Oysters Indulgence in Tasmania

I am not a great fan of oysters, but then again, a trip to Tasmania without tasting its oysters would be like visiting Penang without indulging in a bowl of the famous Teochew cendol along Penang Road.

On our way back from Port Arthur to Hobart on 29.03.2019, we kept reminding ourselves to watch out for signboards pointing to oyster farms or stalls. We were not disappointed. By chance, we spotted a modest little shop next to a petrol station proudly advertising fresh oysters. Temptation won. For our very first attempt, we bought a pack of twelve plump oysters for just A$16 - a deal too good to resist.

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In Bicheno, at Lobster Shack on 30.03.2019, we decided to try oysters for the second time - this round costing A$26 for a dozen. Though pricier than our first encounter, the experience came with a delightful bonus: a sweeping seafront view from the restaurant’s Level 2.

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The highlight of our oyster quest came on 03.04.2019, during our journey from Burnie to Launceston. A local friend led us to a “secret” spot by the sea - a vast rocky shoreline where live oysters seemed to grow in endless supply. The challenge, however, was left to each individual’s ingenuity: these creatures clung stubbornly to the rocks, as if glued in place. Armed with a screwdriver, we had to pry them open - sometimes with considerable effort.

But the moment the shell yielded and the briny, succulent flesh slid into the mouth, all the struggle was instantly forgotten. The taste of pure freshness from the sea was worth every scraped knuckle and bead of sweat, and soon enough we were eagerly hunting for more.

In moments like this, I could only wish for a larger stomach and more time. Despite the rugged setting and the effort it demanded, this was truly a once-in-a-lifetime oyster-eating adventure - raw, unfiltered, and unforgettable.

In the absence of lime juice, a dash of Tabasco pepper sauce provided just the right kick, cutting through the briny tang of the seawater still clinging to the succulent flesh and balancing its natural salinity with a fiery zest.

Lucy's mom who joined the search was equally 

ecstatic to go through this tasting experience.