Hitting The Road? Here’s Where To Make A Pitstop To Shuck And Slurp

Strap in—we’re going on an oyster odyssey, and only Leeuwin Coast Albany Rock Oysters will do. Harvested from the crystal-clear water of Albany in the Great Southern, these briny, buttery gems are making waves across the state, popping up on menus from Esperance to Port Hedland. 

With prime shucking season wrapping April, we’ve mapped out exactly where to find Albany Rock Oysters on your next roadie, so assemble your squad, fill the tank and don't miss the opportunity on this road trip bound for bivalves. 

Yarri Restaurant And Bar 

2.5 Hours From Perth | Unit 7/16 Cyrillean Way, Dunsborough, WA 6281

Your down south oyster crusade starts simple at a venue that is anything but. At Dunsborough’s effortlessly elegant Yarri, Leeuwin Coast oysters are shucked to order by chef and co-owner Aaron Carr and his talented team, arriving on a bumpy bed of quandong seeds alongside a perfectly balanced shallot mignonette and house fermented sauce. They’re crisp, classic and basically crying out for a glass of accompanying Chardonnay. Fortunately, you’re in very safe hands on the wine front, too. Slurp, swirl, sip, repeat. 

Settlers Tavern 

3 Hours From Perth | 114 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River, WA 6285 

Next stop is Settlers, a Margaret River institution and certified down south stalwart that’s been road-trippers’ go-to for cold bevvies, top-tier pub grub and immaculate vibes for decades.

But forget fancy foams and itsy-bitsy edible flowers. Here, Leeuwin Coast’s freshly shucked oysters are served with nothing more than a sharp shallot mignonette to slice through the creaminess, because bivalves this brilliant don’t need masking. Come for the brine, stay for the beer, and settle in for the kind of long, lazy afternoon this merry mainstay is known for. 

Vintners Wine Bar 

3 Hours From Perth | 10412 Bussell Hwy, Witchcliffe, WA 6286

Oysters and wine are one of those dangerously delicious (and addictive) combos that we’ll never tire of, and few do it better than newbie Vintners. Hidden in the tiny town of Witchcliffe, Albany Rock Oysters come dressed in a white balsamic mignonette that flatters rather than fights. Grab half a dozen if you’re feeling restrained, or go the whole hog with 12 of the briny beauties and let the sommelier steer you toward something local and lovely. 

Lime 303 

4.5 Hours From Perth | 303 Middleton Road, Mount Clarence, WA 6330

Now we’re talking. Once you hit Albany, you’ll have officially made it to the oyster capital of our sunny state. Just a hop, skip and a jump from where Leeuwin Coast oysters are farmed, they’re barely out of the water before they’re on your plate at Lime 303.

You’ve got options: get yours au naturel for minimal intervention but maximum impact, or jazzed up with a tangy horseradish cream and pops of finger lime. Order a dozen. Then order another. You’re in oyster country now. 

Garrison Restaurant & Bar 

4.5 Hours From Perth | 7 Forts Rd, Mount Clarence, WA 6330

Perched high above the harbour, Garrison’s oysters are served with views that’ll stop you mid-slurp, but that’s not all. You’ve got three ways to play: go a little fancy with apple cider emulsion with bay leaf olive oil; add a zingy twist with finger lime and a subtle, savoury sprinkle of chives; or purists can stick to a simple wedge of local lemon, letting the oyster’s creamy salinity speak for itself. No matter your preference, each bite is briny and balanced, made for golden-hour grazing in front of those unbeatable vistas of King George Sound.

Majuba Bistro 

4.5 Hours From Perth | 132 York St, Albany, WA 6330

Majuba Bistro brings that certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to Albany’s oyster scene. This French bistro is a local favourite, with Albany Rock Oysters arriving at the marble tables drizzled in a bright apple and dill vinaigrette. These oysters are as fresh as they get, and with Michelin-trained chef and co-owner Johann Prins-Gurtel behind the pass, you know that it’s going to be the most refined, tasty dressing on this side of the coast. 

Bistro Louis 

7.5 Hours From Perth | 56 Dempster Street, Esperance, WA 6450

A touch further south in Esperance, Bistro Louis is the chic, French-ish reward at the end of one very scenic drive. Think blue, red and white bunting, woven Parisian chairs, refined French faire and a generous wine list of both local and European drops. 

The focus is firmly on the oyster here, with plump, farm-fresh Albany Rock Oysters served with either a classic mignonette or DIY Tabasco. Add a crisp glass of Cullen Rosé for that perfect sip-and-slurp combo that tastes like summer. Très bon. 

Rays At The Headland Hotel 

17.5 Hours From Perth | Cnr Lukis and McGregor St, Port Hedland, WA 6721

Heading north instead? Even Port Hedland is getting in on the oyster action. Way up at the Hedland Hotel, Rays has plenty of fresh Leeuwin Coaster oysters to fuel your Pilbara pilgrimage. The hospo pros from the Prendiville Group splashed serious cash in 2023 to give the 1960s hotel a much-needed facelift, and the result is an ultra-cool colourful playground with textured timber, terrazzo tiles and tropical wallpaper that's more Palm Springs than Pilbara. 

The oysters themselves are the simple, saline snack you’ll be craving in Port Hedland’s humidity. Freshly shucked with a classic shallot mignonette and a lemon wedge, it’s proof that oyster season isn’t just a south coast story. From the Great Southern to the red dirt north, these WA-grown beauties travel far and wide, and are worth tracking down wherever you roam.

But remember, Leeuwin Coast Albany Rock Oysters are seasonal and at their absolute peak right now, so seek them out, slurp them down and support local with a seafood snack from our own backyard.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Leeuwin Coast and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.

Image: Supplied.