Field Trip Options
Organised by Sapphire Coast Wilderness Oysters (SCWO) & OceanWatch Australia
Supported by Destination NSW

• Closed shoes are mandatory on all field trips. 
• If you choose an oyster farm tour for your field trip, please bring your own lifejacket. If you’re unable to obtain one or travel with it, please contact Simon at [email protected], as a small number may be available to borrow on a first come - first served basis.

Option 1: Guided walk at Panboola Wetlands ​(capacity ~30)
www.panboola.com/ 

Panboola is a 84 Ha area of floodplain, situated adjacent to the township of Pambula on the Far South Coast of NSW. The site is being rehabilitated with community assistance as a wetland for the purposes of nature conservation, protection and restoration of habitat for birds and other indigenous flora and fauna, and for community education and passive enjoyment.

Freshwater billabongs lead to saline areas within and around the former racecourse, then through saltmarsh and mangroves to the tidal Pambula River beyond. Beowa National Park and SEPP 14 wetlands adjoin the southwestern boundaries.

A system of walking tracks is being developed leading visitors to destinations such as saltmarsh, historic points, information panels and bird watching areas. An area of farmland is managed in an environmentally sensitive way to provide for recurring costs. 

Panboola is maintained by a team of dedicated volunteers.

Option 2: Bega Circular Valley Tour (capacity ~30)
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Join a tour of the Bega Circular Valley guided by Andrew Taylor (CEO Regional Circularity Cooperative)

Take a tour to a local dairy farm and meet the team from the Regional Circularity Co-operative and Bega Cheese to learn more about the 'Bega Circular Valley’ - a high-impact regional development program designed to help accelerate the region’s transition to a more circular economy. With the vision to become Australia’s most circular region, the RCC has built a comprehensive collaboration amongst community, businesses, industry, academia and government that focuses on place-based, whole of economy circular transition and a philosophy of sharing information freely.

You will meet businesses like Ocean2Earth, who are taking fisheries, aquaculture and forestry waste to make a high value fertiliser product for local famers and Bega Cheese who have evolved an Environmental Management Systems approach into a factory and farm circularity program. More information on the BCV program here and the National Circularity Centre (under construction in Bega) here.

Option 3: Wapengo Lake farm tour with Mike Jay & Rod Rutter (capacity ~16)

Hosted by Michael Jay and Rod Rutter, this field trip explores oyster farming on Wapengo Lake — a pristine, single-creek catchment free from livestock pressures and renowned for its clean water quality. Participants will visit some of the six farms operating on the lake, including an off-grid power setup with backup generation, highlighting low-impact production in a high-value estuarine environment.

Closed shoes are mandatory and participants will need to bring their own lifejacket for this tour. If you’re unable to obtain one or travel with it, please contact Simon at [email protected], as a small number may be available to borrow on a first come - first served basis.

Option 4: Merimbula Lake farm tour with Wheelers Oysters (capacity ~28)

On James’s provenance tour, you’ll step into Merimbula Lake and see firsthand how environment, farming techniques, and season shape the flavour and character of our Sydney Rock Oysters. We’ll then dive into how strong social media, authentic storytelling, and intentional branding can elevate provenance—helping you differentiate your product, build loyalty, and create real value beyond the shell.

Closed shoes are mandatory and participants will need to bring their own lifejacket for this tour. If you’re unable to obtain one or travel with it, please contact Simon at [email protected], as a small number may be available to borrow on a first come - first served basis.

* Please note ​that this field trip is expected to depart from the Merimbula boat ramp, located just south of the bridge. Delegates will need to arrange their own transport to and from the departure point, which is approximately a 10‑minute walk from the town centre.

Option 5: Pambula Lake farm tour with Broadwater Oysters (capacity ~20)

Participants will visit Broadwater Oysters’ operations on the picturesque Pambula lake. The tour by punts will visit the Pambula River mouth, including stopping at spat catching leases and established flip-farming infrastructure to observe production systems from seed collection through to grow-out. The tour will conclude at the onsite retail outlet, showcasing the direct market pathway from estuary to consumer.

​​Closed shoes are mandatory and participants will need to bring their own lifejacket for this tour. If you’re unable to obtain one or travel with it, please contact Simon at [email protected], as a small number may be available to borrow on a first come - first served basis.

Option 6: Joint Merimbula Lake & Farm Tour with Australia's Oyster Coast & Merimbula Gourmet Oysters (capacity ~28) 

This field trip is jointly run by Australia’s Oyster Coast (AOC) and Merimbula Gourmet Oysters, with 28 participants split into two groups rotating between land and water.

At Merimbula Gourmet Oysters, explore the land‑based upweller nursery, where nutrient‑rich flows from Merimbula Back Lake support hatchery supply and grow oyster seed into healthy juveniles in a controlled, sustainable system.

On the water, AOC’s Farm Manager will host a behind‑the‑scenes tour of their Merimbula operation, showcasing the multi‑estuary farming model, from finishing oysters to managing stock and risk across the network. Ideal for those interested in corporate oyster farming systems.

​Closed shows are mandatory.

* Please note that the transport company cannot drive along the unsealed access track. Participants will therefore need to walk approximately 500 metres (about 7 minutes) to reach the shed, and again at the end of the tour to rejoin the bus.

Option 7: Pambula kayak tour ($130pp additional charge) (capacity 30, minimum 8)
Navigate expeditions website
 
Embark on a memorable kayaking journey along the tranquil Pambula River, nestled near the charming towns of Eden and Merimbula. Our expert guides will lead you on a scenic adventure, perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. As you paddle through the crystal-clear waters, keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. The beauty of Beowa National Park provides a stunning backdrop for your kayaking experience.

Time TBC - but approx. 8 am start at Broadwater & finish at Pambula River Mouth 11am-12pm depending on tide / wind / paddle power. 

* Please note that the transport company cannot make it all the down to Pambula River Mouth for pickup, and participants will need to walk approximately 500 metres (about 7 minutes) to reach the pick-up location. 

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