At some point or another, it’s safe to say we’ve all envisioned packing up shop and moving away to live a life of freedom and tranquillity. For most, this is nothing but a passing thought but for Amanda and Ken Rowe, it became a reality.
Leaving their successful careers on the mainland of SA, the couple relocated with their young family to Kangaroo Island in 2005 with nothing but a simple desire for a better life for their children. Fast forward three years and Amanda and Ken found themselves fully entrenched in the KI lifestyle, taking ownership of the island’s largest commercial oyster farm, The Oyster Farm Shop.
With no previous farming experience, the pair faced the trials and tribulations of oyster farming but ultimately came out on top, with their oysters now sought after across KI and mainland South Australia.
Amanda and Ken run their business with strong core values that centre around authenticity and sustainability with all seafood grown and sold within the business being certified sustainable.
But there’s more than just a working farm that Amanda and Ken run with The Oyster Farm Gate – a cellar door of oysters if you will – located directly across the road. Visitors can stop past for a taste of the premium oysters along with a selection of the island’s sustainable seafood such as KI marron, abalone, King George whiting and prawns, all in an unassuming shopfront. It also happens to be the only place on the island where you can try the native Kangaroo Island Angasi Oyster.
“We keep it simple, we’re authentic and what you see is what you get,” says Product and Experience Manager, Jo Terrell.
“We’re not a restaurant or anything fancy, we’re just a farm gate. We don’t have crockery or cutlery, everything is simple because the aqua product shines on its own.”
Land-based tours of the farm run every day from 10:30am so you can get a first-hand look at the equipment and techniques the farm uses. Being located in an isolated area, the farmers are constantly learning and evolving on the best ways to efficiently and sustainably grow oysters.
If you’re currently stuck on the mainland but want to get a taste of Kangaroo Island’s finest molluscs, then the Mainland Mollusc Club is for you. Get the Oyster Farm Shop oysters delivered fresh, straight to your door!
Next time you’re in KI, or if you’re one of the lucky ones that call the island home, a stop past The Oyster Farm Shop is a must.
The Oyster Farm Shop is located at 44 Tangara Drive, American River.
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