The Big Oyster
Height
Unknown
Year Built
1992
Address
Eyre Highway, Ceduna, SA 5690
The Lowdown
The Big Oyster in Ceduna celebrates South Australia's thriving oyster industry, particularly the Pacific oysters farmed in the pristine waters of the Great Australian Bight and the protected bays around Ceduna. Erected in 1992, this oversized shellfish sculpture marks Ceduna as the 'Oyster Capital of Australia'. The town's oyster industry began in the 1970s and has grown to produce millions of oysters annually, renowned for their clean, briny flavour. The Big Oyster welcomes visitors to this remote Eyre Peninsula town, which serves as the gateway to the Nullarbor Plain and the last significant settlement before the long drive across to Western Australia.
Did you know?
"The name 'Ceduna' comes from the Aboriginal word 'Chedoona' meaning 'resting place'"
History
The Big Oyster was erected in 1992 to celebrate Ceduna's oyster industry, which had been growing since the 1970s. The clean, cold waters of the Great Australian Bight and the sheltered bays around Smoky Bay, Denial Bay, and Ceduna provide ideal conditions for farming Pacific oysters. Today, the region produces millions of oysters annually, with many harvested and processed locally before being shipped to markets across Australia and overseas. The Big Oyster has become an iconic photo stop for travellers crossing the Nullarbor.
More Fun Facts
- •Ceduna is known as the 'Oyster Capital of Australia'
- •The region's oysters are famous for their clean, briny taste
- •Pacific oysters were introduced to Australia in the 1940s
- •Ceduna is the last major town before crossing the Nullarbor
- •The name 'Ceduna' comes from the Aboriginal word 'Chedoona' meaning 'resting place'
Visiting Tips
- 💡Try fresh oysters at local restaurants and seafood outlets
- 💡Stock up on supplies before crossing the Nullarbor
- 💡The Head of Bight is a famous whale watching spot (June-October)
- 💡Smoky Bay nearby has additional oyster experiences
Opening Hours
Outdoor sculpture accessible at all times.
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