Shucking Oysters in Tasmania’s Pristine Waters

Wild, untamed, and hidden away at the bottom of the planet, Australia’s southern island of Tasmania is nature as it long ago was, home to some of the purest air and cleanest water in the world, where pristine bays meet powder-white beaches and craggy mountain ranges. And just beneath the iridescent waters that fringe this primal paradise lies a wonderland of mouthwatering marine life: giant rock lobsters, succulent trout, and some of the freshest oysters on the planet.

For a true taste of Tassie’s unspoiled spoils, get immersed—literally—at Saffire Freycinet (available through Swain Destinations), a super-lodge set on the secluded Freycinet Peninsula between Oyster Bay and the Hazard Mountains. Here, it won’t do to simply order the local seafood off a restaurant menu; instead, Saffire takes you straight to the source. Guests suit up in rubber waders and head into the bay, where, standing at a half-submerged dinner table, they can pull handfuls of Tasmanian Pacific oysters from the thigh-high water. The plump bivalves are a revered specimen for their rich, creamy, and seaweed-infused flavor. Shuck them on the spot and wash them down with a savory Pinot Noir or crisp Sauvignon Blanc before heading back to Saffire for a degustation menu of more fresh catches paired with local produce and wine.

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Tasmania dining experience

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