Food, produce and markets

Even if you’re not a foodie, you will be after visiting the beautiful Eurobodalla region of the NSW South Coast. There’s so much to get excited about, from farmers markets and cheese factories to freshly-shucked oysters, local seafood, bush honey, elegant wines and divine restaurants.

Shuck it to me

Batemans Bay is the heart of Australia’s Oyster Coast, where plump Clyde River oysters are harvested from pristine estuary waters. Other oyster-growing areas in Eurobodalla include the Tuross River Estuary at Tuross Head and the Wagonga Inlet in Narooma. The Narooma Oyster Festival in May is a local highlight and not to be missed.

To buy fresh oysters, visit Oyster Shed on Wray Street and the Pearly Oyster Bar and Farm in Batemans Bay. If it’s the whole seafood feast you’re hungering for then seat yourself at a breezy river view table at The River Moruya, which serves local produce with a French twist. Other local favourites are JJ's@The Marina in Batemans Bay, Tuross Boatshed & Cafe, and Quarterdeck in Narooma.

Farm fresh is best

SAGE Farmers Market is one of the best growers markets in Australia. The Welcome Bell sounds at 3pm every Tuesday at Riverside Park in Moruya and the rush is on to fill baskets with local cheese, herbs, vegetables, meat, artisan bread and freshly-shucked oysters. On Saturday, visit the Moruya Country Markets and the Tilba Growers Market for more delicious home-grown fare.

Feeling cheesy? You’re in the right place. Eurobodalla is one of Australia’s oldest dairying regions. In the charming village of Bodalla you can see the dairy production process in action at the Bodalla Dairy Cheese Factory and slurp down an old-fashioned milkshake at the cafe. In Central Tilba, take home a really special treat – unhomogenised Jersey milk cheese from Tilba Real Dairy.

And what goes with cheese?

Wine! Eurobodalla has rich soil that grapevines love. For a divine wine tasting visit the cellar door of Tilba Valley Winery & Ale House on the shores of Corunna Lake, just a few minutes from Central Tilba (where you bought your cheese!) There is a tasty lunch menu and live music every Sunday afternoon from 12.30.

Time to show off

The annual Eurobodalla Agricultural Show in January is the community’s celebration of regional life. It’s a traditional country show with wood chopping, horse jumping, farm animals, local stock competitions, carnival rides and family-friendly entertainment. And yes. And oyster, or two!