Nick Polgeest, affectionately known around the traps as ‘Nicko’, is a local personality in Apollo Bay.
He moved here as a young lad from Holland, so in a way was once a tourist too.
There’s no rest for this man – he’s spent his life fishing the Southern Ocean and Bass Strait and has many tales to tell of his adventures.
From toothy barracouta (yes that was the seafood of choice at one point) to the crayfish Apollo Bay is famous for today, Nick knows a thing or two about the sea and the seaside and their inhabitants.
He is a director of the Apollo Bay Fisherman’s Co-operative – one of Victoria’s last commercial wholesale fishing operations owned by fishermen.
Here he tells us of some of his highlights around Apollo Bay…
Best eatery?
Can’t go past Chris’ at Beacon Point for special occasions.
Best view for a sunrise?
Definitely Mariner’s Lookout for a sunrise.
Best place to soothe your mind?
Walk through Redwood plantation on the Aire River (Binns Road). It’s like walking through a natural cathedral.
Your tip for fun?
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures; either the zip line or the tree top walk.
Your favorite thing to do in summer?
Go out in a boat and catch a few fish (make sure you have a current fishing licence), then a dip in the ocean afterwards.
What to do in winter?
Rug up and visit the local waterfalls- they are spectacular in winter.
A secret you’re willing to share?
Walk along Station Beach and find Rainbow Falls at Cape Otway.
Sign up to get the latest deals, tours & events along the Great Ocean Road
Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
