The New South Wales South Coast is renowned for its oysters, which regularly take home awards for their creaminess and flavour.
Eurobodalla is one of the few places you can sample all three types grown in the state: Sydney rock oysters, famed for their complex flavours and lingering sweetness; the slightly larger and firmer Pacific oysters, which have an addictively fresh, salty flavour; and the rare Angasi, a flat native oyster that is full-bodied and rich.
Held on the first weekend of May every year, the Narooma Oyster Festival offers the ultimate opportunity to taste the region’s shellfish bounty while enjoying cooking demonstrations and other live entertainment. But there are plenty of other places to slurp down Eurobodalla oysters, and sign up for oyster industry-based activities, throughout the year. Here are just a few to add to your list, from north to south.
Batemans Bay Oysters
On the north bank of the beautiful Clyde River in Batemans Bay, enjoy freshly-shucked oysters with sublime river views at the Oyster Shed on Wray St. You can also purchase unopened oysters to enjoy later from the Oyster Shed or from the Pearly Oyster Bar in town.
Local oysters also star on most local restaurant menus, with a few top spots to try them including waterfront restaurants Starfish, JJ’s at the Marina, and the more casual Boatshed, which also sells oysters to takeaway.
If you’re interested to learn more about the local oyster industry, sign up for a Clyde River oyster tasting kayak tour with local operator Region X, which will see you paddle past working oyster farms, gain an insight to the lives of local oyster farmers, and taste some of their finest oysters.
Moruya and Tuross Head
A memorable meal at renowned Moruya fine diner The River Moruya typically begins a selection of succulent local oysters, usually plucked from nearby Tuross Lake.
Known for their creamy, fruity taste, Tuross oysters can also be sampled at Tuross Head’s Pickled Octopus Thai restaurant, and at the Tuross Boatshed & Cafe, both of which overlook the serene turquoise lake.
You can also pick up opened or unopened oysters from John & Willy’s in Moruya.
Narooma Oysters
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to oyster sampling options in gorgeous Narooma. Among the newest and most atmospheric spots to get shucking is the Oyster Farmers Daughter, a boutique food trailer parked in a stunning location on Narooma’s Wagonga Inlet, where you can choose from a range of local seafood dishes – including Sydney rock oysters farmed by the Coxon family – and soak up the scenery in the eclectic outdoor café area. In town, grab oysters to go from Narooma Bridge Seafoods, The Inlet, Montague Oysters or Narooma Seafood. You’re also likely to find oysters on the menu at local restaurants including The Quarterdeck and Queen Chow
You can also learn how local oysters are cultivated while sampling local delights on an oyster tour on Wagonga Inlet.
As you explore the Eurobodalla region, keep your eyes peeled for signs for roadside stalls and farm gates, where you can pick up a few dozen oysters for a great bargain.
