Tell someone you are going to Narooma and they will most likely reply “Where’s that?”. Of course, those who share the secret know that it is on the South Coast of NSW, about 5 hours drive south of Sydney.
The first sight of Narooma is when you approach the bridge over Wogonga Inlet. This photo is at a lower angle from the best view from further up the road. It alone is worth the trip.
You won’t need an excuse to spend a few days in this beautiful seaside environment.
But, the Narooma Oyster festival is certainly an excuse to visit friends in the area. The best event of the festival, apart from eating the oysters, is the cooking demonstration program.
Local chefs as well as Julie Goodwin, demonstrated seafood dishes using mainly local produce.
Michael Stokes, a popular chef in Narooma, makes tasty food preparation look simple.
I am sure many in the audience would be keen to attempt his dish of pappardelle and seafood.
Huw Jones from Zanzibar Cafe` in Merimbula (another wonderful secret further south), created an amazing dish: Marinated yellow fin tuna, black lip abalone, squid ink consomme` and beach herbs. His restaurant is definitely on my ‘must do’ list.
Those who were fortunate to taste this dish would surely agree that it tasted amazing.
Alex Dawkins announced that he would soon be opening a new restaurant in Ulladulla at the Habourside restaurant site. Great news for the improving food scene in that area.
He used native flat angasi oysters in his dish of oysters with nori, foam and ocean trout roe.
After the buzz of the Festival, there are plenty of ways to relax. An enjoyable walk along the boardwalk will take you to the boat ramps where fishermen clean their catch after returning from ocean fishing. Giant sting rays wait in the shallows for scraps.
For the energetic there are boat trips to Montague Island or if you want to relax there are many beaches to choose from. Hiring a tinnie is a relaxing way to explore the inlet. Through the clear water see many of the baby fish, such as yellow fin tuna, that develop here as well as magnificent birdlife.
Narooma, well worth the effort to visit. Many more secrets to discover along the way.
