We’ve got some wonderful news to share – the Narooma Oyster Festival has been named a finalist in the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards!
What started 17 years ago as a small gathering has grown into one of New South Wales’ largest marquee food and drink festivals. At its heart is the Rock Oyster and its growers, supported by a community who give their time and talents to creating something really special each year, on the shores of Wagonga Inlet on the first weekend in May.
As appreciation for oysters – and the native Rock Oyster in particular – continues to grow, the annual not-for-profit festival shines a light on exceptional culinary appeal of the native food but also its growers, estuaries and its environmental benefits.
With South Coast merroir at the forefront, planning for the 2026 event on May 1-3 is already well underway, with the 18th event set to highlight agritourism businesses, sustainable seafood, Yuin Culture and the relaxed, active coastal lifestyle of Narooma and the South Coast.
Organisers say chefs, producers, vendors and sponsors are already lining up to collaborate on the next festival, drawn by its community spirit, the stunning landscape and the wealth of culinary opportunities.
Narooma Rocks General Manager Renee Pearce said this year’s event delivered record-breaking results with visitors staying almost 6 nights, longer than ever before.
“The economic and social benefits show how a small community can deliver a world-class experience while staying true to its roots,” she said.
“The festival showcases our world-class oysters but it also delivers benefits which flow on to all kinds of businesses and community groups – from printers to plumbers and fishermen to filmmakers.”
In 2025 the festival welcomed more than 9700 people, who stayed an average of 5.7 nights, consumed 67,000 NSW oysters and generated a $4.7 million boost to the economy – creating the equivalent of 23 full-time jobs. Satisfaction was rated at 99%, with 97% of visitors saying the festival was their sole inspiration to travel to Narooma and Eurobodalla.
The showcase included dozens of oyster growers and shuckers from the South Coast, seafood experts, 25 regional brewers, wineries and distillers, a dozen Yuin cultural experiences and businesses, 26 local charities and community groups.
Rock Oyster Week, now in its second year, extended the celebration with 31 businesses across Eurobodalla, Shoalhaven and the Sapphire Coast offering oyster-led experiences in the week leading into the festival weekend.
“This year’s festival was also the biggest weekend of the financial year for Narooma, and we couldn’t do that without our volunteers. This incredibly generous and talented group of people gave around 5700 hours of their time and expertise, and they should be really proud of the feedback they receive from attendees.”
Looking ahead, she added: “From our Ultimate Oyster Experiences to cooking demonstrations and perfectly paired masterclasses, our program brought together Australia’s most respected oyster growers, chefs, producers, seafood specialists and makers of fine pours.
“Visitors arrived earlier, stayed longer and left happier, and with accommodation bookings already rolling in, 2026 is set to be another standout year.”
Dates are set for May 1-3, 2016 – subscribe for news here.
