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.

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.

Join a farm-to-table tour at Broadwater Oysters. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

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.

Motor out to the oyster leases on Pambula Lake onboard Captain Sponge’s Magical Oyster Tour. (Image: Destination NSW)

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.

Scoop up a handful of Tathra Oysters. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

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 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 Lake produces some of the best rock oysters. (Image: David Rogers Photography)

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

Looking for markets in Merimbula and beyond? We’ve rounded up 12 markets in the seaside village worth driving for.

A visit to Merimbula markets is a must for roadtrippers. In fact, it’s a great excuse to explore more of the NSW South Coast. Here’s our guide to the many markets in and around Merimbula.

1. Farm on the Green

This urban farm at Club Sapphire Merimbula grows local and seasonal produce on top of the undercover car park on the old bowling green of Club Sapphire. Farm on the Green attracts Merimbula locals on a mission to lower their food miles and invest in chemical and pesticide-free produce. Staying in Merimbula for a few weeks? You can buy fresh produce from the farm gate every Sunday. And you can also participate in regular working bees to maintain the rooftop garden.

Fresh produce awaits at Farm on the Green.

Where: On top of the Club Sapphire, Main Street, Merimbula
When: Sundays 9.30am–11am

2. Merimbula Seaside Market

Merimbula hums with young hipster energy. You might have seen them the night before serving up natural wines at Bar Superette, one of the best bars in Merimbula. Or heading out for a surf at nearby Main Beach earlier that morning. They’re also here being all wholesome picking up fresh produce in their overalls. In addition to selling fresh produce, Merimbula Rotary Market has jewellery, plants, books, crafts and curios. It also has a playground, ocean-viewing platforms, BBQ and picnic area.

Where: Ford Park, Merimbula (between Fishpen’s and Main Beach)
When: Third Sunday of every month; 8am–noon

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Fold Sapphire Coast (@thefold.sapphirecoast)

3. Candelo Market

Candelo Markets draws a convivial local crowd who come to talk, shop and gossip. Artists, writers, farmers, tree-changers converge here in an unapologetically country aesthetic of floppy hats and Blundstones.

BYO picnic rug and sprawl alongside them on the lawn at Loftus Park to enjoy riverside performances by roaming musicians and entertainers. After refuelling on great food and coffee, fill your basket to the brim with seasonal produce designed to inspire that day’s dinner.

Spend a cosy Sunday at Candelo markets.

Where: William St, Candelo (Town Hall and Loftus Park)
When: First Sunday of every month; from 8.30am

4. Pambula Village Market

No trip to Merimbula is complete without a side trip to Pambula Village Market where the cast of local characters look like extras on The Drover’s Wife. The first place to pause is at the absolutely iconic sausage sizzle, which supports the Rotary Club of Pambula. Pick up preserves, pickles, jams, saucy spices, olive oil, meat, seafood and cakes. The market also sells upcycled clothing, hand-carved leather goods, jewellery and bric-a-brac.

Where: Toallo St, Pambula (on the local sportsground)
When: Second Sunday of every month; 8am-1pm

5. Wyndham Village Market

Wend along the quiet streets of Wyndham to find this charming all-weather village market located far from the crazed honking of highway traffic. Freshen up on the town’s very own specialty coffee blend while listening to the delightful warbling of the local muso of the month. Many of those selling produce at Wyndham Village Market belong to generations of farmers selling seasonal specialties. The market also sells crafts and homemade treats such as jams and sauces.

Where: Cnr Clarke & Gordon Streets, Wyndham
When: Fourth Sunday of every month; 8.30am-1pm

6. Bermagui Market

The Bega Valley is known as being one of NSW’s most bountiful food bowls. And Bermagui Market should be on every NSW South Coast road trip itinerary. The fact it’s held at the scenic grounds of Dickinson Park makes it a picturesque place to hang out as much as buy fresh produce. In Bermagui, the market doubles as a hub as locals stop to chat in between wandering around the stalls selling fruit, vegetables and flowers. There are also homemade products and preserves. And the blissful setting comes with a sea breeze.

Local flavours at Bermagui Markets.

Where: Dickinson Park, Lamont St
When: Last Sunday of every month; from 8.30am-12.30pm

7. Bermagui Growers & Makers Market

This vibrant seasonal market is the kind of place where fresh blooms of dahlias sit alongside ready-to-eat meals and arts and craft. It’s crawling with well-heeled Canberrans testing out the range of their new Teslas and filling their frunks (front trunks) with flowers and food.

Load up with the freshest seasonal vegetables from Field Bucket Farms, fermented foods from Faraway Farm Foods and Mystery Bay Kelp seasonings. Visiting the NSW South coast markets is one of the best things to do in Merimbula.

Where: Bermagui Country Club
When: Every Thursday, from October to April; 3.30pm–5.30pm

8. Eden Community Market

There’s nothing that washes away big-city life stressors than a mooch around a country market. There are a lot of great places to eat and drink in Merimbula. But there’s nothing more nostalgic than scarfing down a sausage with sauce at an Eden Community Market stall. Wander amid the pyramids of fruit and towering displays of vegetables. Check out the local crafts. Listen to lively music and spicy gossip. And fossick for a bargain amid the bric-a-brac.

Where: Chandos St, Eden
When: Third Saturday of the month.

9. The Little Market

Follow the food-obsessed to the Honorbread courtyard in Bunga St while on the hunt for new obsessions. Do a vox pop of a panel of local experts and you’ll find the pain au chocolat from Honorbread a fantastic version of this fine French fare. From then on, just freewheel about the space spending time to pause at the stalls that have become fixtures at The Little Market. Gather here for gluten-free goodies, goat’s milk soap, Bodalla cherries, salads and greens and full-cream Tilba Milk.

Where: Bunga St courtyard
When: 9am-noon

10. Bega Produce Market

Big ups to Bega and its burgeoning list of growers and makers who have established one of the best markets on NSW’s Sapphire Coast. And hats off to the hardcore locals who shop here each week to support the local farmers. You see them arriving here at sun-up in a convoy of vans jam-packed with fresh produce. The goal with NSW South Coast markets such as this is to continue to educate consumers about where their food comes from. Buy a knitted beanie so you look the part.

Where: Littleton Gardens, Bega
When: Every Friday, 8am–1pm

11. Cobargo Market

Don’t forget your retro nanna trolley so you can move around the weekly farmers’ market in Cobargo with ease. Head to Cobargo after you’ve sorted your daily coffee needs in Merimbula so you’ll be good and ready to devour a few treats. Select a bunch of carrots. A chunky bouquet of broccolini. Procure some vintage vinyl. And then explore the town’s cool little eateries, galleries and heritage buildings.

Where: Main street of Cobargo
When: Every Saturday; 8am–1pm

12. Nethercote Fresh Food Market (quarterly)

The mission behind Nethercote Fresh Food Market is to encourage locals to grow their own food. The gardens supplying the produce vary from single beds to orchards and the produce is sold on the communal growers’ stall. The food is plucked the night before to ensure it’s in peak condition and the colourful fruit and vegetables on display are a feast for the senses. This market is about more than the produce. It’s about the people. Stay for the Market Hamper Raffle, which is drawn at noon each market day.

Where: Nethercote Hall, cnr of Nethercote and Back Creek Roads, Nethercote
When: Fourth Saturday of January, April, July, October; 8am–noon

A slurp-worthy guide to Merimbula’s oyster trail