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 mid 2027.

“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

Founded in 1948, Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-operative brings together the people, seafood and stories of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. Established by fishermen working together to find markets for their catch, the Co-op grew into a hub for the fishing industry and the community. Its history is woven into Apollo Bay’s working harbour, where generations of fishers have built livelihoods through skill, persistence and cooperation.

For more than seven decades, the Co-op has helped connect the waters of Bass Strait with households, restaurants and seafood lovers. Cold storage, seafood handling and access to markets were central to its early role, providing infrastructure that supported local fishing businesses. Today, that heritage continues through a business that combines seafood retail, hospitality and relationships with the fishing community.

Southern Rock Lobster remains a signature part of our identity, alongside the variety of fish and shellfish associated with this coastline. Our offering celebrates the quality of local seafood while giving residents and visitors an opportunity to experience Apollo Bay’s fishing culture through the food they buy, prepare and enjoy. We are proud to be part of a regional economy where fishing, tourism and community life are closely connected.

The Co-op is now entering a period of renewal. While our harbour premises undergo redevelopment, we continue serving the community through our Pascoe Street food outlet and Great Ocean Road fish market. These operations maintain our connection with customers and keep the Co-op’s story moving forward during the transition.

Our next chapter centres on a revitalised harbour home, with plans for improved refrigeration, seafood tanks and cooking facilities, a wet fish market, indoor dining and an outdoor terrace. These improvements will strengthen the experience for customers and provide facilities better suited to the needs of a seafood business.

Looking ahead, our ambition is to build on the strengths that have sustained the Co-op: cooperation, quality seafood, local knowledge and a strong sense of place. We want to deepen the connection between fishers and customers, create opportunities for our people and contribute to Apollo Bay’s future as a working coastal community and seafood destination.

As one of Victoria’s few remaining fishermen’s co-operatives, we carry a legacy into this new chapter. Our future will honour the people who built the Co-op while welcoming new customers, partnerships and possibilities. From Bass Strait to plate, we aim to share the flavour, character and enduring spirit of Apollo Bay with every generation.