[dropcap]Besides[/dropcap] the location and breathtaking ocean views, nothing speaks of the magic of NSW’s Sapphire Coast better than its local produce (especially for a foodie), and one standout produce from the Sapphire Coast’s immaculate waters are its exceptional oysters.

Oyster farms are nestled across the landscape, including Tathra, Bermagui, Merimbula, Pambula and Wonboyn, where you’ll find a subtle difference in each harvest. ¹

Tathra Oysters is the award winning producer of Sydney Rock oysters grown in the pristine waters of Nelson’s Lake in Mimosa Rocks National Park by the Rodelys. Their “little shop behind the house” is a famous local attraction and is a perfect place to visit and purchase fresh opened oysters when you’re in town.

The shop is located on Resevoir Street, off Tathra Road. If you’re driving into Tathra from Bega or Merimbula, it’s the first street on the right. You’ll quite easily see their sign, please view the map below. ²

On a recent trip to Tathra (last week in mid autumn/early April), we visited the Tathra Oysters shop and had the pleasure of tasting their fine bivalve produce. The “Bistro” oysters that we chose were simply sublime; fresh, moist, delicate marine lumps encased in protective armours. For us, the oysters were a perfect blend of creaminess, saltiness and sweetness. Every mouthful was a sensational experience that had us in rapture.

We are far from being oyster connoisseurs but we have enjoyed a number and variety of oysters in our time. And whilst we respect the fact that the perfect flavour/taste of oysters is subjective, we can confidently say that Tathra Oysters are truly excellent quality with the most delicate flavours. We think they’re the best oysters we’ve ever tasted, so far, hands down.

The Rodelys state that they do very little different to other oyster farmers in the growing of their oysters, and what makes their oysters so special is the pristine environment in which they grow.

The secret to our success then is in our unique location. Tathra Oysters are grown in Nelsons Lake in the middle of Mimosa Rocks National Park. Oysters are very much products of their environment and no other oysters in NSW are grown in such pristine wilderness as the Tathra Oysters farms. ³

Naturally, with quality produce comes industry recognition and Tathra Oysters have received over 130 awards, including:

• Australia’s Best Product “From the Sea” 2012 ABC Delicious Produce Awards.
• Awards of Outstanding Excellence at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Shows 2004 & 2007.
• Inaugural President’s Medal 2006 (Royal Agricultural Society of NSW). ⁴

The 2006 Inaugural President’s Medal in particular (the highest accolade of the NSW Royal Agricultural Society) has been praised by journalists, judges and politicians, including:

• “The biggest thing for Aquaculture in the last 20 years.” ~ John Susman, Head Judge, Aquaculture. RAS.
•  “Tathra Oysters have been named supreme food champion, Australia’s champion food.” ~ Sue Bennett, Sydney Daily Telegraph.
•  “The best thing you can win at the Royal Easter Show.” ~ Jason Morrison, Radio 2UE. ⁵

Tathra Oysters are available from December through to June, with the season being longer in milder conditions. ⁶ They are supplied to a small number of local and exclusive city restaurants, including Otto and Rockpool in Sydney. Be sure to keep your eye out for these incredible oysters to taste the quality and difference.

Tathra Oysters are also available by mail order which you can place by phone, mail or fax. And of course, if you happen to meander into Tathra during the season, simply pop into the shop and purchase these special oysters straight from the Rodelys. If you love the taste of oysters, you owe it to yourself to try Tathra Oysters and see just how delicious they truly are.

Did you know?

1. Casanova, the 18th century lover who used to breakfast on 50 oysters has been vindicated by a study that proves that they really are aphrodisiacs. ⁷

Tathra Oysters
Shop: 1 Reservoir Street, Tathra, NSW, Australia
Phone: (02) 6494 1453
Website: http://www.tathraoysters.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tathraoysters