Fresh Oysters, Port StephensCredit: Destination NSW
From oysters to crabs, seafood stars in Port Stephens.
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From plump oysters grown and harvested just offshore to juicy prawns, crabs, tuna and trevally, Port Stephens — a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney — doesn’t disappoint when it comes to seafood. Yes, there are fine-dining waterside restaurants where you can sit down to an unforgettable meal. But there are also fishing huts and markets and queue-worthy fish-and-chip shacks where an ocean-fresh meal costs next to nothing. Read on for top spots to enjoy a taste of the region.
Little Beach Boathouse
From its waterside setting in Nelson Bay to its nautical décor — all crisp whites, gold and blue — the Little Beach Boathouse is like the sea in a snapshot. And then there’s the menu, which focuses on using fresh local produce sourced direct from regional fisherman or growers. Savour a platter of creamy oysters, scallops cooked in the half shell, squid-ink spaghetti with king prawns and clams, or the house specialty salt-and-pepper squid. Below Deck, an alfresco space on the lower deck of the restaurant’s Little Beach Marina, is more informal and is also the perfect perch for oysters and wine as the sun sets.
Nelson Bay Fish Market
Right on the wharf at Nelson Bay, where many trawlers unload their daily catch, the Nelson Bay Fish Market is the first port of call among those looking for ocean-fresh seafood. Stop by to pick up flavour-packed prawns, whole fish or fillets, oysters shucked to order and local lobsters — you can also arrange seafood platters on request. Next door at Bub’s Fish and Chips you can buy cold and hot seafood, including indulgent platters (try the Deadliest Catch, with oysters, prawns, octopus, calamari, scallops and crab) and what many regard as the tastiest fish and chips in town.
Holberts Oyster
Family-owned Holberts Oyster in Salamander Bay has been growing and shucking flavourful molluscs for five generations. You can take away a dozen or two, along with other seafood from its retail outlet, which doubles as its factory and farm. Or order them with a bottle of wine and enjoy an alfresco feast overlooking the waters of Cromarty Bay — the views are almost as good as the produce on your plate.
Little Beach Boathouse, Nelson Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Fresh local oysters available at Little Beach Boathouse, Nelson Bay.
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Little Beach Boathouse, Nelson Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Fresh local oysters available at Little Beach Boathouse, Nelson Bay.
Nelson Bay Fish Market, Port Stephens Credit: Destination Port Stephens
Fresh seafood at Nelson Bay Fish Market.
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Nelson Bay Fish Market, Port Stephens Credit: Destination Port Stephens
Fresh seafood at Nelson Bay Fish Market.
Rick Stein at Bannisters Port Stephens
Celebrity chef Rick Stein has travelled the world on the hunt for the best seafood, and has written books, penned recipes and shot TV shows about his culinary adventures. Needless to say, he knows a thing or two about the protein, and delivers a standout menu heroing it at his restaurant in the luxe Bannisters Port Stephens hotel. Order oysters on ice, Nelson Bay tuna sashimi, blue swimmer crab with Singapore-style chilli sauce or shellfish soup. This is a feast you won’t forget in a hurry.
Shoal Bay Country Club
Port Stephens has its fair share of restaurants with a view. But for a lofty perspective, it’s hard to look past the legendary Shoal Bay Country Club. The establishment is open early, but come for lunch or dinner to dine on the patio overlooking the water, with a side of beer-battered fish and chips, perhaps, or the bulging deluxe seafood platter: whole lobster, oysters, prawns, blue swimmer crab, grilled barramundi, kingfish carpaccio and salt-and-pepper squid.
Bannisters, Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW
Couple relaxing by the pool at Bannisters, Port Stephens.
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Bannisters, Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW
Couple relaxing by the pool at Bannisters, Port Stephens.
Rick Stein, Bannisters Port Stephens Credit: Lydia Napoli
Rick Stein's Singapore Chilli Crab at Bannisters Port Stephens
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Rick Stein, Bannisters Port Stephens Credit: Lydia Napoli
Rick Stein's Singapore Chilli Crab at Bannisters Port Stephens
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Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, CorowaCredit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa.
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Feast on the riches of one of Australia’s most important food bowls on a road trip through the Murray, named after the mighty river that flows through this southwest area of New South Wales. Float down the river on a historic paddlesteamer wine cruise, stop by farm gates to sample incredible fresh produce, and dine at chic restaurants and bars in this unique culinary playground.
