A Rare Catch: Queensland’s Largest Land-Based Oyster Farm Hits the Market | JLL

Thriving aquaculture asset on Moreton Island offers year-round harvests and proximity to key markets. It also presents a rare opportunity to secure a truly unique lifestyle on the world’s third-largest sand island, surrounded by marine parks just 20 kilometres from Brisbane.

A pearler of an opportunity has emerged to acquire the largest of just three land-based oyster operations in Queensland.

Bart Norris, Fergus Russell and Clayton Smith of JLL’s Agribusiness team have been exclusively appointed to manage the expressions of interest campaign for Kooringal Oysters.

Located in the Moreton Bay region of South-East Queensland, the asset comprises approximately 17 hectares of leasehold land, a 600-metre airstrip, and nine aquaculture leases totalling around 69.5 hectares, offering significant potential to become the largest oyster-producing farm in Queensland.

The aquaculture licenses held by Kooringal Oysters primarily focus on, but are not limited to, the cultivation of Saccostrea glomerata, commonly known as the Sydney Rock Oyster.

Mr Norris said the turnkey aquaculture investment offers major development potential, pristine environmental conditions, and naturally occurring disease-free growing areas free from land runoff in the pollution free open waters off Kooringal, Moreton Island.

“Set on stunning Moreton Island, just 25 lineal kilometres from the Manly Boat Harbour and 45 kilometres from the Gold Coast, Kooringal Oysters is a standout operation, enabling same-day delivery of Sydney Rock Oysters to high-demand urban markets,” he said.

“With nine aquaculture leases, it is Queensland’s largest land and water-based oyster farm. Zoned specifically for oyster production, it is one of the few locations in the state that can support an on-site nursery and hatchery — significantly enhancing its future production capacity and earnings potential.

“The asset is also home to an airstrip, enhancing its accessibility and potential for future development opportunities.”

Unlike many oyster farms in Queensland and New South Wales, Kooringal Oysters is able to operate year-round, due to its “open harvest classification” status with protection from land runoff and weather impacts.

Additionally, Mr Smith said the farm has no history of QX disease, caused by the Marteilia Sydneyi parasite, which makes the location truly unique when compared to other farming locations in the Moreton Bay region.

Mr Russell said the property’s exceptional features and location on the pristine shores of Moreton Island made it well suited for diversification into eco-tourism, oyster tasting experiences, or farm-to-table dining.

“Farm-to-plate experiences are in high demand, particularly among high-end restaurants seeking authentic, locally sourced produce,” he said.

“The provenance and story behind the food have become just as important as the taste — and this site offers both.

“Given Moreton Bay’s popularity and long-term growth, this is a chance to secure a scalable aquaculture asset in a world-class setting.”

Kooringal Oysters is offered for sale by Expressions of Interest closing Thursday June 26, 2025, at 4pm (AEST) on a walk-in-walk-out (WIWO) basis.