Apollo Bay Seafood Festival

For a truly unique and memorable pescatarian experience with perfect sea views, the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival is returning this summer on Friday 15 to Sunday 17 February, for a celebration of the finest seafood at the Apollo Bay Harbour.

Festivities will kick off with the 2019 ‘ocean to plate’ gala feast Down The Hatch, at the Mechanics Hall on Friday February 15 at 7pm. Hand crafted by executive chef Nick Mahlook and his team of artisans from The Atlantic, the eight-course dinner will showcase locally caught fresh seafood and produce, and deliciously paired wines. For the perfect finale Om Nom’s executive chef Jo Ward, will reveal a magically sweet ocean themed dessert.

Apollo Bay Harbour will transform into an 'off the boat' Seafood Market on Saturday February 16, from 8am to 9:30am festival punters will be able to buy fresh seafood straight off the fishermen who caught the catch.

"The festival has always been about championing the spirit of our local fishing community and being able to buy direct is as fresh as you can physically get and a great way to share the world-class seafood that our fisherman source locally," said festival co-director Bill Hurley Fraser.

Just before lunchtime the harbour will launch into a pack-filled day of music and pop up restaurants, boasting delicious lobster rolls, seafood dumplings, huge paella pans, southern rock lobster, abalone sashimi and much more.

Kids will be able to get in on the fun with a hands-on educational program featuring interactive demonstrations and displays, casting competitions and harbour expeditions. With great musical acts still to be announced, the festivities will wind up late into the evening. Join a Conversation in the Littoral on Sunday February 17 as expert farmers from the sea and the land share a passionate discussion surrounding the future of sustainability, science and the realities of primary producer life at the Apollo Bay Surf Lifesaving Club from 10am to 5pm.

"Come along to learn, listen and be part of this community of thinkers and visionaries as we unpack a whole new conversation in the littoral," said festival co-director Markus Nolle.

Tickets go on sale on Monday December 3, with the full program announced at the website. Over the last six years, the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival has grown to become a major event on the town’s calendar, attracting up to 8,000 visitors over a weekend, championing fresh, local seafood and the rugged beauty of the coastal town.