This year the festival is more far reaching with the Stradbroke Oyster Farmers festival at the Little Ship Club (from 10am to midnight) combining with the nearby Moreton Bay Research Station’s BayFest open day (from 10am to 4pm), some art and craft markets (from 7am to 1.30pm) near the research station, and bus tours of the CRL sandmining operations.

Little Ship Club Manager Noel Martin said the festival, now in its 13th year, would involve oyster eating and opening competitions, activities for children, food and entertainment.

Performing will be Shotgun Remedy and local band Pipi Lips.

Oyster grower Gordon Gibson said the festival traditionally saw about 9000 oysters consumed, all grown locally in what he describes as the cleanest water on the east coast of Australia.

Third-generation local and mine worker, now community relations coordinator for CRL, Jasmin Barker said the Oyster Festival was always a fabulous day.

For those making it a weekend away (accommodation is available at a neighbouring camping ground if needed), there will be a free sausage sizzle from 10am to noon on Sunday, November 25, at the Little Ship Club.

Entry is free to all activities. Regular and late scheduled ferries travel between Toondah Harbour, Cleveland and Dunwich. Enquiries to 3409 9058 or 3409 9022.

BAYFEST FUN: Manager of research and education at Moreton Bay Research Station Dr Kathy Townsend said the UQ BayFest open day on Saturday would highlight Moreton Bay as a “most amazing place” with great diversity.

“This is a good opportunity for people to see what is located right on their front doorstep,” she said.

The station will have a variety of marine-related activities including a live reptile show, exhibits of dolphin and whale specimens, aquarium displays and a touch tank.

There will be talks by scientific experts and a chance to see through the research facility.

MUSEUM OPEN: North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum, at 15-17 Welsby Street, Dunwich has also joined the festivities with an open day this Saturday.

There will be free admission from 10am to 3pm on the day.

Current exhibitions include the Surf Life Saving Club 60th anniversary as well as regular island exhibits. Enquiries to 3409 9699.