Treetop Dining at The Gunyah: A South Coast Slow-Down

The Story Snapshot

The “Why We Love It”: Set among the spotted gums of Paperbark Camp, The Gunyah pairs contemporary Australian cuisine with an elevated open-air dining room where seasonal South Coast produce and native Australian ingredients take centre stage. The surrounding bushland creates a peaceful backdrop that changes character from sunlit afternoons to candlelit evenings.

As the road leaves Jervis Bay’s white sand coastline behind, the towering eucalyptus forest of Woollamia creates an entirely different mood. Just five minutes from Huskisson, hidden among the spotted gums of Paperbark Camp, The Gunyah offers one of the region’s most distinctive culinary experiences. Climb the timber staircase into the treetops and the sounds of cicadas, birdsong and quiet conversation replace the bustle of town, setting the scene for a relaxed evening of contemporary Australian dining surrounded by native forest.

Where Fine Dining Meets the Australian Bush

Fine dining doesn’t need white tablecloths or formal ceremony. At The Gunyah, exceptional contemporary Australian cuisine is served beneath a canopy of towering spotted gums, where warm hospitality and the surrounding bush create an atmosphere that’s both refined and wonderfully relaxed.

Elevated above the forest floor at Paperbark Camp, the open-air restaurant embraces its natural surroundings rather than competing with them. Many tables overlook the surrounding bushland, allowing diners to experience the sights and sounds of the forest throughout their meal.

The restaurant combines contemporary dining with an open-air bush setting at Paperbark Camp.

A Celebration of Local and Native Ingredients

Seasonal South Coast produce forms the foundation of The Gunyah’s menu, complemented by native Australian herbs, spices and botanicals.

Each seasonal menu showcases the freshest local seafood, premium regional meats and market produce, elevated with thoughtfully selected native Australian herbs, spices and botanicals. Lemon myrtle brings vibrant citrus notes, wattleseed adds warmth and depth, while indigenous ingredients are used with restraint to enhance, rather than overshadow, the quality of each dish.

The menu changes with the seasons, allowing the kitchen to highlight locally available ingredients throughout the year. The result is contemporary Australian cuisine that’s elegant, balanced and unmistakably connected to the landscape beyond the dining deck.

Fine Dining Without the Formality

The Gunyah combines the attention to detail associated with fine dining while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere that suits its bushland setting.

Seasonal dishes are served in a relaxed setting, encouraging guests to enjoy extended lunches or dinners alongside regional wines and local craft beers.

The atmosphere combines contemporary dining with a bushland setting that reflects the surrounding South Coast environment.

Dining Among the Treetops

Dining at The Gunyah feels less like visiting a restaurant and more like becoming part of the surrounding forest.

Elevated on timber stilts among towering spotted gums, the open-air pavilion sits within the canopy itself. Cooling breezes, native birdlife and seasonal cicada calls contribute to the natural atmosphere throughout much of the year.

As dusk settles over the bushland, soft lighting transforms the timber pavilion into one of the South Coast’s most atmospheric dining settings. In winter, the glow of the central fireplace creates an equally inviting retreat, making every season an exceptional time to visit.

Visitor Tips

Reservations around sunset are often popular because they allow diners to experience the transition from daylight to evening in the surrounding bushland. Allow two to three hours to fully enjoy the seasonal menu and carefully selected wine list. Smart casual attire is ideal, with enclosed shoes recommended for the short walk through the bush. Book well in advance during weekends and holiday periods.

Staying with Experience Jervis Bay

After an evening at The Gunyah, it’s less than a ten-minute drive back to the coast. Guests staying with Experience Jervis Bay can return to the comfort of a private holiday home in Huskisson or Vincentia, ending the day with the perfect pairing of exceptional dining and a relaxing coastal escape.

The “Perfect Day” Extension

Combine dinner at The Gunyah with a visit to the White Sands Walk, which links Greenfield Beach and Hyams Beach through Jervis Bay National Park. The coastal scenery provides a natural contrast to the bushland setting of the restaurant, making the two experiences easy to combine during a weekend visit.

• Category: Food