The Gunyah

• 4441 7299
• 571 Woollamia Rd, Huskisson NSW 2540, Australia
• paperbarkcamp.com.au/the-gunyah

The Business Snapshot

The Experience Jervis Bay Verdict: “Our must-order: The Chef’s Seasonal Tasting Menu paired with matching local wines—don’t leave Jervis Bay without trying this masterclass in native Australian flavors.”

Introduction

You’ve just finished a late afternoon swim at Shark Net Beach. Your skin is salty, the sun is beginning its slow dip below the horizon, and you’re reflecting on another perfect coastal day. But while Jervis Bay is globally renowned for its blindingly white sand and crystalline waters, the region harbors a hidden, emerald-hued secret just a few minutes inland. As the coastal breeze settles, it’s time to trade the beach for the bush.

Welcome to The Gunyah, the architectural marvel and culinary heart of the pioneering eco-resort, Paperbark Camp.

Located in the tranquil, leafy enclave of Woollamia—just a five-minute drive from our bustling rental hubs in Huskisson—The Gunyah is a true local institution. Long before “eco-tourism” and “foraging” became trendy buzzwords, Paperbark Camp was quietly setting the gold standard for immersive, sustainable luxury. While the camp itself is a private sanctuary for glamping guests, the restaurant graciously opens its doors to the public (bookings permitting), allowing visitors to experience its magic.

As your local concierge, Experience Jervis Bay is here to tell you that dining at The Gunyah isn’t just a meal; it’s a sensory event. It is the ultimate way to cap off a South Coast holiday, offering a sophisticated, intimate contrast to your sun-drenched beach days.

The Deep Dive: The Gunyah at Paperbark Camp

The Story Behind the Door

The word “Gunyah” translates to “meeting place” or “shelter” in several Indigenous Australian languages, and the space perfectly honors its namesake. Founded by the pioneering Irena and Jeremy Hutchings, the ethos of Paperbark Camp has always been about touching the earth lightly. This philosophy translates seamlessly to the kitchen, which acts as a love letter to the Shoalhaven region. The culinary team meticulously sources ingredients from local farmers, coastal fishermen, and Indigenous foragers, ensuring that what ends up on your plate is a direct reflection of the surrounding landscape.

The Aesthetic & Vibe

To step up into The Gunyah is to step into a beautifully crafted, adult treehouse. As you can see from the architectural styling, the restaurant is built high off the ground on sturdy timber stilts, designed to catch the natural coastal breezes and allow the local wildlife to roam undisturbed below. Tall, smooth-barked eucalyptus trees pierce straight through the expansive, open-air wooden deck, blurring the lines between the built environment and the untamed bush.

The aesthetic is a masterclass in “bush luxury.” Corrugated iron roofing and rich plywood walls provide a rustic, earthy backdrop, while canvas roll-down blinds—reminiscent of the safari-style tents scattered throughout the property—offer shelter without blocking the symphony of cicadas and kookaburras. As evening falls, the space is transformed. Crisp white tablecloths glow under the warm, amber light of contemporary fixtures and an open fireplace, creating an incredibly romantic, enveloping atmosphere. It’s casual enough that you feel relaxed, yet refined enough to make you feel completely spoiled.

The Experience Jervis Bay Recommendation: The Menu Highlights

The Gunyah operates primarily on a set-menu basis (often three courses), which changes in harmony with the micro-seasons of the South Coast.

• The Native Seafood Starter: Expect to find hyper-local catches, such as cured Kingfish from nearby waters, elevated with native finger lime pearls that pop on the palate, and a subtle dressing of lemon myrtle and macadamia oil.

• The Bush-Spiced Main: The kitchen excels at game meats. Look out for perfectly rested kangaroo loin crusted in wattle seed and pepperberry, served alongside root vegetables grown in the rich Shoalhaven volcanic soil.

• The Botanical Dessert: A refined pavlova or panna cotta infused with Davidson plum or strawberry gum, balancing sweet, tart, and herbal notes perfectly.

Dietary & Accessibility

Because of the nature of the set menu and remote location, dietary requirements (including excellent Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-Free options) must be communicated at the time of booking so the chefs can prepare a tailored experience.

Accessibility note: Due to the elevated, treehouse-style architecture, access to the restaurant involves stairs. If you or a guest have mobility concerns, it is highly recommended to speak directly with the team prior to booking.

The Local Insider’s Edge

As your local hosts, we want you to experience The Gunyah like a true Jervis Bay regular. Here is our insider knowledge to elevate your evening:

• The Twilight Timing: Do not book your table for pitch black. The absolute best time to arrive is 45 minutes before sunset. This allows you to witness the magical transition of the bush from day to night, watching the light filter through the gum leaves as the nocturnal wildlife begins to stir.

• The Pre-Dinner Sundowner: Before sitting down at your white-tablecloth table, head to the relaxed Sundowner lounge area. Order a “Paperbark Martini” or a local Jervis Bay Brewing Co. craft beer, and sit out on the canvas chairs.

• The “Secret” Best Seat: When booking, politely request a table on the outer edge of the elevated timber deck, right next to one of the soaring eucalyptus trunks that grow through the floorboards. It offers the most immersive view into the floodlit bushland, where you might spot resident possums gliding through the canopy.

• Pairing Ideas: Make an afternoon of it in Woollamia. Before dinner, hire a stand-up paddleboard or kayak and explore the incredibly peaceful waters of Currambene Creek. The Woollamia boat ramp is just down the road, offering calm, mangrove-lined waters that feel a million miles from the ocean swells.

Practical Logistics

• Opening Hours: The Gunyah is seasonal and intrinsically linked to the camp’s occupancy. It is generally open for dinner from Thursday to Monday, but public bookings are strictly subject to availability. They occasionally offer Sunday lunches or breakfast slots. Always check their current schedule.

• Location & Parking: 571 Woollamia Rd, Woollamia NSW 2540. It is a scenic 5-to-10-minute drive from the center of Huskisson. Turn down the dirt driveway marked by the Paperbark Camp sign. There is a designated guest parking area nestled among the trees. (Notice the bicycles parked under the deck in the photo? Those are for staying guests, but arriving by car is easy and well-signed).

• Booking Info: Bookings are absolutely essential. Walk-ins are rarely accommodated due to the prep required for the set menu. Secure your table via the Paperbark Camp website.

The Concierge Connection

At Experience Jervis Bay, we believe that where you sleep is only half of your holiday story; how you connect with the region makes up the rest. We don’t just hand you the keys to a stunning holiday home; we hand you the keys to our community.

Guiding you toward transformative local experiences like a dinner at The Gunyah is exactly why we do what we do. There is something profoundly special about spending an evening suspended in the treetops, indulging in native Australian gastronomy, and then taking a short, five-minute drive back to the comfort of your private Experience Jervis Bay accommodation.

The Stay Enhancement:

If the sensory flavors of The Gunyah inspire you, why not utilize the gourmet kitchen in your holiday home the next day? Stop by the local farmers’ markets or the Huskisson fish butcher, pick up some native herbs and fresh South Coast seafood, and try your hand at recreating a bush-to-table feast right on your own private deck. Open a bottle of Shoalhaven wine you picked up at dinner, and keep the magic alive.