Taste the merroir of South Coast estuaries
No South Coast road trip is complete without a visit to a farm gate to meet the farmers and taste their Rock Oysters. As you journey through the scenic landscapes, the opportunity to connect with the local growers awaits, offering an unforgettable experience that’s as enriching as it is delicious.
Like the oysters they grow, each farmer has a unique story to tell. These passionate cultivators of the sea are not just farmers; they are custodians of an age-old tradition, guardians of the sea who work in harmony with nature to bring you the finest oysters. As you meet them, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the culinary wonder that is the Rock Oyster and understand the great efforts required to take them from tide to table.
But the journey doesn’t end there. As you scroll down, you’ll discover the hidden gems along the South Coast. Learn about the places where you can stop off and taste the merroir of our South Coast estuaries. Each location offers a distinct flavor profile, shaped by the waters they come from. It’s not just a tasting; it’s a journey through the diverse palate of nature itself.
So, take a moment to dive deeper, meet the growers who are the heart and soul of this region, and explore the unique spots that make the South Coast an oyster lover’s paradise. Scroll down to begin your adventure into the world of Rock Oysters, where every taste is a story waiting to be discovered.
Jim Wild’s Oysters
Shoalhaven River | Greenwell Point
Jim is a world champion shucker and his daughter Sally has won Australia’s Oyster Shucking Championships on multiple occasions. Their farm gate was established in 1979 and marks the northern gateway to Rock Oyster Country. Set in a picturesque channel on the foreshore of the Crookhaven River at Greenwell Point, you can order freshly shucked Rock Oysters or Pacific Oysters along with prawns, scallops and more to enjoy by the water’s edge or take away.
Address: Lot 2/170 Greens Road, Greenwell Point.
The Farm Gate on Wray Street
Clyde River | Batemans Bay
Jade Norris and her family have been farming Rock Oysters from this gorgeous little farm on the Clyde River for five generations. They also grow Pacific Oysters, including the grandes that weigh over 500g and feature in Australia’s Biggest Oyster competition at the Narooma Oyster Festival.
Harvested straight off the farm, their oysters are are sold opened (dressed and natural), for your immediate enjoyment or whole so you can take them home and shuck them at your leisure. It’s not just oysters on the menu, Jade and the team also serve up a range of seafoods including prawns, smoked salmon and wondrous Smith’s Seafood Pies from Tasmania along with sweet treats, savoury snacks, salads and coffee.
Address: 5 Wray Street, Batemans Bay.
Out of the Blue Oyster Tours
Wagonga Inlet | Narooma
Explore the inlet on an oyster punt and taste Rock Oysters directly from the lease with oyster farmer, Damon Fernihough. His personalised, flexible and intimate small group tours are suited to small groups of 2 to 4 people and run for 1.5 to 2 hours, including a visit to the family run oyster shed.
You can elevate your experience and arrive by air with South Coast Sea Planes or disembark at The Quarterdeck Restaurant for an special dining experience after your tour.
Oyster Farmer’s Daughter
Wagonga Inlet | Narooma
Natasha’s boutique farm gate and grassy waterfront location is the perfect place to enjoy a few dozen rock oysters. Grab a cocktail, beer or wine from the bar and feast on fresh Rock Oysters served in a variety of ways, or buy them whole to take home. Her Dad Brian has been farming oysters for over 40 years, 30 of those right here in Narooma. Natasha loves to showcase local seafood and has a great menu of small and larger snacks to make for the perfect casual waterfront dining experience.
Address: 279 Riverview Road, Narooma.
Oyster Pro
Wagonga Inlet | Narooma
Anoma’s rustic little oyster shed is perfectly positioned to ‘grab and go’ at the Wagona Inlet marina. Her Rock Oysters are grown on the celebrated sandflat area of the inlet and are sold either opened or whole. Phone ahead to confirm availability 0458 537 305.
Address: 30 Riverside Drive, Narooma.
Tathra Oysters
Nelson Lake | Mimosa Rocks
A stop here is like visiting the Great Hall of Fame for Rock Oysters. The Rodley family have earned an enviable collection of awards for their oysters, including the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show’s most coveted Championship Medal. Grown and carefully tended in a waterway entirely surrounded by national parks, Gary says you can eat one of his oysters, take a walk around the block and still taste it 20 minutes later – and he’s right. Available only between November and June, mail order also available.
Address: 1 Reservoir Street, Tathra
Mimosa Meats
Grown in Wapengo Lake | Farm gate at Tathra
Brian Orr and his wife Carol have been growing Rock Oysters at Wapengo Lake for decades and their son runs the local produce butchery at Tathra – Mimosa Meats. It’s an essential stop if you want to indulge in some home cooking with local produce and you can stock up on seafood, smoked goods as well as a range of locally grown meats.
Address: 7 Bega Street, Tathra
The Oyster Barn
Merimbula Lake | Millingandi
Pip and Dom of Merimbula Gourmet Oysters have created a beautiful farm gate just off the Princes Highway at Millingandi on Merimbula Lake.
Enjoy a seafood extravaganza on their open-air deck by the mangroves, overlooking the lake. They serve just-shucked oysters with a range of toppings, as well as prawns, scallops and seasonal specials. Opened and unopened oysters are also available to takeaway.
It’s also one of the few places that you can try the rare Angasi or Flat oyster.
Address: Oyster Track, Millingandi
Wheelers Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Merimbula Lake | Pambula
From humble beginnings in 1927, to becoming a national name synonymous with the highest quality oysters, Wheeler’s Oyster Farm is a cornerstone in the history of aquaculture on the Sapphire Coast. A destination for oyster lovers, ‘Wheelers’ offerings include tours, celebrated restaurant dining, alfresco oyster bar, cafe and take away.
Address: 162 Arthur Kaine Drive, Pambula
Broadwater Oysters
Pambula Lake | Broadwater
Sue, Greg and Mel have a fabulous farm gate and shop on the foreshore of Pambula Lake right at the heart of their farming headquarters. Take in the panoramic views of the lake and birdlife while you taste, learn to shuck or ‘grab and go’. They are some among our fastest shuckers and their oysters are beautiful, they a gold medal from the 2021 Sydney Royal Fine Food Awards to prove it! If you can’t visit in person check out their great range of courier oyster and local produce packs.
Address: Shed 1, 52 Landing Road, Broadwater.
Wonboyn Oysters
Wonboyn Lake | Wonboyn
Kel and Caroline Henry have been farming rock oysters at Wonboyn, one of New South Wales’ most remote estuaries, since 1990.
It’s best to phone ahead if you are planning a visit, as they may be out tending to their oyster leases. It’s well worth the effort though, as they will teach you about Rock Oysters, share some recipes and even teach you how to open them. These award winning oysters have a rich creamy taste and long lasting finish on the palette.
Address: Myrtle Cove, Wonboyn Lake