Best Seaside Towns For Mouth-watering Seafood

From rustic oyster shacks to smart casual beachside restaurants specialising in pipis, these 11 seaside towns give local seafood the royal treatment it deserves.

Home to an encyclopaedic range of fresh seafood envied worldwide, Australia’s coastline is the gift that keeps on giving. And while our state capitals are typically lavished with attention for their creative treatment of seafood, seaside towns across the country have slowly become destination dining spots in their own right, enabling diners to devour the freshest oysters, octopus, mussels, abalone and prawns you can get. Here are 11 of the best.

1. Apollo Bay, Vic

the exterior of al fresco seafood feast at the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op — Enjoy an al fresco seafood feast at the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Home to a cluster of cute cafes, boutiques and cosy pubs, this little seaside village is a prime pitstop for those tackling the Great Ocean Road.

It also just so happens to be the crayfish capital of the state and a haven for those seeking wildly fresh seafood.

The annual Apollo Bay Seafood Festival is a major drawcard, but you’ll find a seafood bounty here year-round. Sample Apollo Bay Bakery’s famous scallop pie, stuffed with whole Bass Strait scallops and roe. Unwrap a portion of Apollo Bay Seafood Cafe’s fish and chips with your toes in the sand of the village’s eponymous beach.

Wander to the edge of town for sunset and an al fresco seafood feast at the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op . Or go upscale and out of town to visit Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant , known for its seafood-leaning menu and beautiful views.

2. St Helens, Tas

boats docked at Georges Bay, St Helens — St Helens is a seafood powerhouse. (Image: Flow Mountain Bike)

The state’s saltwater game-fishing capital and an area known for its crays, St Helens in North East Tasmania, is a seafood powerhouse, not least because it boasts a wild array of dining options.

From humble waterfront fish punts where you can purchase fish freshly plucked from the ocean, or enjoy hot salty chips and battered fish, through to fine dining French restaurants that capitalise on the rich local oceanic pickings. Or cast your own line on a fishing charter .

Sea urchin is also commercially harvested in these parts, but it can be tricky to locate.

3. Portarlington, Vic

an aerial view of the Portarlington Pier — The seaside town of Portarlington is a haven for seafood. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The beautiful Bellarine is often overlooked in favour of its more swanky wine country cousin, the Mornington, which sits on the other side of Port Phillip Bay. But here you can expect the same alluring mix of hotels, restaurants and cellar doors, in addition to a thriving seafood industry.

In particular, Portarlington is known as the mussel capital of Victoria, if not the country, harvesting 60 per cent of Australia’s mussels. Gorge on these plump, sweet molluscs at rustic foreshore cafe The Little Mussel ; pick up a couple of freshly farmed kilos to take home and lavish with butter, garlic and white wine from pier pop-up Mr Mussel ; or head straight to the source with local farmer Lance and harvest (then devour) some for yourself.

Come January, the town celebrates these little bivalves with its annual Portarlington Mussel Festival .

4. Port Lincoln, SA

the Port Lincoln marina at sunset — Port Lincoln is known as the seafood capital of Australia. (Image: Isaac Forman)

Okay, technically speaking, it’s not a town, but it would be practically sacrilegious to pay homage to Australia’s best seafood spots without naming Port Lincoln.

Located on the biggest natural harbour in the country, and home to the largest commercial fishing fleet in the southern hemisphere, it’s known as the seafood capital of Australia.

In fact, the entire Eyre Peninsula has been referenced as Australia’s so-called ‘seafood frontier’ and is a dreamy little spot for a seafood safari.

The range of local catch here is huge, with everything from bluefin tuna to abalone, sand crabs, scallops, octopus, kingfish, sardines and more, sourced from the cool depths of Boston Bay.

Savour freshly shucked oysters and fish dressed up in every which way – from curries to risotto to a simple pan-sear – at Fumo 28 . Demolish a seafood platter at Del Giorno’s . Or experience true ocean-to-plate dining at The Fresh Fish Place’s in-house eatery.

5. Yamba, NSW

sunrise at Yamba Beach, NSW — Cruisy coastal vibes are one of Yamba’s main drawcards. (Image: Destination NSW)

This unassuming little town on the NSW north coast has long drawn keen surfers and in-the-know holidaymakers for its beautiful beaches and cruisy coastal vibes. Yet, perhaps its biggest draw is hidden in plain sight.

Part of the most productive fishing region in the state, the Clarence Valley, as well as NSW’s largest fishermen’s co-op , a trip to Yamba is a seafood lover’s dream.

Highlights include octopus, of which Yamba is the biggest producer on the East Coast, and the famous local Yamba king prawns.

But you can also find a whole host of other seafood here, from ocean school whiting to blue spotted flathead, Balmain bugs and the sweet Clarence River school prawns.

Keen anglers will have ample opportunity to land their own catch, whether deep-sea fishing or casting off from the beach or estuary. Or take the more relaxing route to a fish supper at one of the town’s stellar local restaurants.

6. Geraldton, WA

a rock lobster in Geraldton, WA — Geraldton is rich in rock lobsters. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

A rising star in Western Australia’s tourism scene, in the belly of the state’s midwest, Geraldton still lies a touch under the radar. But its triple threat of beautiful beaches, wildly fresh seafood and rich Aboriginal culture has earned it a rightful place as one to watch.

Western rock lobster is prized in these parts, and the Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative (GFC) is the largest processor and exporter of rock lobsters in the world.

