Growing your own oysters with The Oysterfarm, Wooli

They're here!

The G-man's email was simple. Oysters. His place. Wednesday.

I still remember the mobile phone call earlier this year. "Helen?" he'd asked, his constant smile audibly playing in his voice. "You like oysters, don't you..."

"Err... yes," I'd replied.

"Would you be interested in five dozen? Ones you grow?"

It didn't take me long to realise he was talking about The Oysterfarm, a system where you pay to grow your Sydney Rock oysters. A plot of three-year-old oysters are nurtured by farmers for a year and then, when they're determined to be at their prime condition, they're delivered fresh to your door.

I'd declined at the time but the G-man hadn't. He'd patiently and generously invested in ten dozen oysters with a friend. Suddenly it was time for the babies to come home and we were invited! G-man we love you!


Shucking oysters

The un-opened oysters arrive in a special container with oyster gloves and an oyster knife. I've brought along my own oyster shucker which is just as well as the oyster knife provided isn't that great, a little thin in the blade whereas mine is thicker and sharper with a larger thumb shield. I open two oysters but Pig Flyin' turns out to be the champion oyster shucker, opening them with ease amidst earnest claims it's only his first time. Really, we're not surprised.

Pig Flyin' says he goes in at the hinge, sliding in the blade and then turning it like a key. We just nod and smile with anticipation.



And the oysters? One word. Wow. The table is buzzing with loud exclamations, satisfied crooning and quiet sighs of satisfaction. The fresh oysters are plump and firm, awash in a sweet and salty natural brine that instantly transports you to the sea.

Nothing beats a freshly opened Sydney Rock oyster, and nothing beats having great foodie friends who are more than happy to share! Thanks G-man!


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Oysters must be ordered at the beginning of the season (November to February) and will be available sometime during November to February in the following year. You can monitor the progress of various oysters online and visit your own oysters in person if you make an appointment.

10 dozen oysters costs $250.

The Oysterfarm
Riverside Drive, Wooli, NSW
Tel: +61 (02) 9399 3599 or +61 (02) 6649 7355

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Oysters at Mooney Mooney (Oct08)
Oysters at Mooney Mooney (Sep07)