Apollo Bay, along Victoria's rugged coastline, comes alive every year with the Seafood Festival—a feast for all senses. The crisp ocean air carries the smell of fresh catches, grilled and steamed right before your eyes. This event offers more than just seafood; it invites you into a vibrant market bustling with local flavors, lively music, and artisans showcasing everything from handmade crafts to wines sourced from nearby vineyards.

Arriving early rewards visitors with the freshest selection—the day’s catch daring you to try rock oysters, scallops, and blue swimmer crabs, each dish prepared with skill that honours the sea’s bounty. The festival grounds throng with food stalls and cooking demonstrations, where chefs reveal the simple techniques that elevate seafood without overpowering its natural taste.

Parking and access are straightforward but expect crowds. Public transport options include shuttle buses from Apollo Bay township, making navigation stress-free. The festival runs over a weekend in March, aligning with the milder weather on Victoria’s southern coast—a perfect time that keeps the sea whispering softly rather than roaring.

While wandering the festival, the nearby coastline calls with walking trails offering glimpses of the ocean’s edge and native birds darting between scrubs. For those wanting to stretch their legs, the Great Ocean Walk’s trailheads are within reach, promising a dose of nature’s raw force, from winds that push back against cliff faces to tidal pools where marine life performs its subtle dance.

Practical tips matter here: wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven crusty sand and rocky pathways around the bay, stay hydrated since the ocean breeze can mask dehydration, and prepare for changeable weather with layers. Keep some cash handy for smaller vendors who often prefer it, and bring a reusable water bottle to reduce waste.

The Apollo Bay Seafood Festival is an invitation to experience the sea's character—both its fierce generosity and its calm moments. It’s an event that equips visitors with more than a taste; it delivers a connection to coastal culture, community spirit, and the landscape that sustains this celebrated seafood.