Images by Ceduna Oysterfest
It’s time to pack the car and head west, because if fresh oysters and road trips are calling your name, then we’ve found your perfect spring event!
Oysterfest is returning to Ceduna for its 35th year, bringing together some of the region’s very best seafood. This is a totally salty, sun-soaked celebration of the Eyre Peninsula’s world-famous oysters that you’re going to want to get in on as the weather gets warmer.
For the last three decades, Oysterfest has been transforming Ceduna over the October long weekend into South Australia’s seafood capital. This beloved coastal festival draws thousands to the shores of Murat Bay, where freshly shucked Pacific oysters take centre stage alongside local seafood, live music, markets, cooking demos, and family entertainment.
The festival will, of course, have all kinds of oysters on show and ready to eat, so whether you’re enjoying them naturally, making them Kilpatrick, or pairing them with a glass of local wine, Oysterfest is as much about the laid-back coastal vibes as it is about the food.
There will be heaps of food trucks on deck, serving up more than just oysters. Greek doughnuts, pizzas, American BBQ, Thai food, and more will all be available. Plus, cocktails, gin, wine, and beer will all be plentiful too. As for entertainment, there will be DJs spinning tunes, local acoustic artists, and more will be there to set the backdrop to the day.
If you’re keen to get competitive, there’s an Oyster Shuck’n’Eat Competition where you can win $200, a Fish Filleting Competition, a Kids Iced Coffee Holding Competition, a Stein Holding Competition, a tug-of-war contenst and even sandcastle competition.
Ceduna is just a car trip away from Adelaide, but a road trip and a night or two’s stay is definitely needed to make the most of it. If you’re leaving from the city, it’ll take you about eight hours in the car to arrive at the festival. Ceduna is known for being a popular spot to stop along the Nullarbor when heading to and from WA.
The Far West Coast is known for its stunning beaches and cliffs, which are bordered by isolated bushland, making it uncrowded and unique to other holiday destinations. Ceduna itself has a charming country feel, with heaps of wildlife to check out. Plenty of whales call the Head of Bight home during the winter months, and the locals argue that the surfing at Cactus Beach is the best in Australia. It’s a great spot for fishing, and to no surprise, one of the oyster capitals of Australia.
Smoky Bay and Denial Bay oysters are among the world’s finest, grown and harvested in the region’s clean ocean waters and gentle tides, so for any oyster fiend, this is the place to be.
There are plenty of gorgeous Airbnbs and holiday homes to stay at too, but also great camping and caravanning opportunities in and around the town. So if you’re really looking to make the most of it, you can.
Entry to the festival is free, but it’s best to plan early as the long weekend is sure to be busy!
Ceduna’s Oysterfest
When: Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th
Where: O’Loughlin Terrace, Ceduna, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, 5690
For more information, click here.
