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.
This year, the Gascoyne Food Festival invites 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 is one of the most delicious ways to experience the region.
The Ultimate Gascoyne Road Trip
The Taste of the Gascoyne Food Trail has been designed to encourage visitors to explore the region one dish at a time.
Participating cafés, restaurants, breweries and tourism operators have 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
Your journey may begin in Shark Bay, where local venues showcase premium wild-caught prawns through dishes inspired by Mediterranean, Asian and modern Australian flavours.
Continue north to Carnarvon, where fresh local produce meets exceptional seafood. Here you’ll discover everything from prawn sandwiches layered with Carnarvon avocado to garlic butter prawns and seafood-inspired café favourites.
Further north, Coral Bay and Exmouth bring 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.
Vote and Win
The Food Trail isn’t just about eating.
It’s also about discovering your favourite.
After tasting your way around the region, visitors are invited to vote for their favourite Food Trail dish for the chance to win incredible Festival prizes.
The major prize is an unforgettable Australia’s Last Sunset Experience for Two on Dirk Hartog Island, including accommodation, island experiences, gourmet dining and return transfers.
Additional prizes include restaurant vouchers, tourism experiences and delicious Gascoyne produce packs.
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.
Taste. Explore. Vote. Win.
The Taste of the Gascoyne Food Trail runs from 21 August to 6 September 2026 across Shark Bay, Carnarvon, Coral Bay and Exmouth. Start planning your culinary road trip today and discover where red earth meets turquoise sea.