Former SA senator Cory Bernardi and wife Sinead take over Oyster HQ at Coffin Bay

A controversial former SA senator has secured an idyllic tourism seafood hotspot on the Eyre Peninsula, with plans to turn it into a “hospitality experience”.

Oyster HQ at Coffin Bay is now owned by Cory Bernardi.

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Outspoken former Liberal senator Cory Bernardi and his wife Sinead have taken over a much-loved tourism icon on the Eyre Peninsula.

Last month the couple bought Oyster HQ, on the foreshore of Coffin Bay, including the seafood restaurant with its waterfront views and the popular oyster farm tour business.

Once a publican in Adelaide’s CBD before embarking on a two-decade career in politics, Mr Bernardi said it was an “amazing opportunity” for the couple, who have a holiday home in the area.

“Essentially, Sinead and I decided to invest in this iconic business, and our goal is to take advantage of the world-class views and seafood to create a world-class hospitality and tourism experience,” he told The Advertiser.

“It’s fair to say that Coffin Bay, and the Eyre Peninsula, is my favourite place in the world and being back in the hospitality business (after 30 years since the last pub) has been fantastic.”

Senator Cory Bernardi and his wife Sinead at their Adelaide home. Picture: Matt Turner.

Oyster dishes from Oyster HQ in Coffin Bay. Pic: Instagram.

Mr Bernardi was just 23 when he bought a share in the family pub, Bernardi’s, on King William St, opposite the Adelaide Town Hall, in 1992.

Already a champion rower, he switched careers in 1996, becoming an investment adviser and fund manager, before entering politics.

Mr Bernardi was state president by 1998, eventually winning a seat in the SA senate with the Liberals in 2006. He formed his own party, the Australian Conservatives, in 2017, before leaving politics in January 2020.

City publican Cory Bernardi at Bernardi's, King William Street, Adelaide in 1991.

Senator Cory Bernardi gives a speech in the Senate chamber at Parliament House. Picture: AAP

The operators of the nearby 1802 Oyster Bar, chef Andy Williams and front-of-house specialist Clare Martin, have also joined as part owners of the food and beverage offering.

Mr Bernardi said plans are in the works to renovate Oyster HQ as soon as next year.

“Hospitality has certainly changed in some respects over the years but the basics are still the same. Treat people well and they’ll have a good time,” he said.

“I know we have a fantastic venue, the best oysters and a view to die for…throw in a unique oyster tour experience and the package we can provide is world class.”