Tunstead Oysters

05/06/2026

This is our barrel grader hard at work. 🦪

It sorts our baby oysters into different sizes from 10mm right through to 35mm, with six grading sizes in between.

Grading is a vital part of oyster farming. As oysters grow at different rates, separating them by size ensures the smaller oysters aren’t competing with larger ones for food and space. By giving each size class room to grow, we achieve better growth rates, healthier oysters and more consistent stock across the farm.

While it might look rough, oysters actually benefit from the process. The tumbling action helps remove barnacles, mud worms and other marine growth that can attach to the shell. It also encourages the oysters to develop a stronger, rounder and more uniform shape, resulting in a premium-quality oyster.

Regular grading allows us to monitor growth, check oyster health and make sure every oyster has the best chance to reach market size. It’s one of the most important jobs on the farm and a key reason we can consistently produce high-quality oysters.

A lot of work goes into growing an oyster, and this is just one of the many steps that happen long before they make it to your plate. 💪🦪🌊

03/06/2026

With the oyster season finishing up last month, our focus has shifted from harvesting to growing next season’s crop.

Over the past few weeks we’ve been flat out grading oysters and thinning out our baby oysters. As they grow, they need more space and better water flow around them. If they become overcrowded, growth slows and the oysters can lose condition, so regular grading is a critical part of the farming process.

While checking a few baskets today, I noticed the oysters had put on close to 10mm of shell growth since the season ended. For this time of year, that’s an excellent result and a sign the oysters are feeding well and making the most of the conditions.

A lot of people only see the finished product on the plate, but there’s a huge amount of work behind the scenes. Every oyster is handled multiple times throughout its life as it’s graded, sorted and moved to ensure it has the best chance to reach market size in top condition.

Growth like this tells us the river is doing its job and the oysters are healthy, active and thriving. It’s always rewarding to open a basket and see the results of the work paying off.

The harvest season may have finished, but the next crop is already well underway — and if they keep growing like this, we’re excited about what’s ahead. 🦪🌊💪

30/05/2026

We had to flip down early this morning.

We’re only halfway through our dry, but Mother Nature decided to throw us a little curveball this week.

With plenty of fresh water coming down the river, we decided to play it safe and flip the oysters down while there was still enough clean salt water around them.

Now we’ll sit tight and let nature do its thing. In a week or two, once the clean salt water pushes back into the river, we’ll continue the dry and get them back on track.

The upside? It doubles as a pretty good footy training session for the boys. Plenty of lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling — no gym membership required. 💪🦪🏉

That’s oyster farming for you — no two seasons are ever the same, and sometimes you’ve just got to work with what Mother Nature gives you. 🌊🦪

21/05/2026

Yes we know Donald… all good things must come to an end.

After last Sunday’s 130mm of rain the oysters finally did what oysters do best — they spawned! With the river shut now, it’s looking more and more likely our season has wrapped up for another year.

And what a season it’s been.

If you told me this time last year — after the May floods absolutely smashed us — that we’d bounce back like this, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. It’s been early mornings, late nights, plenty of hard work and a few stressful moments, but gee it’s been worth it.

The support this season has honestly blown me away.

Massive thanks to the legends at Port Fresh and Rocksalt who back us every single week and keep local oysters moving. Big thanks as well to Camp Jordans and the Hastings Hotel for giving us a place to set up shop and have a laugh with the locals. A huge shoutout as well to the crews at Black Hops Brewing and Moorebeer for getting behind us, supporting local oysters and always creating such awesome events and atmosphere.

And to every single person who bought a dozen, shared a post, stopped for a yarn or brought their mates along — thank you. You guys are the reason we get to keep doing what we love. Supporting local families, local seafood and local business means everything to us and we never take it for granted.

But the biggest thank you has to go to my family. My uncles, aunties, cousins, my mum and my boys — this really is a true family business. No matter what needs doing, whether it’s grading, bagging, deliveries, washing gear, setting up or helping at events, they are always there without hesitation to lend a hand. There’s no way I could do this without them and I’m beyond grateful for the support they give me every single day.

And last of all, my beautiful partner Beck. She’s the rock that holds it all together. She’s constantly pushing me towards better ideas, running the socials because I’m absolutely hopeless at them, organising things behind the scenes and giving me a kick up the backside when I need it. Anyone that knows small family business knows you don’t do it alone, and I’m very lucky to have her beside me through it all.

Now there’s no holiday for oyster farmers! While this season may be winding up, next season is already underway. We started work on the new crop today and of course the babies always need looking after.

The exciting part is… we’ve got some big things coming. A few ideas we’ve been working on behind the scenes that we can’t wait to share with you all soon.

So stay tuned, enjoy the little break, and once again from the bottom of our hearts — thank you for an unbelievable season. 🦪🍻

Cheers Tunny

15/05/2026

🦪🔥 Late May oysters and they’re still in BEAUTIFUL condition! 🔥🦪

We’ll be set up under the gazebo today at Camp Jordan’s from 3–5pm with fresh oysters ready to go.

✨ MAY SPECIAL ✨
Mediums — just $10/dozen
Large — $15/dozen

The season is winding down fast and there’s only a few weeks left to enjoy them at their best — don’t miss out! Get in early before they’re gone 🦪

11/05/2026

Pretty excited to see what these legends up there are making us.

Aussie Campfire Kitchens

Tunstead Oysters is a 5th Generation Farm based on the Hastings River Port Macquarie Mid North coast NSW.
We supply the best Sydney Rock Oysters you will ever taste. Trust us we know just how goood they are.

to order Oysters please message the page.

11/05/2026

We will be Camp Jordans this Friday can not wait to see you all
Tunny

09/05/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing women out there — the mums, grandmas, aunties, bonus mums, and every woman who somehow keeps everyone alive, fed, and vaguely organised while running on cold coffee and pure determination 💐😂

Today’s the day to spoil Mum properly… because “I was going to get you flowers” only works for so many years 😅

If you’re looking to really earn favourite-child status, we’ve got amazing oysters and our oyster cart at Moorebeer this afternoon 🦪🍾

Good food, cold drinks, fresh oysters, and no cooking or dishes for Mum sounds like a pretty solid plan to us 😉❤️

08/05/2026

We had a surprise visitor at oyster farm today 👀🐍

Check out this beautiful Diamond Python, just casually chilling up in the roof like he owns the place.

Safe to say it made the work experience Pommy jump a little bit 😂🇬🇧

One of the perks of life on the farm! 🌿

07/05/2026

We’re heading out to harvest now for this afternoon at Camp Jordan’s! 🌿🍂

Absolute cracker of an autumn day — sunshine, fresh air, and the oysters are looking unreal.

Don’t forget, our $10 mediums are still on all through May, and we’ve only got a handful of Mother’s Day gift boxes left before they’re gone! 🎁💐

Swing by this arvo and grab some fresh produce straight from the farm.

See you there Tunny