Celebrate the bounty of the sea by travelling down the Great Ocean Road for the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival. Taking over the scenic Apollo Bay Harbour, foodies will feast on a curated selection of Victorian seafood, listen to live music, enjoy demonstrations, talks and more. The festival day will take place on Saturday February 18. But, if you’re keen for a whole weekend of seafood goodness, arrive early for the Local Dinner Series on Friday, and stick around for the Conversations series on Sunday.
Apollo Bay Seafood Festival
After a two year hiatus, the festival is back and bigger than ever. The harbour will be filled with pop-up restaurants, cooking demonstrations that feature underutilised seafood and a bustling seafood market. Expect plenty of tasty bites, including seafood dumplings, Southern Rock Lobster, abalone sashimi, organic oysters, paella, octopus and Apollo Bay Bakery’s famous scallop pies.
Cool down with drinks like craft beer, wine, cocktails, rum and sugarcane juice and Bloody Mary oyster shooters.
There will be live performances across two stages, with music from Fenn Wilson, The Beachniks, local ARIA award winner Matt Orchard and more.
Meanwhile, the kids will have plenty of fun too, with interactive demonstrations and displays, sailing lessons, casting competitions and harbour expeditions.
This festival will run from 11am to 8pm on Saturday February 18.
Local Dinner Series
The weekend will kick off on Friday night with a series of dinners around the best restaurants from Apollo Bay and the Otways. Each restaurant will present a set menu, with a focus on local seafood and produce.
Head to The Perch Lavers Hill, the highest point on the Great Ocean Road, for a nine-course degustation. Or, enjoy five-course dinners from Graze Apollo Bay, The Birdhouse or Sandy Feat. Casalingo will offer a three-course dinner, inspired by traditional Italian dishes.
Spaces are limited and expected to go fast, make your bookings here.
Conversations ‘On the Edge’
The Conversations panel talks return to Apollo Bay on Sunday February 19 from 10am onwards. Hosted by Richard Cornish and Hilary McNevin, you’ll listen to a range of speakers discuss critical issues that affect the ocean and land. Hear from local fishermen, scientists, ocean activists, farmers, chefs and Indigenous knowledge holders.
The chefs panel includes Dan Hunter (Brae), Paul West (River Cottage Australia), Jerry Mai (Pho Nom) and Jenna North (Lucy Liu). They will discuss sea urchins, seaweed, eels and wild caught venison.
Other speakers include Lisa Deppler from Otway Climate Emergency Action Network and Andy Warmburnn, a Senior Marine Parks Officer.
Tickets for Conversations cost $50 plus booking fee. See more here.