The Apollo Bay Harbour is the jewel in the crown of the Great Ocean Road. With stunning north facing views out across Apollo Bay and the surrounding Otway hills this safe haven has been home to a vibrant fleet of commercial fishing vessels (supported by the local fishermen’s Co-Operative) for over 70 years. The harbour also hosts a local sailing club and provides sheltered access to the Southern Ocean for recreational boaters and anglers via a two-lane boat ramp adjoined by a newly sealed car and trailer parking area. Recent in-harbour navigation and access improvements, including upgrades to leading-light navigation aids and the dredging of over 75,000 cubic metres of sand from within the harbour have improved safety and will enable further extention of the existing marina.
As part of the Geelong City Deal program, a $12m investment in and around the harbour will see this exciting precinct become even more popular. Beginning in 2020, the program includes plans for creating new public access and space by relocating the existing Port Office, workshops and storage yards as well as creating opportunities for new retail and visitor experiences. In addition to greatly improving the harbour’s amenities, these developments will also create a host of new local employment opportunities, increasing the already significant socio-economic contribution that the harbour precinct and the industries it supports contribute to the area.
