The beloved festival returns to Apollo Bay Harbour this February for ready-to-eat dishes, fresh seafood, panel discussions and more.
Staring at the sea while eating the ocean’s finest bounty is one of life’s simple pleasures, and the coastal haven of Apollo Bay has an entire fest dedicated to it.
That’s right; the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival is back for summer for its first proper event in three years this February, championing fresh, local seafood and the rugged beauty of the coastal town.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
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Kicking off the festivities on February 17, the event will be running a series of very special Friday night dinners at some of the most loved restaurants in Apollo Bay and the Otways, including Birdhouse Apollo Bay, Casalingo Italian Restaurant Apollo Bay, and The Perch at Lavers Hill, among others. Each restaurant will present a special set menu focusing on local seafood and local produce, with spaces strictly limited.
On Saturday, February 18, the festival takes over the picturesque Apollo Bay Harbour for a one-day celebration of the town’s finest seafood featuring pop-up restaurants, cooking demonstrations, and seafood markets.
Food lovers will be able to feast on pescatarian treats like lobster rolls, seafood dumplings, huge paellas, octopus skewers, southern rock lobster, abalone sashimi, Apollo Bay Bakeries’ famous Scallop Pies, calamari cones, bao buns organic oysters and much more, all while being surrounded by the stunning sea view backdrop of the Great Ocean Road region.
Kids will be able to get in on the fun with a hands-on educational program featuring interactive demonstrations and displays, sailing lessons, casting competitions and harbour expeditions, while some of Australia’s best musical acts will take over two stages, kicking on late into the evening. These acts will be announced soon.
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The 2023 event will once again host conversation sessions on Sunday, February 19, drawing in a range of speakers including fishermen, scientists, ocean activists, farmers, chefs and Indigenous knowledge holders to explore some of the key critical issues that affect the ocean, and the land, and how we as humans can live with both in harmony rather than depleting and destroying.
Tickets are on sale now at www.apollobayseafoodfestival.com
