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The 2024 Gascoyne Food Festival has not only indulged the taste buds of visitors but also provided a significant boost to the local economy with this year’s festival directly injecting half a million dollars into the Gascoyne region.
The festival, which ran throughout August, attracted more than 700 visitors from across Australia and even a few international visitors who were all eager to experience the culinary wonders of the Gascoyne produce.
From long table dinners to cooking demonstrations and community events, the festival showcased the rich diversity of local produce sourced from a vibrant agricultural, pastoral and aquaculture industry.
Gascoyne Development Commission CEO Timothy Bray emphasised the festival’s economic impact from Carnarvon through to Gascoyne Junction and Mount Augustus and all the way to Exmouth.
“The Gascoyne Food Festival is more than just a celebration of food—it’s a vital contributor to our local economy. This year’s event generated more than $550,000 in direct economic benefits, supporting local producers, tourism operators, and hospitality businesses,” said Mr. Bray.
“By attracting visitors and promoting our incredible produce, the festival continues to create opportunities for growth and collaboration.”
Each event during the festival highlighted the region’s world-class ingredients, from the fresh prawns in Exmouth and scallops in Shark Bay to vibrant fruit and vegetable crops in Carnarvon as well as lamb, beef and goat produced throughout the Gascoyne.
Visitors had the opportunity to savour these ingredients in creative dishes prepared by renowned culinary stars, including Ben Ing, Paul ‘Yoda’ Iskov, David Moyle, Jenna Holmes ‘Pasta Mama’, Daniela Maiorano, Attilio Maiorano, Maree and Toby Fisher, and Paul and James Kelly.
Chair of the Gascoyne Food Council Chris Higham praised the collaboration that underpinned the festival’s success.
“The Gascoyne Food Festival has brought together our producers, chefs, and the community in a way that creates lasting economic and social benefits. This year’s event showcased the quality of our produce and why people should be buying produce from this region,” said Ms. Higham.
“It’s a clear demonstration of how food tourism can drive economic growth and help our producers reach new markets.”
With the 2024 festival now concluded, organisers are already planning for next year’s event, with a focus on further expanding the festival’s reach and economic impact.
“We’re very supportive of seeing the festival growing year after year, ensuring it remains a vital economic driver for the Gascoyne,” Mr Bray said.
“Our goal for 2025 is to attract even more visitors, build on the relationships we’ve developed, and continue to highlight the exceptional quality of the region’s food.”
Higham echoed this vision, noting the long-term potential of the festival which has already been running for more than a decade.
“The Gascoyne Food Festival is more than just a celebration—it’s putting the Gascoyne region on the map. As we look toward the future, we’ll be working to ensure that the festival continues to grow in both scale and impact.”
The Gascoyne Food Festival ran seven events in 2024 including the sold out Bullara Long Table Dinner and Mount Augustus Biggest BBQ.
The festival was proudly sponsored by Tourism WA, Gascoyne Development Commission, Shire of Carnarvon, Shire of Exmouth, Rex Airlines, Tremor Earthmoving, Sea Harvest Australia, Mundilya Homestead, Norwesta Holiday Park and Sweeter Banana.
For more information and to stay updated on the 2025 festival, visit our website or follow their socials via @gascoynefoodfestival.
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