One Region. One Iconic Ingredient. Endless Ways to Enjoy It.
If there is one ingredient that tells the story of the Gascoyne, it’s prawns.
From the pristine waters of Shark Bay and Exmouth to the kitchens, cafés, breweries and restaurants that dot the Coral Coast, wild-caught prawns have become one of the region’s most celebrated culinary treasures.
In 2026, the Gascoyne Food Festival invited visitors to discover them in a whole new way through the Taste of the Gascoyne Food Trail – a self-guided culinary journey stretching from Shark Bay to Carnarvon, Coral Bay and Exmouth.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or an epic road trip, the Food Trail offers plenty of inspiration for discovering the region through its food.
The Ultimate Gascoyne Road Trip
The 2026 Taste of the Gascoyne Food Trail encouraged visitors to explore the region one dish at a time.
Participating cafés, restaurants, breweries and tourism operators each created a signature dish showcasing one of the Gascoyne’s most iconic ingredients – wild-caught Shark Bay and Exmouth prawns.
From beachfront dining and country pubs to local cafés and hidden gems, every stop offers a different interpretation of the region’s incredible seafood.
No two dishes are the same.
Each reflects the personality of the venue, the creativity of the chef and the unique character of the destination.
From Shark Bay to Exmouth
The 2026 Food Trail began in Shark Bay, where local venues showcased premium wild-caught prawns through dishes inspired by Mediterranean, Asian and modern Australian flavours.
In Carnarvon, fresh local produce met exceptional seafood, with dishes ranging from prawn sandwiches layered with Carnarvon avocado to garlic butter prawns and seafood-inspired café favourites.
Further north, Coral Bay and Exmouth brought Ningaloo’s relaxed coastal lifestyle to the plate. Expect fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas, handcrafted pasta, poke bowls and restaurant-quality dining experiences showcasing Exmouth Wild prawns at their very best.
Along the way you’ll discover local favourites, hidden gems and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Australia.
More Than Seafood
While prawns are the hero ingredient, the Food Trail is also a celebration of the wider Gascoyne food story.
Many dishes incorporate local produce sourced from Carnarvon’s plantations, including fresh herbs, avocados, tomatoes, passionfruit and seasonal vegetables grown in one of Australia’s most productive horticultural regions.
The result is a dining experience that showcases the unique connection between the Gascoyne’s land and sea.
Every plate tells a story.
Every dish reflects the people, produce and places that make the region so special.
The Best Way to Taste the Gascoyne
The Taste of the Gascoyne Food Trail perfectly captures what the Festival is all about.
It encourages visitors to slow down, explore further, support local businesses and connect with the people behind the food.
There are no strict itineraries.
No set routes.
Simply choose your destination, follow your appetite and discover the flavours that make the Gascoyne one of Australia’s most exciting food regions.
Because sometimes the best travel memories aren’t found at the end of the journey.
They’re found around the table.
Explore the 2026 Food Trail
The 2026 Taste of the Gascoyne Food Trail brought together local cafés, restaurants, breweries and tourism businesses across Shark Bay, Carnarvon, Coral Bay and Exmouth.
Each venue created a signature dish celebrating wild-caught Gascoyne prawns alongside produce from across the region.
Explore the participating eateries and dishes, and discover more places to taste your way around the Gascoyne.
Taste. Explore. Discover.
The 2026 Taste of the Gascoyne Food Trail brought together eateries across Shark Bay, Carnarvon, Coral Bay and Exmouth from 21 August to 6 September 2026. Explore the participating venues and signature dishes, and discover the flavours of the Gascoyne.