And 60 kilometres west of Geraldton lies an archipelago whose name graces countless fine dining restaurant menus across the country – the Abrolhos Islands.

These pristine isles harbour an abundant supply of wild saucer scallops, known in the industry as some of the chunkiest, firmest and sweetest that exist.

Buy your rock lobster, octopus and pink snapper straight off the boat at Brolos Fresh , on the harbour, or head to neighbour Barnacles on the Wharf for freshly cooked fish and chips or the signature lobster roll.

7. Port Douglas, Qld

a beach in Port Douglas, QLD — Port Douglas packs a delicious punch. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Don’t be deceived by Port Douglas’ small size. This tiny tropical town packs a delicious punch when it comes to impressive food and wine experiences. And beautifully prepared seafood is where Port Douglas really shines.

Salsa is a firm local favourite, and Nautilus , with its secluded deck enveloped by lush greenery and seafood-forward degustation menu, is another frontrunner. Melaleuca , meanwhile, is the place to go for Asian-inspired seafood dishes and a modern indoor-outdoor dining space.

Mud crabs are something of a local delicacy, in their plumpest prime from August through summer. You’ll find them on many local restaurant menus, but Wrasse & Roe is known for doing a mean wok-tossed, chilli-laced rendition.

More intrepid travellers can head out and comb the coastline for muddies themselves, or try spearfishing under the expert guidance of Kuku Yalanji elders .

8. Mooloolaba, Qld

spanner crabs in Mooloolaba — Spanner crabs are harvested in the pristine waters of Mooloolaba. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

A holiday on the Sunny Coast promises the holy trinity of surefire summer holidays: Tiffany Blue waters lapped by white sands, warmly welcoming towns and a glut of great local seafood.

While you can find all kinds of crustaceans and fish (think swordfish, calamari, goldband snapper, oysters and Balmain bugs) on this iconic stretch of Aussie coastline, the jewel in this town’s crown is, without doubt, the Mooloolaba king prawn. Such is the pride in this locally sourced prawn that in 2008, locals gave these crustaceans a rebrand, changing the name from ‘eastern king prawn’.

Feast on plate loads of these juicy, moreish and delicately sweet fruits of the sea at perennially popular haunt Prawn Star . Putting a whole new spin on the term ‘trawler to table’, this wharf-based eatery features a pared-back menu, serving up cold seafood platters (prawns, oyster, crayfish, bugs and sashimi salmon only) from the seats of its permanently moored floating restaurant, housed within a bespoke timber fishing trawler.

Mooloolaba is graced with plenty of top-notch dining options, many of which feature seafood heavily.

9. Stanley, Tas

the Hursey Seafoods in Tas — Order freshly caught crayfish at Hursey Seafoods. (Image: Lusy Productions)

With its trademark cool, clean air and waters, it’s practically a given that Tassie would offer gold-standard seafood to boot.

A state that lives and breathes the ‘locally sourced’ mantra, you could head in almost any direction and find fresh seafood still dripping with saltwater. But Stanley in the isle’s remote northwestern corner is a standout for three reasons: oysters, abalone and crayfish.

Tasmania has the world’s largest wild abalone fishery, responsible for some 25 per cent of the total annual global production – yet much of it is exported. At Hursey Seafoods , however, this revered mollusc is on high rotation, pan-seared and drenched in garlic butter. Freshly caught crayfish is another speciality here, as the large fibreglass cray on its roof attests.

Tarkine Fresh Oysters in neighbouring Smithton is home to seriously fresh oysters, best devoured in a ‘Tarkine Taster’ with 12 different toppings.

10. Narooma, NSW

fresh oysters at the Narooma Oyster Festival — Don’t pass up the chance to slurp fresh oysters. (Image: Narooma Oyster Festival)

Surrounded by ocean, lakes and rivers, Narooma is an obvious candidate for seafood supremacy. And with its sailboats bobbing around in the marina, pelicans gliding overhead, and oyster sheds tucked in by the water’s edge, this sleepy town in southern New South Wales is easy on the eye too.

As the annual Narooma Oyster Festival might suggest, the briny bivalves are a staple here, and there are a number of oyster farm gates to visit. Narooma Bridge Oysters is a rustic little spot right next to the water’s edge, with supremely fresh takeaway oysters on offer.

For something a little more upscale, pull up a pew at The Oyster Farmer’s Daughter , which offers cocktails, a smattering of hot seafood dishes and occasional live music.

With a fleet of new eateries opened by hospo heavyweight Merivale in 2021, including scenic seafood-centred The Quarterdeck , the region’s allure has dialled up a few notches.

11. Goolwa, SA

a dining setup at Kuti Shack overlooking Goolwa Beach — Dine on Goolwa pipis at Kuti Shack. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission / Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism)

The bountiful Fleurieu Peninsula strikes again. Beyond its booming boutique wine industry and long-cemented paddock-to-plate dining philosophy, this bucolic maritime region has yet another string to its bow: pipis.

At smart-casual restaurant Kuti Shack , nestled in the dunes at Goolwa Beach, overlooking the very stretch of sand where it hand harvests the Goolwa pipi, these slightly sweet, slightly nutty plump little bivalves are afforded the special treatment they deserve.

Dine on crowd-pleasing pipi linguine, pipis drenched in XO sauce, or any number of other seasonal catches such as flathead tacos, kingfish sashimi or tiger prawn gow gee.

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.

Discover the 11 best seaside towns for mouth-watering seafood