Need an excuse to explore Victoria’s Great Ocean Road by mouth? This may be the festi for you. The annual three-day celebrates the region’s strong local fishing history, giving punters a taste of the local produce and some food for thought, too.
With its pristine waters and abundant sea life, Apollo Bay is the only operating fishing port along the Great Ocean Road, and one of Victoria’s few remaining fishing co-operatives. This year’s star-studded program (MoVida’s Frank Camorra is opening) will also feature 12 experts gathering by the sea to talk farming, fishing and the future of our oceans. To make life easier for you, festival director Rebekah Malherbe has shared her top five picks of the bunch with Feaster readers - in her words. You're welcome!
1. Off the Hook
Australia's favourite Spanish chef, Frank Camorra is heading down the Great Ocean Road to cook up a Spanish seafood feast to officially open the festival. The event will gather 200 other food lovers in the local Mech Hall for a shared feast of local seafood matched with local wines.
Friday 16th February: 7.00pm - 11pm
2. Harbour Day
This event is the heart of the Festival, so we’ve worked with the fishermen of Apollo Bay (sadly, the term is gender-specific as there are no female fishers) to relocate the main festival day to the harbour marina for the first time in 2018. Grab a local craft beer and enjoy with local mussels, a crayfish croquette or a Southern Rock Lobster roll. Expect sunshine and live tunes from the likes of Dan Kelly and Fraser A Gorman. For $5 entry, it's a bargain!
Saturday 17th February: 10am - 6pm
3. Conversations on the Edge
Snap a chair at the Surf Life Saving Club overlooking the rugged beach of Apollo Bay and settle in for a day of talks between 12 speakers from industries as diverse as marine science, rock lobster fishing and regenerative farming.
Sunday 18th February: 10am - 3.30pm
Tickets $49 + booking fee - Available
4. Octopus Palidus
Enjoy lunch of octopus and local wine prepared by Central Victorian based hunter-gatherer Rohan Anderson - but not before you watch him prepare the marvellous beast. Not for the faint of heart!
Sunday 18th February: 11am - 1pm
5. High tides and good vibes
For the first time, the Festival in 2018 has flung open its doors so festival-goers can enjoy events outside of Apollo Bay. Festival Ambassador Matt Germanchis and Owner/Chef of Captain Moonlite will host a local seafood feast at their home of the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club. A view not to be missed!
Monday 19th February: 12pm - 3pm
Apollo Bay Seafood Festival is happening 16 - 18 February
