Barilla Bay Oyster Farm
Savor the freshest oysters straight from the bay at this scenic restaurant, offering delicious seafood and farm tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak freshness, great views
Barilla Bay Oyster Farm
Best Time
Peak freshness, great views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Savor the freshest oysters straight from the bay at this scenic restaurant, offering delicious seafood and farm tours.
"The oysters were, without a doubt, a highlight. The freshness and quality were evident."
🎯 Grab Oysters To Go
Save money by getting a dozen oysters to go for a picnic or hotel snack. Still incredibly fresh!
✨ Try the Gold Oysters
While regular oysters are great, 'Gold' oysters offer a slightly sweeter taste and prettier shells.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Freshly Shucked Oysters
Restaurant & Takeaway
Taste the ocean's bounty with plump, juicy oysters harvested right from the bay. A true Tasmanian delicacy.
Seafood Platter
Restaurant
Indulge in a generous spread of local seafood, showcasing the best of Tasmania's marine offerings.
Oyster Farm Tour
Farm Site
Learn about oyster cultivation and enjoy a tasting session with this informative and engaging farm tour.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Oyster Freshness is Key
Timing Your Visit for Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Grab Oysters To Go
Save money by getting a dozen oysters to go for a picnic or hotel snack. Still incredibly fresh!
✨ Try the Gold Oysters
While regular oysters are great, 'Gold' oysters offer a slightly sweeter taste and prettier shells.
🚗 Easy Airport Access
Perfect stop right after landing at Hobart Airport for a taste of Tasmania.
🍷 Limited Wine by Glass
The wine selection by the glass is limited; consider a bottle if you want more variety.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Grab Oysters To Go
Save money by getting a dozen oysters to go for a picnic or hotel snack. Still incredibly fresh!
✨ Try the Gold Oysters
While regular oysters are great, 'Gold' oysters offer a slightly sweeter taste and prettier shells.
🚗 Easy Airport Access
Perfect stop right after landing at Hobart Airport for a taste of Tasmania.
🍷 Limited Wine by Glass
The wine selection by the glass is limited; consider a bottle if you want more variety.
⏰ Go Early for Dinner
No bookings accepted after 7:30 PM during certain times of the year, so plan accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Barilla Bay Oyster Farm for its exceptionally fresh and delicious oysters, often highlighting the great value for money, especially with takeaway options. The scenic bayside location and friendly service add to the positive dining experience, though some find certain seafood dishes a bit too salty. Overall, it's a highly recommended stop for a taste of Tasmania's renowned seafood.
"Well worth the short trip from Hobart CBD. We had dinner there and the food was great and very reasonably priced. A decent wine menu by the bottle, however by the glass was limted to one of each varietal. Oysters were absolutely delicious, fresh and flavourful as you would expect being right next to the oyster farm. I also had the XO scallops- grilled scallops with mushroom, capers, butter, topped with alfalfa sprouts and a slice of chilli- outstanding. Staff were very good, the venue had a spacious layout with a relaxed atmosphere. No bookings after 7:30pm this time of year, so go early."
scott elvery
"Just outside Hobart, Barilla Bay Oyster Farm is the best value spot for fresh oysters—and a great local experience! They offer a $41 guided tour that includes a half dozen oysters and an intro to how they’re farmed. Super fun and informative if you’re curious about where your oysters come from!
We went twice:
🔸 First round, we got a dozen regular oysters to go ($17/dozen)—super fresh in the hotel! Took some to Port Arthur too, still okay, though I found them a bit fishy. Mom said they were fine 😅
🔸 Second round, we stopped by before heading to the airport and had the Gold oysters fresh in the car park—10/10 freshness! Zero fishy taste, just a clean, slightly sweet flavour with a squeeze of lemon 🍋
Honestly, I can’t really tell the taste difference between the regular and Gold oysters, but the Gold ones definitely have prettier shells.
The upstairs restaurant at Barilla Bay offers a simple yet elegant setting, with large windows and stunning views overlooking the water. Prices are reasonable, portions are generous, and the ingredients are fresh. Every dish we tried was cooked just right—flavours well-balanced and textures spot-on. The only downside was that the seafood dishes were a little too salty. Since seafood is naturally salty, there’s really no need to add much extra salt. A lighter touch would have made the flavours shine even more."
Synthia Zeng
"We had a wonderful meal at Barilla Bay Oyster Farm, it was our first meal after touching down in Hobart Tasmania.
It is a short drive from the Hobart International Airport and easy to find.
It was a perfect introduction to the incredible food of Tasmania. The picturesque views over Pittwater and Mount Wellington provided a beautiful backdrop, creating a truly memorable dining experience.
