A Sixteen-Day Journey Through the Gascoyne
From 21 August – 6 September 2026, the Gascoyne Food Festival brought guests together to experience one of Australia’s most extraordinary regions through food, culture, landscape and storytelling.
Stretching across Carnarvon, Exmouth, Shark Bay and beyond, the Festival brought together chefs, producers, growers, fishers, cultural custodians and local communities through a curated collection of immersive experiences designed to connect visitors more deeply to place.
From elegant long table lunches and ocean-inspired dining experiences to station feasts, workshops, cultural storytelling and fireside gatherings beneath vast outback skies, the 2026 Festival showcased the Gascoyne in a way that felt intimate, authentic and unforgettable.
WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT
A Place-Led Experience
The Gascoyne Food Festival is shaped by the landscapes and communities in which it takes place.
Every experience is designed to reflect the character of its location, from working plantations and remote stations to turquoise coastlines and cultural gathering places. Rather than bringing generic experiences into the region, the Festival connects visitors with the people who live, grow, fish and create here.
Food becomes the lens through which the region is explored. In 2026, guests dined beneath mango blossoms in Carnarvon, gathered around fires under vast desert skies and shared stories overlooking the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef.
The experiences were immersive, sensory and deeply connected to place.
Intimate by design, the Festival focused on quality, authenticity and meaningful connection. The result was a collection of experiences that felt rare, personal and unmistakably Gascoyne.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Food, Storytelling & Connection
The 2026 Festival program brought together a diverse mix of refined dining experiences, immersive workshops, cultural storytelling events, station gatherings and relaxed community celebrations.
Some experiences were elegant and sophisticated, while others were raw, rustic and deeply grounded in the landscape, together reflecting the diversity and spirit of the Gascoyne itself.
For visitors drawn to destination dining, cultural experiences, coastal escapes or simply somewhere new, the Gascoyne Food Festival offered a different way to experience the region through its food, people and places.
FAQS
More information
Everything you need to know before planning your Gascoyne Food Festival experience.
Do I need to book early?
Yes. Many Festival experiences are intentionally limited in capacity to create intimate, place-led experiences and are expected to sell out quickly. Early bookings are strongly recommended.
How do I get to the Gascoyne?
The region is accessible via direct flights to Carnarvon , Denham and Exmouth, or through one of Western Australia’s iconic self-drive journeys. Many visitors choose to travel by road between Festival locations as part of the experience, exploring the coastline, stations and landscapes along the way.
Is accommodation limited?
Accommodation across the region can book out quickly during Festival dates, so we recommend securing accommodation as early as possible once booking your Festival experiences.
What weather should I expect?
August and September are considered some of the best months to experience the Gascoyne, with warm sunny days, mild evenings and spectacular conditions across the region.
Are the events suitable for all ages?
Some experiences are family-friendly and community-focused, while others are premium dining or licensed events designed for adults. Please refer to individual event listings for details.
Can I attend multiple events across the Festival?
Absolutely. Many guests build their own Festival journey by travelling between Carnarvon, Exmouth and Shark Bay across the sixteen-day program.
What should I wear?
Most events are relaxed yet elevated in style. We recommend smart casual attire, comfortable footwear and dressing appropriately for outdoor regional conditions.