Welcome to Rock Oyster Week 2024, where the breathtaking landscapes of Narooma and the South Coast set the stage for a week-long celebration of adventure, culture, and of course, the sublime taste of Rock Oysters.
We invite you to step into a world where the rich traditions of oyster farming meet local chefs, producers and guides – all set against the stunning backdrop of Rock Oyster Country on the South Coast.
From May 7 to 17, Narooma Rocks, together with the Narooma Oyster Festival, has curated a range of experiences that promise not just to delight your taste buds but to offer a deep dive into the heart of the South Coast. Whether you’re a local ready to rediscover the hidden gems of your own backyard or a visitor looking to extend your festival holiday, Rock Oyster Week has something special for you.
Imagine gliding through the waters of Wagonga Inlet on an oyster punt with grower Damon Fernihough of Out of The Blue Oysters, tasting Rock Oysters fresh from the lease, or experiencing the unique cultural heritage of Wagonga Inlet through the eyes of Walbunja man Wally Stewart.
The adventure continues beyond the palate. If you’re yearning for a different perspective, aerial and snorkel and ocean adventures await.
Get a bird’s eye view of the estuaries with South Coast Sea Planes, where Wagonga Inlet becomes the perfect runway for takeoff and landing. The thrill of soaring above estuaries, with Gulaga Mountain in the backdrop, offers unparalleled views and appreciation for the region’s natural beauty.
No visit to Narooma is complete without a visit to Baranguba, Montague Island Nature Reserve with Narooma Charters, where you can explore the island with a guide or pop on a warm wetsuit and dive with the seals that call the island home.
For those intrigued by the past and keen on the arts, there are two exhibitions. The Clyde Oyster: A Tale of Two Valves in Batemans Bay reveals the fascinating evolution of oyster farming, from indigenous practices to modern cultivation techniques. At Narooma Library, a collaboration between the Australian National Maritime Museum and Department of Primary Industries shares stories about oyster reef restoration and shell reuse in Bidhiinja: Restoring Our Oyster Reefs, including Narooma’s own shore project around Wagonga Inlet.
Meanwhile, kayaking culinary adventures with Region X on the Clyde River stir the appetite in the most delightful way, blending a gentle paddle with the sensory pleasure of tasting fresh oysters straight from the water at the Farm Gate on Wray Street.
Further south at Pambula Lake, you can even learn to shuck oysters in kayak and shore tour by Navigate Expeditions and Broadwater Oysters.
Each of these experiences, woven together, forms a mosaic of discovery and delight that is Rock Oyster Week. It’s an opportunity not just to taste but to learn, not just to see but to connect. Join us and become part of the story that makes the South Coast a treasure trove of natural and cultural riches.
Narooma, with its clear blue waters, is more than just a location; it’s a journey through the diverse palate of nature itself, where every taste tells a story.
See the full Rock Oyster Week program.
The Narooma Oyster Festival and Rock Oyster Week is supported proudly by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
