A Taste of Shark Bay: Seafood, Stories & Signature Flavours

After promising to take you on the final chapter of the Taste of the Gascoyne Food Trail to Shark Bay, we made it — and what a discovery it turned out to be. This coastal gem, where the red earth meets the turquoise sea, is more than just a place of extraordinary natural beauty; it’s a region where food and community are inseparable. From classic pub fare elevated by the freshest local catch to fine dining that honours the simplicity of the ocean, Shark Bay offered flavours as unforgettable as its landscapes. What struck us most was not just the incredible freshness of the produce, but the way each dish told a story of connection — to the community, to the ocean, and to the deep heritage of the region.

At Shark Bay Pizza, the locals welcomed us with their famous Taste of the Bay Pizza. It was unlike any pizza I’ve ever tried before — the base was creamy, made with their own béchamel seafood sauce, topped with plump Shark Bay prawns, sweet whiting, and delicate scallops. The flavours were brightened with red onion, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, with the option of a little cracked black pepper for an extra kick. The chef explained with pride, “We wanted to create a pizza that showcases the seafood caught and processed in the Bay. All of our seafood is locally sourced, and this pizza brings Shark Bay straight to your plate.” And it did — every bite was the taste of the ocean, of the place itself.

Not far away, the Shark Bay Hotel offered us their take on a timeless classic: fish and chips. But here, it was something more — the catch of the day, battered or grilled, cooked so perfectly that the flavours seemed to melt with each mouthful. Paired with crunchy golden chips, a crisp garden salad, and the tang of house-made tartare, it was comfort food that felt elevated by its absolute freshness. As the chef put it, “I’m excited to serve up the taste of Shark Bay with our local fish, crispy chips, and fresh salad — celebrating the incredible produce from our own backyard!”Sitting outside with the sea breeze rolling in, I couldn’t imagine a more fitting way to experience the heart of Shark Bay.

At Ocean Restaurant in Denham, the experience became a feast to be shared. Their Ocean Seafood Platter for Two was placed before us — a treasure trove of Shark Bay’s best, cooked in ways that highlighted the versatility of the local catch. From delicately grilled fillets to robust shellfish, the platter was a showcase of abundance and skill. The chef explained, “Shark Bay is renowned for its exceptional seafood, and we’re excited to offer our customers a chance to experience the region’s local catch during their visit. This dish is the perfect way to sample some of the major seafood specialities harvested right here in Shark Bay.” Each element felt like a love letter to the sea, a reminder of just how rich and diverse this region is.

And then, the journey took us across to Dirk Hartog Island Lodge, where dining was as much about the setting as the plate before us. Watching the sun sink low over the ocean, we were served the Coastal Catch with Seasonal Produce: wild-caught Shark Bay whiting, barbecued simply, with a medley of vibrant, locally grown vegetables and the richness of garlic herb butter. It was a dish that needed no embellishment. The owner and cook, Tori Wardle summed it up perfectly: “We have chosen Shark Bay whiting because it represents everything we value at Dirk Hartog Island – freshness, locality, and a deep connection to the land and the sea.” Each mouthful carried that philosophy — simple, elegant, and deeply tied to place.

What struck us across every stop in Shark Bay was not just the flavour of the food, but the sense of pride and belonging behind it. These dishes weren’t just meals; they were memories of the ocean, of the community, and of the wild, rugged beauty of the Gascoyne itself.

This showcase of flavour and storytelling was made possible thanks to the Shire of Shark Bay, whose ongoing support ensures that local venues and producers have the opportunity to shine on a national stage. Their commitment to celebrating the region’s extraordinary seafood and hospitality plays a vital role in keeping Shark Bay firmly on the map as one of Australia’s most remarkable destinations for food and travel.

Last Week to Vote

There’s only one week left to cast your vote in the Taste of the Gascoyne Food Trail. By voting, you’re not just supporting these incredible chefs and venues — you’re celebrating the people and places that make Shark Bay, and the entire Gascoyne, a world-class food destination.

👉 Voting closes this Sunday, 31 August. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the story — and to go into the draw for incredible prizes, including a once-in-a-lifetime foodie getaway to the 2026 Gascoyne Food Festival. Click here to vote now.