Port of Yamba Historical Society
We respectfully acknowledge the Yaegl people as the traditional custodians of the
land on which the museum is located.
BIDHIINJA:
Restoring Our Oyster Reefs
10 January - 1 March 2026 at the Old Kirk
Bidhiinja explores the overlooked history of oyster reefs in New South Wales and highlights current efforts to restore these vital ecosystems. The exhibition invites visitors to engage with the past, present, and future of Australia’s oyster reefs. The exhibition integrates First Nations knowledge, western scientific research, and contemporary design, and features illustrations by exhibition artist and Yaegl woman Frances Belle Parker. Bidhiinja is presented by the Australian National Maritime Museum in collaboration with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) as part of the NSW Oyster Reef Restoration Project.
STRANGE OYSTER STORIES
Oysters suffer from jet lag (Becker R. O. & Garry Seldon, 1987).
No marine invertebrate has been so intensely studied & we know so little
(C. M. Yonge 1960).
Oysters have been around for 200 million years. They started life just after the world’s biggest life extinction – just like the Clarence River.
Oysters can live to over 500 years.
In Australia there are 3 main species, Sydney Rock (indigenous), the “Native” (indigenous) and the Pacific (imported).
A decent sized oyster can pump up to 37 litres of water per hour
(Nicolette Stasko 2000).
An oyster’s sex life is amazing. Some change from male to female and back to male and some have been observed to be both male and female at the same time (Nicolette Stasko 2000).
Research by Dr. John H. Jackson (“The Rock Doctor”)
Photo of Ostrea angasi from “The Oyster Province”
“OYSTERS ON THE EDGE”
“The eldest Oyster looked at him,
But never a word he said:
The eldest Oyster winked his eye,
And shook his heavy head –
Meaning to say he did not choose
To leave the oyster-bed.”
– Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass.
Oysters have been on Earth for over 200 million years. These examples are early Cretaceous fossils from the Isle of Purbeck. I was introduced to them in September 2018 whilst exploring in Dorset. As Nicolette Stasko wrote an oyster is “beautifully compact and concise with no extraneous decoration or superfluousness.”
Artwork by Dr. John H. Jackson (“The Rock Doctor”)
Yamba Across Two World Wars 1914 - 1945 - John McNamara
Discover Yamba’s Fascinating Past!
Step back in time to early 20th-century Yamba — a small coastal town of just 500 people that transformed into a thriving holiday destination between the two World Wars.
This new publication captures Yamba’s remarkable growth from 1914 to 1945 — a period when, new facilities rose, and the town’s character began to take shape. With glimpses into earlier years, it’s a must-read for history lovers and locals alike.
Come and celebrate Yamba’s rich heritage — meet the author, enjoy light refreshments, and get your signed copy!
Fundraiser
Photos of Sydney Rock, ‘Native” and
Pacific Oysters from
“The Beginner’s Guide to Australian Oysters.”
From the Collection - click on an image to view
What's on
Pop up Exhibit - Kearn's Boatshed
Come and visit the museum to see our Pop up exhibit. The exhibit is based on the iconic Kearn's Boatshed, sadly neglected but full of memories for many.
Admission Fees
Adults - $5
Children - Free
Members - Free
Visitor Pass holder - Free
A visitor pass can be issued to a visitor who has had insufficient time to complete their visit. It allows for a return visit with no additional entry fee. It is only valid for one week and is handed in on re-admission to the museum.
Pick up a self guided
Walking Tour
Brochure
from the
Museum
Accessibility: All gallery spaces are wheelchair accessible, along with an accessible toilet.
A visitor pass can be issued to a visitor with insufficient time to complete their visit.
It allows for a return visit with no additional entry fee. It is valid for one week.