Slurp, sip and seaside vibes: The Narooma Oyster Festival returns in 2026

Posted on 4 March, 2026

There are plenty of reasons to plan a South Coast escape – but when the Narooma Oyster Festival rolls around, the itinerary practically writes itself.

Returning to the foreshore of Wagonga Inlet from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 May, the Narooma Oyster Festival is back for its 19th celebration of Australia’s iconic Rock Oyster, bringing together growers, chefs, musicians and oyster–lovers for a weekend of merroir, culinary excellence and coastal charm.

What began as a small gathering of oyster farmers, locals and musicians on the shores of Wagonga Inlet has grown into Southern NSW’s largest food and drink event, with around 10,000 visitors enjoying approximately 70,000 oysters across the weekend.

A week of oysters before the festival even begins

Photography: Aus Aperture Photography

If one weekend isn’t enough, Rock Oyster Week kicks off from Sunday 26 April, offering food, farm–gate and on–water experiences across Rock Oyster Country – from the Shoalhaven River to Pambula Lake – giving visitors the chance to explore the region’s oyster culture before the main event begins.

Then, from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 May, all roads lead to Narooma.

Friday: live music, oysters and fireworks

Photography: David Rogers Photography.

The festival begins with a relaxed Friday Night Warm–Up from 4 pm, inviting visitors to roll out a picnic blanket on the foreshore, grab a variety of oysters and a drink from the Borrowed Cuttings Liquor Bar, and settle in for live music as the sun sets.

Headlining the evening is Aria Award-winning Sarah McLeod, alongside performances from Spindrift Saga, Sunday Lemonade, Waikama and the Narooma High School Band, before fireworks close out the night.

Premium experiences return, including:

• Seared & Salty, the waterfront fire-cooked dinner
• The Whale Coast Realty Fireworks Cruise
• The Sipper Club premium viewing experience

Not a bad way to start a weekend on the coast!

Saturday: the big day

Photography: David Rogers Photography

Saturday is your day to dive deeper into a full festival experience.

After gates open at 10 am, visitors can explore Oyster Farmers Alley, meet growers from NSW estuaries and taste oysters fresh from the source.

Highlights include:

• The Australian Oyster Shucking Championships
• Australia’s Biggest Oyster competition
• Yuin culture and bush tucker experiences
• Betta Cooking Demonstrations featuring chefs including Courtney Roulston, Adi De Jesus–Davo, Brendan Boothroyd, Jeff Razon and Matteo Ponti
• Celebrated vintners, brewers, distillers, seafood and producers.

Photography: David Rogers Photography

Festival-goers can deepen their oyster knowledge through the Sydney Royal Ultimate Oyster Experience, hosted by seafood authority John Susman AM, or learn to open oysters in the Master the Shuck classes.

Out on the water, Sparkling Oyster Cruises glide past Wagonga Inlet’s oyster leases, pairing Rock Oysters with bubbles and local produce.

Live music runs throughout the day, finishing with a special closing performance by Sarah McLeod.

Sunday: slow down on the foreshore

Photography: Aus Aperture Photography

Sunday morning brings the community together for Narooma’s Biggest Breakfast, hosted by local community groups and featuring food, entertainment and oysters to enjoy on the spot or take home.

Visitors can also join a sunrise breakfast cruise or a yoga session with Tilba’s Georgina Eve, before easing into the final hours of the festival.

Planning your oyster–filled escape

Photography: David Rogers Photography

The festival takes place on the foreshore of Wagonga Inlet, around a three–hour drive from Canberra – making it ideal for a long weekend by the ocean.

Families are welcome, with children under 17 entering free with an adult, and a free shuttle bus will operate around Narooma and Dalmeny on Friday and Saturday.

Ticketed coach services will also run from Batemans Bay, Bermagui and Merimbula on Saturday 2 May.

Feature image: Aus Aperture Photography