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

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

A slurp-worthy guide to Merimbula’s oyster trail