They’re slimy, they’re beige and, technically, they’re alive when you eat them. Oysters; you either love them or hate them. And we love them.

We’re incredibly lucky to have some of the world’s best oysters right here in Australia; the South Coast of New South Wales especially.

We’re also suckers for a good South Coast road trip, and if we were planning one solely around this delectable mollusk, here’s exactly where we’d go. While this road trip starts in the north and heads south, it’s totally doable in the other direction, too.

Greenwell Point

Where is it? 2.5 hours south of Sydney

Just before reaching the beautiful beaches of Jervis Bay, Greenwell Point sits between the Shoalhaven River and Crookhaven River. At this point where freshwater rivers meet the salty sea, oysters thrive. If you’re getting peckish after the drive from Sydney, you’ll find a few local shops selling fresh Sydney Rock and Pacific oysters.

Stop at: Jim Wild’s Oysters

This family-owned oyster farm has been shucking oysters for almost 40 years. A simple set-up of some picnic tables along the river (and inside the shed if you’re unlucky like us and arrive in the rain) are a bit makeshift but add to the no-fuss experience.

There may not be tablecloths or a matching wine list, but they do serve some damn-good sea food. When we visited, along with oysters, they served up fresh prawns and baked scallops that were better than many we’ve had in high-end Sydney restaurants.

Address: Lot 2/170 Greens Road, Greenwell Point, New South Wales 2540

✅ We’ve been here!

Stop at: Crookhaven Rokk Oysters

Just down the road from Jim Wild’s is Crookhaven, another local oyster farmer serving up locally farmed oysters, along with prawns and even smoked oysters when available.

Although we’re yet to visit ourselves, reviewers say the spot is picturesque, the oysters are fresh and the service is friendly. Next time we’re in town, we’ll happily pop in for a dozen (or two).

Address: Lot 2/170 Greens Road, Greenwell Point, New South Wales, 2540

🔜 We’ve haven’t been here yet, but it’s on our list !

Other than oysters, what’s there do do in Greenwell Point?

There’s a waterfront bowls club, if you’re up for a seaside, post-oyster sparkling wine or proper pub meal. Otherwise, it’s a 15-minute drive to Culburra Beach from here.

Batemans Bay

Where is it? 3.5 hours south of Sydney.

The further south you get, the lower the oyster prices get. And Bateman’s Bay seems to be the point where that begins.

Just before you get to town you’ll hit the first farm in town. And of course, we stopped here.

But there’s more than just oysters in Bateman’s; it’s home to some lovely beaches, waterfront restaurants serving up fresh seafood and is one of the last larger towns as you continue south from Sydney if you need to do much shopping or pick up any supplies.

Oyster Shed on Wray

Perched right on the water’s edge, settings for oyster farms don’t get much more picturesque than this. Enjoy your oysters in the sun while looking at the very waters they were pulled from. The bright-blue shed offers a few varieties of oysters along with other seafood options, while the Farm Gate next door serves up cafe basics and hot coffees.

Address: 5 Wray St, Batemans Bay New South Wales 2536

✅ We’ve been here!

Other than oysters, what’s there do do in Bateman’s Bay?

Surrounded by beaches and national parks, Bateman’s Bay is an ideal stopping point heading to or from Sydney. Nearby, you’ll a also find Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens and Mogo Wildlife Park.

Narooma

Where is it? 4.5 hours south of Sydney

This small down has become a bit of a Hemmes-haven, with multiple Merivale venues setting up shop in the otherwise sleepy South Coast town. What does that mean? You’ll have plenty of trendy dining options that’ll make you feel like you’re somehow both still in Sydney but a world away at the same time. In the best way possible.

Oyster Farmer’s Daughter

Found in the most perfect riverside location, next to impossibly blue waters, this quirky-yet-chic, farm-meets-urban outdoor eatery just seems to do everything perfectly. With furniture that doesn’t match, but sits together perfectly, the Oyster Farmer’s Daughter serves up fresh seafood and, of course, plenty of oysters.

Best visited on a sunny day, the restaurant has outdoor seating and, at least when we visited, live music to perfect the mood. We highly recommend checking it out when you’re in town.

Address: 279 Riverview Road, North Narooma, New South Wales 2546

✅ We’ve been here!

Oyster Festival

Yes, a whole festival dedicated to the not-so-humble oyster. Taking place in early May, there’s music, wine, beer, local food and, of course, plenty of oysters.

To be honest, the reviews we’ve read about the oyster festival are quite mixed; especially as entry isn’t free. And the fact that it’s during the off-season doesn’t exactly have us packing our bags to check it out. But, if you’re a real oyster fan, or are already in the area, you may want to give it a go.

Address: Quota Park, 19 Riverside Drive, Narooma, New South Wales 2546

🔜 We’ve haven’t been here yet.

Other than oysters, what’s there do do in Narooma?

Swimming with seals at Montague Island is what actually drew us to Narooma, but the overall atmosphere, beautiful beaches, restaurants and laid-back coastal vibe are what makes us want to go back.

Tathra

Where is it? 5.5 hours south of Sydney.

Travel just one hour, multiple national parks and countless beaches south of Narooma, you’ll find Tathra.

Tathra Oysters

It’s not just the prices, but the quality here that you’ll be shocked by. For the price of just two or three oysters in the city, you’ll get a full dozen of unbelievably fresh and shucked oysters.

This award-winning oyster farm serves them by the dozen out of a garage in town. If you can manage not to devour them then and there, take them over to Tathra Headland for a picnic overlooking the Pacific. It’s a just-about-perfect way to end this oyster-fueled road trip.

Address: 1 Reservoir Street, Tathra, New South Wales, 2550

✅ We’ve been here!

Other than oysters, what’s there do do in Tathra?

Check out the picturesque wharf (which houses a cafe and fishing piers), walk along Kangarutha Track in Bournda National Park or grab a pint at the heritage-listed Tathra Hotel.

Map of this South Coast oyster road trip

Common questions about visiting the South Coast for oysters

When is the best time to visit for South Coast oysters?

Although they’re available year-round, summer and autumn are some of the best times to visit and to enjoy oysters on the South Coast.

In 2025, both Tathra Oysters’ and Jim Wild’s seasons ended in July. And you probably don’t want to drive all that way to be disappointed. Plus, if you’re looking for something to do between shooting oysters (let’s face it, you’ll probably need a few breaks!), then late-summer is a great time to go. This is when the water at beaches is at its warmest, and outdoor temperatures are pleasant for coastal hikes.

Why is this such a popular place for oysters to grow?

Oysters grow best in brackish water, and as the Eurobodalla and the Sapphire Coast is home to plenty of estuaries, it’s an ideal place for growing oysters.

What type of oysters come from the South Coast of New South Wales?

You’ll generally find Sydney Rock Oysters are the main event in these parts.

Where to go next…