The Narooma Oyster Festival has firmly established its place as a powerhouse for the regional economy, marking a third consecutive year of growth in 2024. The not-for-profit organisation reported significant increases in economic impact, interstate visitors and length of stay – culminating in a memorable event had by all.
Held annually on the first weekend in May, the 2024 festival injected a record $4 million into the local economy. Visitors stayed an average of four nights with an additional $630,000 spent around town. Employment also saw a boost, with festival planning and delivery generating the equivalent of 29 full-time local jobs within the Eurobodalla Shire.
Over the past three years, a strategy-driven growth surge has positioned the Narooma Oyster Festival as the largest food and wine event in southern NSW. Its reputation now stretches beyond the township of Narooma to oyster farms across Australia, eat streets in our capitals and to oyster hotspots in Ireland, New Zealand and New York.
Ultimate Oyster Experiences are the Festival’s signature tasting masterclass.
For Narooma itself, the festival’s economic benefits surpass the Christmas – New Year period, making the festival the second-largest economic driver after Easter according to Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Localis Report. Benefits extend beyond hospitality and accommodation sectors to trades and services such as printers, electricians, plumbers and even furniture removalists.
The festival’s economic benefits have surpassed even the Christmas – New Year period, becoming the region’s second-largest economic driver after Easter, according to Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Localis Report. Beyond hospitality and accommodation, the festival stimulates trades and services, benefiting printers, electricians, plumbers, and furniture removalists alike.
A community organisation with a focus on Rock Oysters, jobs growth and regional development, one of the festival’s greatest strengths lies in its relationships with oyster farmers. They are part of every aspect of the program, from the market-style experience of Oyster Farmers Alley, a key driver for visitors, to the quirky Australia’s Biggest Oyster which set a new world record this year. Additionally the renowned Australia’s Oyster Shucking Championships offer the winner a coveted spot at the World Oyster Opening Championships in Ireland.
Visitors flocked from Sydney, Canberra, Illawarra and Shoalhaven, with 86% of attendees hailing from outside Narooma’s postcode and booking up 96% of accommodation. “I’d like to know where that other 4% was – I could have filled those rooms with extra guests,” said Cath Peachey, chair of Narooma Rocks which delivers the event.
Looking ahead to 2025, the festival is has a focus on increasing length of stay and dispersal including accommodation nearby towns and villages and coaches from Batemans Bay, Bermagui and Merimbula.
Reflecting on the festival’s growth, Cath said, “It’s quite remarkable to look back on the growth of the festival.” “In 2021, the festival brought $1.8 million to the town, with visitors staying an average of three nights. Now, the economic impact has doubled, and people are staying longer to explore our community’s culinary, natural, and cultural experiences.”
OYSTER FARMERS ALLEY: Festival goers can interact directly with oyster farmers, tasting a variety of Rock, Angasi and Pacific Oysters from more than a dozen estuaries.
The festival positions Narooma and the Eurobodalla region as the heart of Rock Oyster Country – a premier destination for oyster lovers seeking a deep dive into a merroir already well known to chefs and oyster sommeliers across the country.
That deep dive comes with a big appetite, with attendees showing their love for local produce by consuming a record 63,000 oysters from nine estuaries in just 12.5 hours.
“The seemingly quiet Wagonga Inlet is one of the biggest producers of Rock Oysters in New South Wales,” Cath said.
“This year we introduced new oysters from Wallis Lakes, and welcomed back growers from nearby estuaries Clyde River at Batemans Bay, Tuross and Wapengo, Merimbula and Pambula Lakes.”
The 2024 festival showcased oysters from nine NSW estuaries and 10 growers, including medallists or former champions of the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show, 24 beverage producers and an array of local produce which included sea urchins, tuna, kelp and dairy.
“Feedback from everyone – visitors, sponsors, producers, and chefs – has been overwhelmingly positive,” Cath said. “Whale Coast Realty reported its busiest weekend in 40 years, and Lynch’s Hotel recorded its biggest Saturday night since being acquired by Merivale.
NAROOMA BETTA HOME LIVING COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS: Long term support from Narooma Betta has helped to turn the cooking demonstrations into a popular highlight with a high calibre of visiting and local chefs. In 2025 the line-up includes Courtney Roulston, Analiese Gregory, Al Brown, Al Newbold and more to be announcced.
“Our aim is to become Australia’s greatest ‘shellabration’, a must-do for oyster lovers worldwide. We’re excited to build on this momentum while staying true to what makes Narooma and the festival so special.”
The 2024 festival also advanced its sustainability efforts, saving over 1.02 tonnes of oyster shells from landfill thanks to the Zero Hero Volunteers led by Alex King from Eurobodalla Shire Council. The shells were repurposed for oyster reef restoration, continuing the festival’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Planning for 2025 is well underway, with tickets available now.
Dates for the festival are May 2 to 3, with Rock Oyster Week from April 26.
WORLD OYSTER OPENING CHAMPIONSHIPS: James Hazell Australia’s Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Ireland with Australian Oyster Shucking Champion Gerard Doody Dennis in September 2024.