The oysters were, without a doubt, a highlight. The freshness and quality were evident, and they truly lived up to the farm’s reputation. I especially enjoyed the range of styles they were served in, which showcased the versatility of this Tasmanian delicacy. The menu's focus on fresh, local produce made every dish feel special and thoughtfully prepared.
The service was impeccable—friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive without being intrusive.
It exceeded all our expectations and set a high bar for the rest of our trip. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Tasmania."
Joaquim Utama
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Barilla Bay Oyster Farm is conveniently located a short drive from Hobart CBD and is particularly close to Hobart International Airport. Many visitors find it an easy stop on their way to or from the airport. Driving is the most common and recommended method, offering scenic views along the way.
Public transport options to Barilla Bay Oyster Farm are limited. It is best accessed by car. If you are relying on public transport, you may need to consider a taxi or rideshare service from nearby towns or Hobart.
From Hobart, take the Tasman Highway (A3) towards Sorell. Continue on the A3, and Barilla Bay Oyster Farm will be signposted. The drive is scenic and takes approximately 30-40 minutes from Hobart CBD.
Yes, ample parking is available at Barilla Bay Oyster Farm, making it easy for visitors arriving by car. You'll find space to park close to the restaurant and takeaway areas.
Absolutely! Barilla Bay Oyster Farm is a perfect destination for a day trip from Hobart. Its proximity to the city and airport makes it an ideal stop for a meal or a tasting experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For dining at the restaurant, it's advisable to book, especially for dinner, as they do not accept bookings after 7:30 PM during certain times of the year. For the oyster farm tour, booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on restaurant and takeaway hours.
Prices are very reasonable. A dozen regular oysters can cost around $22.50, with premium large oysters priced slightly higher at about $25. Takeaway options are even more affordable.
There is no general entry fee to visit the farm or the restaurant area. You only pay for what you order or for specific tours.
The guided tour typically includes an introduction to oyster farming methods and a tasting of half a dozen oysters. It's a great way to learn about the process.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, with oysters being the star. They also offer other seafood dishes, including a popular seafood platter, and have a decent wine selection.
Yes, the oysters are exceptionally fresh, harvested directly from the farm. Visitors consistently praise their quality and flavor.
Prices are considered very reasonable for the quality and location. Oysters are particularly good value, and other seafood dishes are generously portioned.
Absolutely! You can purchase oysters to take away, which is a great option for a picnic or enjoying them elsewhere. Takeaway oysters are often even cheaper than dining in.
While seafood is the focus, the menu may include other options. It's best to check their current menu for specific non-seafood choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the oyster beds, the picturesque bay views, and of course, your delicious seafood platters and oysters. The restaurant's large windows offer great light for food photography.
Yes, the bayside location offers beautiful sunset views over the water, making it a great spot for photographers looking to capture golden hour.
During the oyster farm tour, you'll have opportunities to learn about and photograph the oyster cultivation process.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. For food photography, a prime lens can help with bokeh. For landscapes, a wide-angle lens is useful.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other diners and ask for permission before taking close-up photos of staff or other patrons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific play areas, the open space around the farm might offer some room for children to move. The oyster farm tour could also be engaging for older children interested in learning about marine life and food production. Remember to check the menu for options that might appeal to younger palates, though the focus is heavily on seafood.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for deals on regular oysters, which are still incredibly fresh and flavorful. You can pair these with other local produce or snacks for a cost-effective picnic. While the restaurant offers a full dining experience, focusing on takeaway oysters allows you to savor the farm's specialty without breaking the bank.
✈️ Day-Trippers & Airport Visitors
Enjoy a quick lunch at the restaurant or grab some fresh oysters to go. The takeaway option is perfect if you're short on time or heading straight to the airport. It's a highly recommended first or last meal in Tasmania, offering a true taste of the island's renowned seafood.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Oyster Experience
For those curious about the journey from water to plate, the oyster farm tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultivation process. This guided experience often includes a tasting, making it an educational and delicious way to understand where your food comes from. It’s a highly recommended activity for seafood enthusiasts and anyone interested in sustainable aquaculture.
Beyond raw oysters, the restaurant also prepares them in various cooked styles, and the seafood platters are a popular choice for those wanting to sample a wider array of local marine delicacies. The freshness is consistently highlighted in reviews, making Barilla Bay a top destination for oyster lovers in Tasmania.
Dining and Value at Barilla Bay
In terms of value, Barilla Bay is frequently cited as offering excellent prices, especially for oysters. Grabbing a dozen oysters to go is a particularly cost-effective option, allowing visitors to enjoy the farm-fresh taste at a lower price point.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit