Freshly Shucked to Perfectly Poached
Oyster & lobster tasting by the river. Buckets of prawns on the pontoon. The best fish n chips from the co-op, and fine dining seafood restaurants. We’ve even got the low-down on where to catch your own dinner! Seafood lovers, you’re welcome ☺
Armstrong Oysters
Head down to lovely Laurieton and visit Armstrong Oysters, a second-generation family owned and run business who supply oysters wholesale to many top restaurants around the country. You can now buy the finest and freshest Sydney Rock Oysters & prawns direct from their shed shop, pulled straight from the Camden Haven River. Open 7 days.
Big Oyster
The Big Oyster (aka ‘The Shuck Shack’) is a Port Mac icon…a humble blue boat shed jutting out over the Hastings River, accessed by a timber pedestrian bridge. There you’ll find the most mouthwatering oysters, lobster, bugs, crab and fish (cooked and fresh), and you can now order a bucket of prawns or a seafood platter to eat on the neighbouring covered pontoon. BYO tipple of choice!
Port Fresh Seafood
A local institution, you can get fresh local seafood from this shop in the heart of Port’s CBD.
Laurieton Seafoods & Co-op
Another Laurieton gem, head to the Seafood Coop next to the Camden Haven River for what many say is the best fish n chips on the North Coast! With fish coming in each morning straight from the local trawlers, you can enjoy your bounty either on the riverside seating next to the Co-op, or take a short drive up to the top of North Brother Mountain and have the most amazing seafood picnic with a view!
Next-level Seafood Restaurants
Bills Fishhouse & Bar
Local Chef Pete Cutcliffe has developed a bit of a following with fans of his ocean and/or paddock to plate style (Pete also owns Twotriplefour at Cassegrain Wines). Bills is a casual, modern dining space that embraces locally sourced, seasonal and sustainable ingredients to produce simple, uncomplicated food. Featuring a great drinks list and warm vibes, this place is super-popular so be sure to book!
Whalebone Wharf
This place rarely needs an introduction. It’s a Port Mac icon and a firm favourite with locals and visitors. The nautical chic white boat house juts out over the Hastings River and capitalises on these views. The sublime setting is upstaged only by the food. Bookings are a must.
The Stunned Mullet
The Mid-North Coast’s finest hatted restaurant continues to surprise and delight under the skilled and experienced direction of Chef Lou Perri. And with dishes such as ‘Glacier 51 Toothfish’ and a seriously impressive, award-winning wine list, this place has become a destination unto itself.
Catch your Own Dinner
We’ve rounded up some of the more popular fishing spots around the region, as well as boat hire and estuary and deep sea fishing charters. At this rate, you’ll be speaking fluent ‘Fisho’ before you know it…