$2 Oysters Every Friday & Sunday
Looking for an affordable excuse to eat more oysters? Every Friday and Sunday, we run our popular $2 Oyster Special in-store at Dawson’s Oyster Supplies.
The special includes either our small Sydney Rock Oysters, Pacific Oysters, or sometimes both, depending on availability and supply. All oysters are freshly shucked and are available by the half dozen or dozen.
This special is available in-store only and is not available for online orders or home delivery.
Weekend Trading Hours
Friday: 8:30am - 5pm
Saturday: 8:30am - 2pm
Sunday: 9:30am - 2pm
What’s the Difference Between Sydney Rock and Pacific Oysters?
We get asked this question a lot in-store. While both oysters are fantastic, they’re quite different in flavour, appearance, and how they’re grown.
Sydney Rock Oysters
Sydney Rock Oysters (Saccostrea glomerata) are native to Australia and are farmed extensively throughout New South Wales. They aren't just from Sydney! They’re found in tidal waterways between Hervey Bay in Queensland and Wingan Inlet in Victoria, with NSW producing over 90% of Australia’s Sydney Rock Oyster supply.
Rock oysters are smaller and take patience to grow - often 3 to 4 years before they reach market size. Their flavour is influenced heavily by the estuary they’re grown in, the vegetation surrounding it, and the algae they feed on. This gives them a complex flavour profile, often described as creamy, rich, and slightly sweet.
At Dawson’s, many of our Sydney Rock Oysters come from the Karuah in Port Stephens, an area well known for producing quality oysters.
Pacific Oysters
Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas) were introduced to Australia from Japan in the 1940s and are now commonly grown in South Australia, Tasmania, and some estuaries in NSW.
Pacifics grow much faster than Sydney Rocks and can reach market size in around 18 months. They’re generally larger in size and are known for their fresher, saltier, more ocean-forward flavour.
While many Pacific Oysters from South Australia and Tasmania are characterised by strong salinity, Port Stephens Pacific Oysters tend to have a softer balance with some creamy, umami notes still coming through.
In recent years, more oyster farmers in the Port Stephens area have started growing Pacific Oysters, as they appear to be more resilient in local growing conditions. This means customers will likely start seeing more locally grown Pacific Oysters available over time.
Our Favourite Ways to Eat Oysters
Freshly shucked oysters are great on their own, but we also love pairing them with our house-made dressings.
Our French Mignonette Oyster Dressing combines vinegar, shallots, and cracked black pepper for a classic finish that works particularly well with Sydney Rock Oysters.
For something brighter, our Thai Style Oyster Dressing combines citrus, coriander, fish sauce, and chilli for a fresher, slightly punchier option that pairs beautifully with Pacific Oysters.
Both are available in-store or online.
Did You Know Oysters Are Packed with Nutrients?
Oysters aren’t just popular because they taste good - they’re also packed with important vitamins and minerals. Both Sydney Rock and Pacific Oysters contain high levels of:
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Zinc
- Iron
- Selenium
- Magnesium
- Iodine
Omega 3s help support heart and brain health, while zinc and selenium assist immune function. Iron helps carry oxygen throughout the body, and magnesium supports normal muscle and nerve function.
In fact, the omega 3 content in 100 grams of Pacific Oysters is equivalent to approximately 2.5kg of chicken breast fillets. Even higher again, 100 grams of Sydney Rock Oysters contains omega 3 levels similar to around 3.2kg of chicken breast fillets.
If you’re new to oysters or not sure where to start, chat to our team in-store - we’re always happy to help.