Apollo Bay Harbour

Overview

A small, working harbour framed by two breakwaters, Apollo Bay Harbour is the kind of place you wander for 20–40 minutes and end up staying longer. You’ve got trawlers and cray boats heading in and out, an easy promenade along the wharf and walls, and a pocket of sheltered sand tucked inside the harbour—ideal for a low‑key paddle with kids.

What You’ll See

Expect boat traffic, stacks of nets, and plenty of photo angles back to the green Otway hills. Peer into the clear shallows for fish, stingrays and jellyfish. Public access is signposted; give working vessels space and stick to the permitted zones.

Wildlife

Seals sometimes cruise the fish‑cleaning area—great to watch from a respectful distance. Offshore, winter to spring is your window for passing whales. Just south, Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary hosts an Australian fur seal colony and reef life, with boat trips departing from the harbour in suitable conditions.

On the Water and Fishing

There’s a dual‑lane all‑weather boat ramp with floating pontoons, marina berths and a slipway. Recreational fishing is allowed from signed spots if you hold a Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence. The harbour is the only sheltered small‑boat haven for a long stretch between Queenscliff and Portland, so early calm mornings can be lively.

Food & Facilities

The Fishermen’s Co‑op on the harbour dishes up fresh seafood and classic fish‑and‑chips with casual deck seating—simple, local, and exactly what you want by the water. Public toilets are at the boat ramp, with further upgrades planned as part of the harbour precinct improvements.

Best Time to Visit

The bay faces east, so sunrise brings soft light over the water—gold for photographers. Afternoons are great for watching boats return. If you’re here in the middle of the day, wander the breakwater first, then reward yourself with seafood.

Getting There

Punch in 1 Breakwater Road. It’s a flat walk from town, with parking around the harbour precinct. The site is managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.

What’s Changing

Remediation works ran through 2024 and a precinct plan was finalised on September 10, 2025, adding upgrades like improved car parks, links into town and a new viewing deck. The port has remained open, but expect occasional short detours while works roll out.