Overall score
Apollo Bay
34.9/100
Forrest
20.9/100
Apollo Bay vs Forrest, VIC suburb comparison
Apollo Bay for beach lifestyle and investment; Forrest for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Apollo BayForrest
Crime rate
Apollo Bay
69.8 / 1k
Forrest
51.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Apollo Bay
6
Forrest
4
Population
Apollo Bay
1,790
Forrest
257
Metric leadApollo Bay 7Forrest 31 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesForrest
- Best for beach lifestyleApollo Bay
- Best for investmentApollo Bay
- Best for best valueApollo Bay
- Best for best schoolsApollo Bay
Audience fit
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
All metrics
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Full comparison table
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Apollo Bay | Forrest |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 34.9/100 | 20.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 44.1/100 | 2.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 69.8 / 1k | 51.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 8 | 2 |
| Walkability | 12.0/100 | 3.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 6 | 4 |
| Planning activity | 22 | 4 |
| Population | 1,790 | 257 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Apollo Bay is a coastal smaller community with an easy, sea-led rhythm, while Forrest is a quieter smaller community with space and a country-town pace. Apollo Bay leans into coastal living, while Forrest feels more inland and suburban in character.
Apollo Bay pulls ahead on housing affordability and parks and reserves, whereas Forrest is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook.
On balance, families and people chasing a beach lifestyle are more likely to prefer Apollo Bay, while Forrest remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.