Long awaited redevelopment begins
Since 1948, the iconic Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Operative building has stood proud, overlooking the Apollo Bay harbour that shelters the small local fishing fleet from the wild southern ocean. Originally called ‘the freezer’, generations of local fishers have been landing and processing their catch at the Co-Op for over 77 years.
Not surprisingly, time and wear has taken its toll on the building, so today the Co-Op is closing its doors for a much needed redevelopment and upgrade. All antiquated refrigeration, tanks and machinery with be removed while the interior spaces will be remodelled. This is all taking place as part of the much anticipated Geelong City Deal Harbour precinct redevelopment program. All works are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.
“After literally years of planning and community consultation we are massively excited that this incredible project is finally getting under way. And everyone will benefit from this; our fishers, local community and visitors. This will absolutely place Apollo Bay as the ‘must visit’ destination on the Great Ocean Road. With indoor seating, modernised tanks, refrigeration and cooking facilities as well as a dedicated wet fish market area, our unique ‘Bass Strait to Plate’ experience will be unlike anything else. We can’t wait to get the job done so we can welcome everyone back as soon as possible!” (Markus Nolle, Director ABFC)
While the redevelopment works are under way in the harbour, the Co-Op’s award winning fresh fish and chips will move to be available at the Co-Op’s ‘home away from home’ on Pascoe St. The Co-Op will also be opening a new ‘pop up’ retail wet fish outlet on the Apollo Bay Main Street, next door to the Little Crumb bakery.
Exciting Future for Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Operative and The Apollo Bay Harbour.
The Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Operative wishes to inform the community and visitors that the Co-Op's iconic Harbour Restaurant will be closed for trading from October 6th, 2025, in preparation for the Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment Project.
This temporary closure marks a significant milestone in the long-anticipated redevelopment of the Apollo Bay Harbour precinct, aimed at enhancing infrastructure, improving visitor facilities, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of harbour operations.
“The redevelopment is an exciting opportunity to future-proof the harbour and support the working fishing fleet, while also improving public access and amenities.”
“While we understand the temporary closure may be disappointing for some, we’re confident that what’s coming will deliver long-term benefits for the entire community.”
Fresh fish and hot food will be available from 18 Pascoe Street while the redevelopment progresses.
The team looks forward to returning with an improved offering.
Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment building and site designs are now available via https://haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/AB-harbour/apollo-bay-harbour-building-and-site-designs
Updates on the redevelopment progress will be shared via the Co-Operative’s website and social media channels.
Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment building and site designs are now available via https://haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/AB-harbour/apollo-bay-harbour-building-and-site-designs
Celebrating 75 Years Of The Apollo Bay Fishermen's Cooperative.
Short film produced and directed by Jackson Hayat
The Fishermen’s Co-Operative
Operating for over 75 years
The Fishermen’s Co-Op was started at the harbour seventy-five years ago when local fishermen banded together to find markets for produce from the Bass Strait: abalone, scallops, snapper, flake (or gummy shark) and our world-famous Southern Rock Lobster (crayfish). Boats today still bring their catch to us here at the last working fishing harbour on the Great Ocean Road. Fisherman of 40 years, Nick Polgeest, who knows a thing or two about lobster, claims our crays are the best in the world and we supply Australia’s finest restaurants and fish markets. But the best place to eat our fresh fish and cray is outside by the harbour in the wind, sun and salty air, overlooking beautiful Apollo Bay.
MORE THAN FISH ‘n’ CHIPS
Our world famous Southern Rock Lobster, Scallops, Flake, Snapper, Octopus, Calamari and varied catch brought from the Bass Strait straight to the Co-Op then to your plate
APOLLO BAY
HOME OF THE SOUTHERN ROCK LOBSTER
Drop by and see the latest fresh catch, try some fresh local fish straight from the source, including a range of species filleted on site. Get a look at our world-class Southern Rock lobsters being offloaded from the boats before indulging in some of our world-class seafood. It doesn’t get any fresher.
SUPPORTING LOCAL FISHERMEN
OUR TEAM - BRINGING YOU THE FRESHEST CATCH EVERY DAY
DOODLES
LOCAL FISHERMAN
NICK POLGEEST
FISHERMAN FOR 40 YEARS
ALAN NICHOLLS
CO-OPERATIVE MANAGER
