First look: Apollo Bay Harbour’s major transformation revealed

A multimillion-dollar makeover will breathe new life into Apollo Bay’s harbour precinct while preserving its original charm, with a plan five years in the making now finalised.

The Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Cooperative building forms part of the redevelopment. Image: Supplied.

The long-awaited plan that will underpin the multimillion-dollar redevelopment of the Apollo Bay Harbour precinct has been given the green light, with construction expected to commence before Christmas.

The $12.6m project will see the almost 80-year-old Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Operative upgraded to include fresh dining options, the return of the wet fish market, and an outdoor terrace with more seating.

A revamped Port Operations depot will feature a new workshop and public toilet facility, with a public viewing deck above.

Improvements will also be made to the nearby Mothers Beach carpark with consideration of

accommodating longer term inland dune migration and safe beach access.

A render of the new public deck. Image: Supplied.

The plan contains 50 “actions and opportunities to improve the values and functionality of the Harbour precinct”.

It was shaped by community and stakeholder consultation, with the final document factoring in the aspiration of Apollo Bay residents to retain the original character of the area.

The redevelopment is being funded via the Geelong City Deal and will be delivered by the

Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA).

“I’m delighted to see this highly anticipated plan finalised in consultation with the community, to ensure it recognises the history of the harbour precinct, while providing fantastic new facilities for its future,” Regional Development Minister Jaclyn Symes said.

Jaclyn Symes. Picture: Supplied.

Expected to be completed by June next year, the redevelopment has been a long time coming.

Colac Otway Shire released a development plan and called for public feedback in 2020, but GORCAPA was handed management of the precinct a year later.

“Delays have resulted through this transition in project management since the commencement of the project from Colac Otway Shire Council to GORCAPA when it became the relevant land manager for the Apollo Bay Harbour,” GORCAPA said on its website.

“Changes to legislation and planning requirements have required the project team to review and update the earlier plans to ensure compliance with current requirements.”

Antarctica Architects was appointed lead consultant in mid-2024, followed by the formation of a community reference group.

A draft precinct plan went out for feedback earlier this year.

A render of the revamped Port Operations depot. Image: Supplied.

“This terrific project will mean real benefits for local residents and visitors, as well as delivering essential improvements for the port and its workers,” Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said.

“The look and feel of the new Co-op and depot building really reflects the community’s feedback – it’s a subtle, yet meaningful, change that honours and highlights the rich history of the site.”

GORCAPA, chaired by former Surf Coast mayor Libby Mears, appointed Christine Ferguson as ongoing chief executive last week.

The one-time monitor of Colac Otway Shire had been serving as interim boss since April following the resignation of Jodie Sizer.

Originally published as First look: Apollo Bay Harbour’s major transformation revealed