A House of Mercy on the Great Ocean Road

July 3, 2026

Star of the Sea, Apollo Bay

 

Perched along Victoria’s beautiful coastline in Apollo Bay, is Star of the Sea Guest House, a Mercy ministry that is a haven for people from all walks of life.

Star of the Sea Manager, Sister Cathy Solano said the retreat and accommodation centre is a place of welcome and Mercy for a diverse range of people and groups.

“It is a place of Mercy where individuals, families and groups can have a retreat from the busyness of life,” Cathy said.

“We are very lucky to be in such a beautiful location on the Great Ocean Road with nearby fern gullies, hills and beaches.”

 

 

Cathy said the ministry operates with a strong focus on accessibility, sometimes offering heavily subsidised accommodation and free stays for vulnerable families.

“Many of us can just take off and go away for a few days, but there are refugees, asylum seekers and poorer families who may not otherwise get that opportunity.

“Several religious sisters have personally contributed funds to help families have a holiday and some respite time. We are so grateful to the sisters who have donated money so refugee families and poorer families can come to stay here. It’s just wonderful!” replace this yellow with : It’s simply mercy in action!

 

 

In addition to families, Cathy also welcomes retreat groups, social justice organisations, schools and social clubs like walking groups. Individuals and groups alike spend time at Star of the Sea seeking quiet reflection and spiritual, emotional and physical  renewal.

“People can come here and do a private retreat or have it facilitated by a spiritual director.

“We have also offered Taizé-style prayer gatherings for the local community and there are twice weekly sessions of Yoga and Pilates facilitated by a trained therapist and teacher.

“Everything we do at Star of the Sea is about giving people respite, relaxation and renewal regardless of whether their time here is for a few hours or several days,” she said.

 

For more information about Star of the Sea, please visit – staroftheseaapolloybay.org.au and you are very welcome to contact us via apollobay@mcauleyministries.org.au