Taste of Australia with Hayden Quinn – Sapphire Coast

Taste the Sapphire Coast with Hayden Quinn

Cook, author, presenter and MasterChef Australia contestant Hayden Quinn has travelled around New South Wales discovering delicious local produce and meeting passionate producers for season two of Taste of Australia with Hayden Quinn. This week he visits the Sapphire Coast to find fresh, sustainable seafood and spot whales off the coast.

“I’m going to start the day right, here at Honorbread

Honorbread - the Sapphire Coast. Image Credit: Taste of Australia

An artisan sourdough bakery in the coastal town of Bermagui, Honorbread is the perfect breakfast stop. Pick up a fresh loaf of bread, croissants, pastries, bagels or salted chocolate biscuits. They also stock local eggs, honey, milk and yoghurt from Tilba Dairy, and coffee from Alfresco Roasters in Moruya. If you want to learn how to make your own sourdough, courses run regularly.

 

“I’m on the way to meet up with my buddy John from Mimosa Rock Oysters. We’re going to get a surf and then get on the boat to check out the oyster leases.”

Mimosa Rock Oysters. Image Credit: Taste of Australia

John Blankenstein’s oysters are wild caught in the crystal clear waters of Nelson Lagoon and Wapengo Lake, estuaries within the Mimosa Rocks National Park. He has only been farming for five years, but has already won awards for his smooth, creamy textured oysters.

 

“We’re hitting Twofold Bay, and I’m going to jump on the boat with the lads and get out and check out some mussels.

Eden Mussels. Image credit: Taste of Australia

The only commercial mussel producer in NSW, Eden Mussels is committed to sustainability. Their blue mussels are grown on longlines in Twofold Bay, the third deepest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, and have minimal impact on the marine environment. You can buy them fresh from the boat at the wharf every weekday.

 

“Off to Green Cape in Beowa National Park, formerly Ben Boyd National Park. This cape is one of the best places in NSW to see migrating whales.”

Breaching Humpback Whale, daily whale watching cruises operated by Cat Balou Cruises and Whale Watching Eden, Merimbula & Sapphire Coast

Green Cape is Australia’s second most easterly point, meaning whales come very close to shore as they make their way along the Humpback Highway. The best time to see them is between September and November as they make their way south to their home, Antarctica. Many whales will have calves in tow and spend a few days resting in the waters around Eden.