Western Australia Gourmet Escape
Superb food and wine, exciting pop-up events and a fantastic line-up of culinary talent add up to one mouth-watering festival.
This ten-day program offers a range of extraordinary experiences with world-class culinary talent, produce and wine. Select from a diverse range of exciting events and dining experiences in some of Western Australia's most beautiful locations. The festival's program of events starts with a weekend program in the Swan Valley, continuing in Perth throughout the week, before concluding in the Margaret River region the following weekend.
Fast facts
- Where: Perth, Swan Valley & Margaret River, Western Australia
- When: 2021 dates to be released
- Price: $-$$
How to get there
International flights arrive directly into Perth Airport from many global transit hubs. From Perth it's just a 20-minute drive to the Swan Valley or a three-hour drive south to the Margaret River region.
Things to do at the Western Australia Gourmet Escape
Nigella's Tea Party, Nigella Lawson, Western Australia Gourmet Escape, Margaret River, Western Australia © Gourmet Escape
Meet celebrity chefs
With the region’s spectacular natural beauty and its enviable reputation for fine food and wine, the Western Australia Gourmet Escape will continue to attract the world’s top culinary talent. Previous stars include Nigella Lawson (author and television personality, UK), Andrew Wong (A Wong, UK), Ashley Palmer-Watts (Dinner By Heston Blumenthal, UK), Carole Iida-Nakayama, (n/naka, Los Angeles) Edgar Nunez, (SUD 777, Mexico), Jack Stein, (Rick Stein Restaurants, UK), Jake Kellie (Burnt Ends, Singapore) and James Lowe (Lyle's, UK).
Produce, Western Australia Gourmet Escape, Margaret River, Western Australia © Gourmet Escape
Sample the best local produce in the Margaret River
The Gourmet Village is the beating heart of the festival, located within the immaculate grounds of Leeuwin Estate Winery. Festivalgoers will have the chance to check out the chefs at the World’s Best Chefs Table, and sample the wares of more than 120 artisan food producers, restaurants, winemakers and brewers. There will be interactive cooking demonstrations and live music from the main stage throughout the event.
Sommelier, Western Australia Gourmet Escape, Margaret River, Western Australia © Gourmet Escape
Unleash the sommelier within
While the Margaret River is a relatively young wine region – the first vines were planted in 1967 – it has quickly established a reputation for growing some of Australia’s best grapes. Chardonnay and cabernet are standouts in the region and the Gourmet Village will feature over 70 wineries offering tastings throughout the festival. You can also attend a beautiful meal matched with delicious wines at some of the local wineries. In addition to Margaret River, Western Australia's oldest wine growing region the Swan Valley (just 25 minutes from Perth) will bring new exciting wines to the program.
Feast, Western Australia Gourmet Escape, Margaret River, Western Australia © Gourmet Escape
Feast your way through Western Australia
Join one of the ticketed feast events and indulge in the freshest and most unique dishes across Western Australia. From long lunches to dinner by twilight, there are unique options to satisfy any craving. Keep an eye out for the full program released each July.
Beach BBQ, Western Australia Gourmet Escape, Margaret River, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Go barefoot and gourmet
Buy tickets to the Margaret River Gourmet Beach BBQ and you will dine on the shores of the Indian Ocean and enjoy cocktails, canapés and local produce cooked on the fiery grill. It's often a sell-out, so get your tickets early to join the fun as huge tepees will transform Castle Rock Beach at Dunsborough into a stylishly laid-back waterfront restaurant. With lunch and dinner sessions on offer, there's a chance for everyone to get in on the fun. After dining, dance the night away to a live band as the waves lap the sands.
