Coastal Forage 2025: The 10-Course Beach Feast That’s Worth Booking the Babysitter For

Forget indoor fine dining. Shoalhaven’s most delicious weekend is served with sea spray, sandy toes, and a 6km stroll through one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the country.

That’s right — Coastal Forage is back for 2025, and if you’ve ever dreamt of combining a degustation menu with whale watching, native ingredients, cool-climate wines and a barefoot bushwalk, then this is your kind of “me time.”

Saturday’s almost sold out — and with good reason — but tickets for Sunday 14 September drop this Friday 8 August, and they’ll go fast. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Coastal Forage (and Why Are We Obsessing Over It)?

Held just once a year in the sparkling haven that is Jervis Bay, Coastal Forage is no ordinary food event. It’s a 10-course progressive lunch, delivered across a guided 6km walk from Moona Moona Creek to Orions Beach.

Think: a private group of 20–25 guests, ten stations of hand-crafted food and drink pairings, and a beachside bush track that threads you through pristine coastline, native bushland, and chilled-out chef vibes — with plenty of pauses for oysters, wine, and that second slice of native plum tart.

The Menu: South Coast Flavours, Elevated

The food is the hero, of course — and if you’ve eaten anywhere from Bangalay Dining to Cupitt’s Estate, you’ll know this region does not play around.

Returning culinary champions include:

• Bangalay Dining – for their native-forward fire-grilled fare
• Paperbark Camp – expect imaginative, seasonal plates
• Appellation Oysters & John Harley Seafood – bringing the freshest Shoalhaven shellfish
• Old Salt Distillery – with spirits made for sipping on a sand dune
• Blackhen Kitchen, Caterina, and Trolleyd – each adding a unique gourmet touch

New additions like Cupitt’s Estate bistro round out the lineup with dishes crafted to celebrate the land and sea — and every single course is paired with either a wine, cocktail, spirit or non-alcoholic creation from a local producer.

We’re talking about bites you’d travel hours for — but you won’t have to. They’re waiting just around the next bend in the track.

Who’s This Event For?

Let’s be honest — this one’s for you.

You, the parents who need something to look forward to beyond a cold coffee and a school pickup queue. You, who used to love long lunches, weekends away, and food that didn’t come with a side of Vegemite toast crusts.

Coastal Forage is for anyone who wants a gourmet escape without the fuss. It’s a no-judgment zone for wind-swept hair, comfy shoes, and raising a (tasting) glass to everything nature, food, and slow living has to offer.

It’s 18+ only (no kids!), so grab your partner, your bestie, or your solo recharge vibes and make a weekend of it.

The Experience: More Than a Meal

Guests begin their journey from Moona Moona Creek Reserve, setting off in timed groups between 10am and 3pm. From there, it’s a guided meander along the coast, punctuated by culinary stops with million-dollar views.

You’ll eat, sip, chat, and enjoy moments of stillness between courses — spotting whales offshore, dipping your toes in the tide, and hearing stories from the chefs and producers behind every dish.

The loop ends with a private Eco 1 boat transfer from Jervis Bay Wild, ferrying you across the water and back to where you started — slightly sun-kissed, full of fire-cooked everything, and wondering how fast you can book again for next year.

Barefoot Luxury, Shoalhaven Style

Founder Amanda Fry sums it up best:

“There’s nowhere else in Australia where you can enjoy a ten-course meal with your feet in the sand, whales offshore, and a local chef plating up what was caught or harvested fresh locally. It’s pure Shoalhaven.”

And that’s the magic of Coastal Forage. It’s not staged or flashy. It’s real. It’s relaxed. And it’s made for people who appreciate good food, beautiful places, and a slower kind of indulgence.

Ticket Details

• Date: Sat 13 & Sun 14 September 2025
• Location: Jervis Bay, NSW (Moona Moona Creek to Orions Beach)
• Time: Staggered start times between 10am–3pm
• Cost: $225 per person
• Inclusions:
  • 10-course degustation
  • Paired local beverages
  • A keepsake tasting glass
  • An event booklet
  • Return boat transfer across Jervis Bay
• Booking: www.experiencenature.com.au
• Age: 18+ only
• Note: Due to the nature of the event, dietary requirements cannot be accommodated.

Make It a Weekend

If you’re keen to extend the escape (and we don’t blame you), there’s a Stay Package available that includes:

• Two nights at the award-winning Bangalay Luxury Villas
• Daily breakfast
• Two Coastal Forage tickets

All for $1,680. Go on — book the babysitter for both nights.

Plan Your Escape: Why You Should Go

 You deserve a break
You need something indulgent but accessible
You want to support sustainable, local food experiences
You miss long lunches with real napkins and real cutlery
You need a story to tell that doesn’t involve nap time
You love food and nature in equal measure

Final Word

Between the beach breeze, open-fire cooking, and genuine community connection, Coastal Forage offers something more than just an event. It’s a reminder of what life can feel like when you slow down, savour the moment, and let the Shoalhaven coast do what it does best — revive you.

So call the grandparents. Message the babysitter. Or book that weekend with your best mum mate.

Then go walk, eat, sip, and sigh your way through one of the most unique food journeys in the country.

Tickets go live Friday 8 August at www.experiencenature.com.au. Don’t miss out — Saturday is nearly gone.

Disclaimer: Information correct at time of writing. Event may be subject to weather conditions or capacity limits. Parenthood360 encourages sustainable travel and regional tourism initiatives.