The foodie event of the year, the Gascoyne Food Festival, is back this August and September 2024, celebrating the vibrant food culture, diverse flavours and cultural heritage of the Gascoyne region.
Aptly nicknamed ‘the food bowl’ of Western Australia, the stunning Gascoyne region is located around 900km north of Perth. It is home to a rich bounty of fishing, aquaculture, agriculture and pastoral industries with an annual gross output of $1.196 billion annually.
This incredibly fertile land is known for its abundance of tropical fruits, succulent seafood, beef and sheep stations – and the Gascoyne Food Festival is all about putting this incredible produce, and the people behind it, on show.
The diverse calendar of events promises food, music, cultural and community spirit, and the very best of Gascoyne’s culinary scene for all ages to enjoy.
“From exclusive long table dinners and lunches to community gatherings, each event offers a unique opportunity to indulge in the finest local fare and immerse oneself in Gascoyne’s vibrant food culture,” says Chris Higham, Gascoyne Food Council Chair.
A gastronomic experience
Kicking things off is the Carnarvon Long Table Lunch on 3 August. With tables set against the backdrop of a lush banana plantation, guests can indulge in a sumptuous feast featuring quality, locally sourced ingredients, paddock-to-plate style.
The iconic Bullara Station will be hosting the exclusive Long Table Dinner on 10 August in its historic 120-year-old woolshed, with their very own beef on the menu.
Head Chef Toby Fisher and Pastry Chef Maree Fisher – both trained in French cuisine at a Michelin-star level – note the evening promises French bistro classics infused with the unique flavours of Gascoyne’s local produce.
“Bullara has become famous for our outback hospitality and dinner experiences and we’re looking forward to turning up the heat for this French-inspired long table dinner,” Toby says.
This is just the beginning, with plenty more iconic events hosted in some stunning Western Australian locations, including Carnarvon’s Gwoondwardu Mia Centre, the Carnarvon Fascine, Gascoyne Junction Pub, Mount Augustus Tourist Park and Exmouth Whalebone.
Shining a light on producers
Timothy Bray, CEO of the Gascoyne Development Commission, says it is important to celebrate the pastoralists, farmers and producers who work tirelessly to feed Australia.
“This event allows attendees to taste the local cuisine and gives them the chance to appreciate where it comes from…
This event allows attendees to taste the local cuisine and gives them the chance to appreciate where it comes from… this year the Carnarvon Mediterranean Long Table Feast will be set against the backdrop of a working banana plantation, giving visitors a chance to indulge in the ultimate paddock to plate experience.”
Foodies, make sure to add this not-to-be-missed festival to your calendars!
Festival events
Saturday 3 August: Mediterranean Long Table Lunch, Carnarvon
Saturday 10 August: Long Table Dinner, Bullara Station Stay
Friday 16 August: Around the Fire Pit, Gwoonwardu Mia
Saturday 17 August: Community Event, Carnarvon
Saturday 24 August: Flavours of the Gascoyne, Gascoyne Junction
Saturday 31 August: Mount Augustus Biggest BBQ, Mount Augustus
Friday 6 September: Whalebone Hoe-Down, Exmouth
The event is proudly sponsored by Gascoyne Development Commission, Shire of Carnarvon, Tremor, Mundillya Homestead, and Norwesta Lifestyle Park.
Follow on socials: @gascoynefoodfestival
Buy tickets here: gascoynefoodfestival.com.au
Enjoyed reading about the Gascoyne Food Festival? For more to explore in this beautiful region, check out our top places to eat, stay and play in Carnarvon.
