Accommodation is still available, but filling fast.

“The festival is all about promoting what’s special about Narooma and our region and attracting visitors at a quieter time of year,” festival spokesperson Cath Peachey said.

“It’s increasingly on people’s radar, thanks to our extensive marketing and promotion particularly into the Canberra market this year.

“Major supporter ActewAGL, for example, held a competition through its customer newsletter offering a VIP weekend at Narooma Oyster Festival with a night’s accommodation at The Whale.

“They received over 3000 entries, the biggest response they’ve ever had to a competition in the newsletter.’

Organisers remind everyone there are different programs on each day.

Garry Ebbeling, coordinator of Saturday’s Naturally Gourmet Fair, is delighted with the way the Fair is coming together.

“The new Australia’s Oyster Coast Oyster Precinct will have stalls representing seven and possibly all eight AOC (Australia’s Oyster Coast) estuaries from the Shoalhaven to the Victorian border,” he said.

“This gives everyone at the festival a chance to compare the flavour and texture of Sydney Rock Oysters from the different estuaries direct from the farmers who grow them.

“For the Ultimate Oyster Experience, several oyster farmers will be conducting a master tasting class at The Inlet Seafood Restaurant in the afternoon. This is always popular and bookings are essential because numbers are restricted.”

A wide range of food will be available, apart from oysters, at the Fair’s Gourmet Food Precinct.

Bookings are open for Saturday night’s Australia’s Oyster Coast Festival Dinner at Narooma Golf Club and The Whale Restaurant’s Tastes of the South Coast.

Meanwhile, the festival’s kite coordinator Judy Glover has been organising school students and volunteers to paint colourful giant kites that will feature on the Gourmet Fair site.

Check for the full program and booking details on the Festival’s web site www.naroomaoysterfestival.com.au