Take the back roads for gourmet treats
Head off the beaten path along The Backroads Trail, a 250km driving route that passes through the small pastoral towns of Barham, Moama, Mathoura and Deniliquin on the upper reaches of the Murray River. Sink your teeth into fresh olives, avocados, free-range pork, honey and citrus fruit from farm gates along its loops and trails, and taste the region’s wines at vineyards such as Restdown Wines. While you’re at this winery, venture out along the Restdown Wetland Walk to encounter Aboriginal cooking hearths and an old sheep camp.
Cruise along to The Old School Winery & Meadery in Womboota to pick up wine, pottery and honey mead. Or seek out Ivy Joyce in Barham to indulge in a warm space, offering local produce from farms for a truly paddock to plate experience in the heart of Murray River country. For more snacks and meaty fare such as British-style pork pies and sausages, head to Pacdon Park’s factory shop in Moama.
You can work up an appetite as you build your own itinerary on the theme of food, paddocks and produce, and find suggested routes and maps to Murray River farm gates, at the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre.
Wine and dine along the river
Embark on a wine tour by water in Moama, where the first steamboats made their way up the Murray in 1853. Take a Murray River Paddlesteamers Wharf to Winery Cruise from the town to Morrisons Riverview Winery for a leisurely lunch. Or drive along the river, stopping in at Three Black Sheep for risotto and woodfired pizzas, and tasting crisp dry whites and full-flavoured reds at St Anne’s Vineyards, where you can nibble on a cheese platter overlooking a scenic lake.
Head east along the riverside roads to rest and recharge in the town of Tocumwal, known for its riverside beaches, golf courses, glider flying and iconic Big Murray Cod statue. Start the following day with a solid foundation of breakfast pizza (topped with bacon, eggs and a hash brown) at The Old Bank and indulge in a scoop of ice-cream or sorbet from Tocumwal Ice Creamery – flavours include rocky road, green apple or macadamia. If you’re in town on a Saturday, pick up honey, fruit, vegetables, olive oil, dressings and other condiments made by local producers at the Tocumwal Foreshore Markets.
Continue your odyssey along the river to Corowa, the birthplace of Australian Federation. Immerse in the town’s rich turn-of-the-20th-century colonial heritage as you make your way to the former 1920s flour mill housing Corowa Distilling Co. Here you can book a whisky tasting and behind-the-scenes tour and buy locally made chocolates and sweets from sister shop Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory. Work off an indulgent afternoon with a walk along the river before settling into the stylish Circa 1936 hotel, which is housed in an Art Deco former bank on the main street of Corowa.
Celebrate regional ingredients in Albury
From Corowa, follow the Riverina Highway eastward to the city of Albury, a food, wine and culture hub. Taste how seasonality and locality are expressed at The Proprietor, a former butcher shop turned cafe offering brunch treats such as fruit toast with Beechworth honey and whipped ricotta, and banana waffles with Gundowring vanilla ice-cream. Or try the all-day breakfast offering at Mr Benedict, from cheesy bacon waffle with popcorn chicken to one of its signature eggs benedicts, including one with cider-braised ham hock.
At The River Deck restaurant, local ingredients are celebrated alongside stunning river views, and dishes may include chicken Caesar salad with Milawa eggs or beef brisket braised in coffee by Albury roaster The Brothers Cup. At tiny and elegant Bistro Selle, complement warm Gooramadda olives with a buttery Australian chardonnay and fresh market fish. Yardbird offers a bold-flavoured menu featuring dishes like scorched Albacore tuna, along with meats grilled in a Spanish woodfired oven.
In between meals, stroll along the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk and take in the contemporary artworks by Aboriginal artists that line the Wagirra Trail. Meander through the Murray Art Museum Albury’s contemporary photographic collection, Aboriginal art and works by renowned Australian artist Sir Russell Drysdale. Afterwards, order lunch or dinner at the museum’s excellent Canvas Eatery – try the saltbush lamb rump or one of their Neapolitan-style pizzas.
The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota Credit: Destination NSW
Couple taste tasting mead at The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota
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The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota Credit: Destination NSW
Couple taste tasting mead at The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota
Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available from Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama.
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Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available from Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama.
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa Credit: Destination NSW
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in a 1920âs old flour mill in Corowa.
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Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa Credit: Destination NSW
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in a 1920âs old flour mill in Corowa.
Canvas Eatery, Albury Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available at Canvas Eatery in Albury.
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Canvas Eatery, Albury Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available at Canvas Eatery in Albury.