Remnant shellfish reefs have undergone an 85% loss worldwide, altering species composition and biodiversity in these once abundant habitats. Moreton Bay previously supported abundant Sydney rock oyster reefs but has since lost 96% of the vertical zonation appropriate for their settlement. More information on oyster and oyster spat distribution is required to optimise restoration actions. The aim of this study was to quantify the environmental and spatial conditions which most drive naturally occurring oyster populations and their settlement in Northern Moreton Bay. We used a combination of field oyster surveys (using quadrats) and settlement plates at 26 sites to identify environmental variables most associated with oyster populations. Settlement plate arrays were comprised of six tiles attached to besser blocks. Tile plates were removed from the structures at three and six-months post deployment. Overall, oyster spat were more abundant at sites with greater connectivity to other oyster populations, and at sites with fewer fish predators. There was also a significant effect of local habitat conditions (i.e. substrate limitation and sediment) on oyster populations. The results of this study will be used to inform future oyster restoration efforts in Moreton Bay via spatial distribution modelling techniques.