From Jetty to Ranges – We’ve Been Tasting the Best of the Gascoyne
- ideas745
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
There’s no better way to explore the Gascoyne than one delicious bite at a time! This week, alongside the Festival events, we’ve hit the Taste of the Gascoyne Food Trail to sample the incredible dishes being served up by some of the region’s most passionate and talented eateries — and trust us, your taste buds are in for a treat.
Kestral Cafe, Carnarvon
Set on the iconic 1 Mile Jetty in the Carnarvon Heritage Precinct, Kestral Cafe offers food with a view – and a story. Their Vietnamese crab spring rolls were a standout – light, crisp, and packed with flavour. You’ll be tempted to order more than one plate.
But it’s not just the food that impresses. The precinct is steeped in history, with lovingly restored equipment once used by sea farers, and even a full whale skeleton on display. It’s a place where the past comes alive. So go for the spring rolls, but stay for the history — spend the morning soaking up the stories of the sea.
Sails Restaurant, Carnarvon
Located within the Carnarvon Hospitality Inn, Sails Restaurant is a hidden gem delivering warm hospitality and ocean-inspired dishes that are nothing short of spectacular.
We fell in love with their signature seafood chowder — one of the best we’ve ever had. It arrives at your table as a steaming bowl of creamy perfection, brimming with local prawns, scallops, squid, and line-caught fish, all delicately seasoned and served with golden garlic bread. Each spoonful bursts with flavour, capturing the essence of Carnarvon’s coastal bounty.
If you’re a seafood lover, this is a must-stop on the Trail.
Bullara Station Stay
Rustic charm meets gourmet comfort at Bullara Station, where we had the pleasure of joining their incredible Beef Festival Dinner in the Woolshed — but the highlight was their signature grass-fed Bullara steak pie with red wine and shallot gravy.
Chef Toby Fisher says it best:
“There’s nothing better for a chef than to use the produce of the property they’re working on.”
Wrapped in golden, flaky pastry and paired with seasonal vegetables from Borich & Sons in Carnarvon, this hearty pie showcases the best of station-to-plate dining. It’s country cooking with a serious gourmet twist.
We then travelled north to Exmouth, and let us tell you — it’s bursting with mouth-watering stops along the Food Trail. Here are just a few of our favourites:
Mutts Café, Exmouth
Famous for their signature burger and decadent cheesecake, Mutts is a casual, vibrant spot with serious culinary chops. We tried the burger with “Mutts Sauce” — the recipe is a closely guarded secret, but whatever’s in it, it ties the whole burger together in one juicy, flavour-packed bite.
And don’t skip dessert — the cheesecake is rich, creamy, and utterly unforgettable.
Whalers Restaurant, Exmouth
If you’re in the mood for decadence, order their seafood platter. It’s overflowing with Exmouth tiger prawns, Shark Bay scallops, oysters, goldband snapper, soft shell crab, and bugs — enough for two (or three!), and worth every indulgent bite.
Beautifully presented and seasoned to perfection, it’s a celebration of the region’s finest seafood.
From Reef to Ranges, Exmouth
This dish took our breath away – both visually and in flavour. The From Reef to Ranges Signature Plate featured kangaroo fillet on a silky parsnip purée, paired with Illawarra plums, picked Exmouth bugs, and goldband snapper ceviche tostada.
It was an artful, sensory experience that felt like fine dining in the heart of nature — a shining example of the talent and creativity in the Gascoyne region.
Sweet Ningaloo, Exmouth
We ended our Exmouth adventure on a sweet note with the Sweet Cup — a beautiful combo of mango sorbet and honey pavlova, topped with passionfruit purée and hand-made meringues. It was fresh, light, and luxurious — a perfect finale to a day of indulgence.
Don’t Just Take Our Word for It – Taste and Vote!
There are amazing prizes up for grabs — including a trip for two to the 2026 Gascoyne Food Festival, with accommodation and signature event access included!
Simply scan the QR code at each participating eatery and cast your vote.
The more you eat, the more you vote, the greater your chances to win!
Stay tuned next week as we explore more of the eateries along the Trail.
Keep following us as we make our way across the Gascoyne — tasting, discovering, and sharing all the delicious secrets along the way.
Comments