The Ultimate Moving Feast: Why Coastal Forage is Jervis Bay’s Best-Kept Culinary Secret

There is a moment in Jervis Bay when the world seems to distill itself into a single, perfect frame: the blindingly white sand of a secluded cove, the rhythmic lap of sapphire water against the shore, and the unexpected scent of fire-grilled seafood drifting on the salt air. You aren’t sitting in a crowded restaurant. You aren’t checking your watch. You are wandering barefoot, glass in hand along a coastline that has just become the world’s most beautiful dining room.

Located just a three-hour scenic drive from Sydney and two and a half hours from Canberra, Jervis Bay is legendary for its natural beauty. But for one exclusive weekend each spring, it transforms into a “paddock-to-plate” (or rather, “tide-to-trail”) wonderland. This is Coastal Forage, an immersive 10-course degustation that bridges the gap between a nature walk and a high-end culinary event.

If you’ve ever wanted to truly taste the Shoalhaven, to meet the makers behind the region’s best spirits, and to feel the sand of Moona Moona Creek between your toes as you savor an Appellation oyster, this is your invitation.

The Deep Dive: A 10-Course Journey Through Paradise

What is Coastal Forage?

Coastal Forage is not your typical food festival. It is a “moving feast”, a progressive 6-kilometre dining experience curated by Experience Nature. The concept is as simple as it is soul-stirring: guests depart in small, intimate groups from Moona Moona Creek Reserve, meandering along a flat, breathtaking coastal trail toward Orion’s Beach.

Along the way, the bush and beach reveal ten distinct food and drink stations. Each one is a “reveal,” a surprise encounter with a local chef or producer who is plating up the very best of the South Coast right there in the wild.

The Sensory Experience: Barefoot Luxury Defined

The Sights: The trail winds through the vibrant greens of coastal heath and the shimmering whites of the shoreline. You’ll witness the “whiter-than-white” sands of Jervis Bay Marine Park up close, with the occasional silhouette of a migrating whale breaching in the distance. The visual feast is as intoxicating as the food itself.

The Sounds: Forget the clinking of cutlery in a noisy bistro. Here, your soundtrack is the melodic call of honeyeaters in the banksias and the gentle “hush” of the Tasman Sea. As you reach the finish line at Orion’s Beach, the sound of a private Jervis Bay Wild boat arrival signals the final chapter of your journey, a boat transfer back to the start, allowing you to see the path you just walked from the perspective of the water.

The Flavors: Expect the unexpected. You might find Bangalay Dining serving fire-grilled native ingredients, Old Salt Distillery pouring artisan spirits, or John Harley Seafood offering the freshest catch of the day. From cool-climate wines from the nearby highlands to sea-foraged delicacies, every bite tells a story of the Shoalhaven’s rich biodiversity.

Who it’s for

  • The Epicurean Adventurer: For those who find traditional dining too restrictive and want their 5-star meal with a side of fresh air.
  • Couples & Friends: It’s the ultimate “unplugged” social event. The staggered start times and small groups mean you never feel crowded, allowing for genuine connection.
  • Nature Lovers: If you appreciate the provenance of your food, there is nothing like eating a dish while looking at the environment that produced its ingredients.

Practical Magic: Local Secrets for the Forager

To ensure your Coastal Forage experience is nothing short of magical, here are our insider tips:

  • Dress for the “Forage”: While it’s a gourmet event, the terrain includes sand and bush tracks. Opt for comfortable, covered walking shoes or high-quality sandals. Leave the heels at the villa!
  • The “Slow Move” Secret: Don’t rush between stations. The event is designed to be savored over 2.5 to 3 hours. Take the time to talk to the chefs; they love sharing the “why” behind their dishes.
  • Stay Hydrated: Each ticket includes paired beverages (this is an 18+ event), but the Jervis Bay sun is famously bright. Bring a reusable water bottle to keep your palate fresh between courses.
  • Book the Sunday: Saturday tickets often fly off the shelves the moment they are released. If you’re looking for a slightly more relaxed pace, the Sunday sessions are a local favorite.
  • Camera Ready: You’ll want to capture the food stations, they are masterpieces of “bush-chic” styling, but remember to put the phone away for at least one stretch of the walk to truly soak in the silence.

Stay with Experience Jervis Bay

After a day of walking the shoreline and indulging in 10 courses of world-class produce, the transition back to “reality” should be just as luxurious. At Experience Jervis Bay, we believe the story doesn’t end when the boat drops you back at Moona Moona Creek. It continues when you open the door to a home that feels like your own private sanctuary.

The Brand Narrative: Your Coastal Sanctuary

There’s a specific kind of magic in retreating to a beautiful home after a day of exploration. Our collection of holiday rentals is designed to be the essential centerpiece of your Jervis Bay escape. Whether you’re reflecting on your favorite course of the day while lounging on a sun-drenched deck or sharing a bottle of local wine in a gourmet kitchen, we provide the space for those memories to settle.

Our Offering: A Collection Curated for You

We don’t just manage properties; we curate experiences. Our portfolio across Huskisson, Vincentia, and Hyams Beach ensures you are always strategically located close to the Forage trail and the region’s best secret spots.

  • Diversity of Stays: Our collection ranges from beachfront luxury estates with panoramic ocean views to modern, minimalist apartments in the heart of Huskisson. We offer spacious family homes with outdoor entertaining areas perfect for groups, and cozy romantic retreats tucked away in quiet, leafy pockets.
  • Premium Amenities: Expect high-end finishes, Wi-Fi for sharing your foraging finds, and gourmet kitchens (though after 10 courses, you might just want the wine fridge!).
  • Pet-Friendly Options: We believe the whole family should enjoy the bay. Many of our most stylish homes are pet-friendly, so your four-legged friend doesn’t have to miss out on the coastal air.
  • Local Expertise: As a professional local management team, we are here to ensure your stay is seamless. From keyless entry to 5-star cleanliness, we handle the details so you can focus on the forage.
Guests relaxing in white deck chairs on the white sand beach of Jervis Bay during the Coastal Forage culinary tour.
The ultimate way to digest: relaxing on the world’s whitest sand after a 10-course journey.
A chef grilling fresh octopus skewers on a beachside barbecue during the Coastal Forage event in Jervis Bay.
Nothing beats the aroma of fresh seafood being prepared right on the sand for Coastal Forage guests.
Two chefs in grey aprons carefully plating gourmet appetizers on a white tablecloth at an outdoor dining station in the Australian bush during the Coastal Forage event in Jervis Bay.
Fresh from the land and sea: Chefs prepare locally sourced degustation plates for hikers along the 5-6km Coastal Forage trail.