Oysters Australia: Everything You Need to Know

If you love eating oysters, then here’s our guide to selecting the best oysters, how to shuck them, and serving and buying them in Australia.

About Oysters in Australia

Mussel and oyster farmers have struggled with flooding in south-eastern Australia and hospitality declines in the last couple of years. Buying a plate of shellfish is a highly sustainable choice and good for these communities.

Oysters can take around 3 years to grow ready for harvest. They are grown in rivers, lakes and bays. Did you know that oyster farming has a very low overall impact on our oceans?

“Oyster farming offers Indigenous communities the opportunity to establish a viable and culturally suitable aquaculture business that has minimal impact on the environment,” said Mark Furner.

Types of Oysters Available in Australia

Both native and invasive species (Pacific) of oysters are farmed in Australia. Three species naturally occur in Australia:

• Sydney rock oysters – east coast of Australia – sweet and creamy
• Flat or Angasi oysters – full-bodied and rich in flavour
• Silver-lipped pearl oysters (farmed for pearl production)

The peak season for Angasi oysters is from May to November.

“As someone who has also grown Sydney rock oysters and triploid pacific oysters, blacklips have proven to be an exceptional aquaculture species that compares more than favourably with their southern cousins in terms of farming and taste,” said Mr John Collison, a commercial blacklip oyster producer.

One of the best Australian sustainable oyster options is Akoya Oyster – aka Freshwater Pearl Oyster, Harvest Road Akoya Oyster from Western Australia.

How do you open an oyster?

You can shuck oysters, or freeze them and they will open as they thaw. They will last 5-7 days in the fridge when unshucked.

How do you serve oysters?

You can serve oysters natural and chilled. You can add a squeeze of lemon, or a vinegar-based sauce like a mignonette. The two most popular recipes are oysters Kilpatrick and oysters Rockefeller.

If you are serving them as an appetizer, plan on 2 to 3 oysters per person.

You may like to serve them on a dedicated Oyster wheel made from aluminium with a shucking knife or a butter knife.

Buy Oysters in Australia

Live oysters can be delivered anywhere in Australia and Asia within 30 hours ensuring you have a fresh product.

You can purchase oysters from your local supplier:

• Coffin Bay Pacific Oysters – Coffin Bay, SA
• Franks Oysters – Brisbane, QLD
• Moreton Bay Rock Oysters – Kooringal, QLD
• New South Wales Oysters – NSW
• Oysters South Australia
• Oysters Tasmania
• Signature Oysters – Batemans Bay, NSW

The Australian Marine Conservation Society’s GoodFish seafood guide can help you decide what’s the best sustainable seafood to purchase.