Apollo Bay Harbour upgrade underway

Published on 10 August 2026

Major works on the Apollo Bay Harbour redevelopment are underway.

Experienced construction company Bowden Corporation has been appointed to deliver the vital project to enhance the harbour precinct, with boots on the ground this week. 

Selected through a competitive tender process, Bowden Corporation brings a strong track record in delivery across the Great Ocean Road region, with the team also currently completing the Point Grey redevelopment in Lorne on track for completion later this year.

This project will revitalise the Apollo Bay harbour area, improve public access to the coastline and provide benefits for the working port and local economy.

The $10.2 million project includes:

• upgrades to the Fisherman’s Cooperative building to improve commercial operations and boost the visitor experience with a new outdoor terrace providing more space and seating to enjoy the much-loved fish and chips as well as the return of a wet fish market
• improved and new public open spaces, including a large viewing deck to give visitors a fantastic outlook over the port and coastline and the return of the popular whale shark sculpture
• improvements to the Mothers Beach car park and better pedestrian connections
• A new public amenities block, with a baby change table
• a new, safer and fit for purpose Port works depot

Works will get underway in August, with completion by the middle of next year.

The community will still be able to access Mothers Beach and the harbour break wall during construction via an alternate access track and the nearby Point Bunbury boat ramp will remain open throughout.

The Port of Apollo Bay will also remain operational during construction, with some changes to access to ensure safety.

The Apollo Bay Fisherman’s Co-Op will continue to operate at their pop-up locations in town.

There are changes to public access around the harbour during construction. 

More information is available here https://www.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/Projects/Great-Ocean-Road-Geelong-City-Deal-projects/Apollo-Bay-Harbour-Redevelopment

Quotes attributable to Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority CEO, Christine Ferguson

“It’s fantastic to see works get moving on this vital project for Apollo Bay. It’s going to revitalise the harbour area, be a boost for the local economy and improve staff and port user safety.”

“We cannot wait to see people back enjoying the harbor, its famous fish and chips and wet fish market along with critical safety upgrades for port users and staff.”

“It’s been a long time coming and there’s been plenty of ups and downs, but we are getting on with delivering all three Geelong City Deal projects at Point Grey, Kennett River and Apollo Bay, with construction underway on all three – thank you to everyone in these local communities who has been involved to help shape designs.”