visit to Forrest - through the Otway Ranges - the Forrest Brewery was a great place for lunch.