In winter to spring, southern right whales come to the area mainly to breed, bear their calves, and raise them in the warmer, calm waters of South Australia during their migration season.

Apollo Bay is part of the traditional lands of the Gadubanud, or King Parrot people, of the Cape Otway coast.

Although the bay provided a relatively sheltered anchorage, the lack of a suitable pier meant that logs were floated out to sea to be loaded on to ships.

During this period almost the only access to the area was by sea, but a coach service from Birregurra to Apollo Bay was inaugurated in 1889.

[6] On 10 July 1932 the coastal steamer Casino sank while attempting to berth at the town jetty.

[6] Apollo Bay has an oceanic climate (Cfb) with mild summers and damp winters.