A Slurp-Worthy Guide To Merimbula's Oyster Trail

The briny liquid contained in just-shucked Merimbula oysters is like the Champagne of the sea. Gain a new appreciation of this delicacy along the Sapphire Coast Oyster Merroir Tasting Trail.

Building an itinerary around Merimbula oysters means you can take in more of the territory by default. Merimbula seafood is the real deal and something you can experience everywhere from the Sapphire Coast Oyster Trail to local bars and restaurants and rustic oyster shacks overlooking the estuaries. Worth noting is the fact that Merimbula oysters reflect the quality of the pristine waters of Merimbula Lake, where the Thaua people of the Yuin nation have long been the Traditional Custodians of the land.

Whether you’re on a road trip around the NSW South Coast or on a guided tour, here’s where to get your fix of fresh Merimbula oysters and seafood.

Shucking oysters on the Sapphire Coast — Taste fresh-as-can-be oysters on the Sapphire Coast. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

The Oyster Barn at Merimbula Gourmet Oysters

There’s nothing fancy about this farm gate in Merimbula, which gets a guernsey above as one of the must-visit oyster farms near Merimbula on the South Coast. But The Oyster Barn deserves special mention as a destination for lunch, as it offers everything a seafood lover dreams of, namely the very best fresh oysters.

Fresh oysters on a platter at the Oyster Barn — The Oyster Barn delivers an unforgettable farmgate experience for oyster lovers. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

Order the signature seafood platter piled high with delights such as prawns, oysters and scallops, and settle in for the arvo over a brew or two.

Address: 49 Oyster Trak, Millingandi

Broadwater Oysters

The best way to experience Broadwater Oysters is by opting for the Tide-to-Table tour, which offers a trifecta of experiences. There’s a farm tour, where you will learn all about commercial oyster farming. A master class that breaks down the process of shucking the shellfish. And then, finally, an opportunity to slurp down a dozen of the best Sydney Rock oyster specimens at a table overlooking the pristine waters of Lake Pambula. You can also taste the merroir of Broadwater Oysters in situ on a specialty tour with Navigate Expeditions . The Kayak and Shuck experience on Pambula Lake is one of the best things to do in Merimbula.

Address: Shed 1/52 Landing Road, Broadwater

Wonbyn Rock Oysters

Kel and Caroline Henry are the husband-and-wife team behind Wonboyn Rock Oysters , located on the banks of beautiful Wonbyn Lake on the Sapphire Coast. You will find the couple, most likely wearing rubber boots and bibs, pootling about on their punts and working the chain-mail tumblers that are barnacled with bivalve molluscs.

an aerial view of the beautiful Wonbyn Lake on the Sapphire Coast — Find Wonboyn Rock Oysters on the banks of Wonbyn Lake on the Sapphire Coast. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

It’s a labour of love as the oysters take about three years to reach maturity. These are some of Australia’s most prized oysters, so head here during the harvest period to get the most out of your tour.

the Wonboyn Rock Oysters on the banks of Wonbyn Lake on the Sapphire Coast — Book a tour during harvest season to try some of Australia’s most prized oysters. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

Address: Myrtle Cove, Near the Wonboyn Lake Boat Ramp

Captain Sponge’s Magical Oyster Tour

A briny breeze will follow you around Pambula Lake when you’re motoring out to the oyster leases on a punt captained by the inimitable Captain Sponge. Brett Weingarth, aka Captain Sponge, has a lifetime of farming experience and is one of the stars of the annual EAT Merimbula festival.

Launch yourself headfirst into one of the on-the-water Captain Sponge’s Magical Oyster Tours from the foreshore of Pambula Lake. It is against the backdrop of the stunning Pambula River Mouth that you will learn the secrets behind successful oyster husbandry and sample the world-famous Sydney rock oyster.

eating fresh oysters during Captain Sponge’s Magical Oyster Tour around Pambula Lake — Indulge in Sydney rock oysters during the tour. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: Landing Road, Broadwater

Wheeler’s Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar

The Sapphire Coast’s world-famous Oyster Merroir Tasting Trail entices oyster lovers to explore Merimbula’s pristine natural environment. While there are a multitude of things to do in Merimbula, tasting oysters at the lagoons and lakes where they are farmed, has to be up there with the very best ways to experience NSW’s South Coast. Purchase oysters unopened to take back to your Airbnb in Merimbula or dine in the beautiful on-site venue, one of the best restaurants in Merimbula.

a plate of oysters at Wheelers Seafood Restaurant — Slurp on world-class oysters at Wheelers Seafood Restaurant. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

Address: 162 Arthur Kaine Drive, Pambula

Tathra Oysters

You are more than likely to find oyster farmers knee-deep in the water when you arrive at Nelson Lagoon, which is surrounded by a mess of trees within Mimosa Rocks National Park. Visit the ‘shellar door’ at Tathra Oysters between December and June to learn more about the merroir that defines the oysters grown in the pristine waterway.

The oysters produced by this family business are regarded as some of the best in the world and are only sold in prime condition. The Rodely family have been farming here for more than three decades. Order the oysters opened or unopened.

the Rodely family at Tathra Oysters — The Rodely family have been oyster farming for over 30 years. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

Address: 1 Reservoir St, Tathra

Wapengo Rocks

It’s a good look to practise the pronunciation of Wapengo (it’s Wop And Go) before you arrive at Wapengo Rocks looking like an absolute gumby in your Thai fisherman pants.

Wapengo Rocks was the first oyster farm to be certified organic in Australia. And while owner Shane Buckley’s farm isn’t open to the public, this stretch of the Sapphire Coast is worth a look – and you can taste Wapengo Oysters at Mimosa Wines. Merimbula Fresh Seafoods also stocks some of the best and freshest Merimbula seafood on offer.

Overhead view of Wapengo Rocks oysters at Mimosa Wines. — Taste the goods for yourself at Mimosa Wines. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

Address: 3 Alice St, Merimbula

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

A slurp-worthy guide to Merimbula’s oyster trail