Australia Day Weekend: A Feast of Food Events and Culinary Discoveries
Australia Day weekend brings a vibrant array of food-focused activities and culinary news to the Newcastle and Hunter Valley region. From quirky celebrations to prestigious chef recognitions, there is plenty to explore for food enthusiasts across the long weekend.
Festive Australia Day Events and Activities
Numerous venues across the area are hosting special Australia Day events that combine food with fun activities. On Sunday, Huntlee Tavern will feature a Backyard BBQ Party complete with music, giveaways, and unique challenges like an Aussie pie-eating contest and a thong toss. A late-night sausage sizzle will support the RSPCA with a gold coin donation.
Harrigan's Hunter Valley is offering an Aussie-themed menu all weekend, including items like a lamb burger, grilled prawn skewers, a BBQ platter, and tropical pavlova. Additional entertainment includes yabby racing at 2pm and a best-dressed Aussie competition at Cameron Park.
Other highlights include The Beauford Hotel hosting a thong and egg toss on Monday afternoon, while venues like The Kent Hotel and The Great Northern Newcastle will hold triple j Hottest 100 listening parties on Saturday. For families, Warners Bay Sports Club will serve $2 lamingtons and $3 pies on Sunday, alongside live music and kids' activities.
Caves Beach Gelato will scoop special flavours like lamington, pavlova, and Caramello Koala gelato throughout the weekend. On Monday, the award-winning EXP. restaurant at Pokolbin will be open, showcasing native Australian ingredients such as Giddy Biddy goat chevre with sunflower seed waffle and native pepper berry.
Hunter Valley Restaurants Earn Prestigious Chef Hat Awards
Two Hunter Valley restaurants have achieved exceptional ratings in the 2026 Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat Awards. EXP. restaurant and Muse Restaurant both received a score of 16 hats out of 20, based on the traditional French system that judges food quality exclusively. A score of 20 has never been awarded, and 19 is extremely rare, though Melbourne's Amaru and Sydney's Sixpenny achieved this feat this year.
Other notable local ratings include The Flotilla and Margan Restaurant scoring 14 hats, indicating they are quite out of the ordinary. Bistro Molines, Restaurant Botanica, and Hunters Quarter each scored 13 hats, marking them as good restaurants in their category. Several venues, including Humbug and Bistro Penny, were awarded 12 hats.
Bush Tukka Guide for Kids Promotes Cultural Learning
A new book, Bush Tukka Guide for Kids by Samantha Martin, known as the Bush Tukka Woman, is set to release on January 28. Adapted from her bestselling adult guide, it teaches children foundational survival skills like hunting, gathering, and foraging, while exploring the deep connection between people, food, and Country.
The book includes child-friendly recipes such as lemon myrtle damper, kangaroo burgers, and crocodile nuggets, encouraging hands-on learning and shared moments. It also educates on recognising native plants like Davidson's plum and using mountain bush pepper for traditional remedies.
Native Spice Plants Offer Health and Flavour Benefits
A University of Queensland study, co-designed with Traditional Owners, has identified five culturally significant native spice plants with potential health and culinary benefits. Native turmeric and curry myrtle are protein-rich super spices, while mountain pepper berry and cinnamon myrtle provide exceptional fibre content.
Native ginger stands out for high iron and molybdenum levels, and cinnamon myrtle offers a zero-sugar option for low-glycaemic foods, supporting food innovation and enhanced flavours.
Local Food News and Updates
In other food news, Goldfish Kitchen & Bar at Roche Estate has closed, with plans to reopen in Parramatta, while Oishii Japanese restaurant continues operations. La Casalinga Cafe at Montebello Estate also announced its closure last weekend.
New openings include Mama Ally Espresso at Speers Point, which has launched a cafe in the NUSpace building on Hunter Street. Vera Wine Bar at Hamilton will host a sparkling wine masterclass next Tuesday, and Doughheads is popping up at Chipmunks Belmont this week only.
Masarap Cookie Co has closed its Broadmeadow cafe but will soon open in Maitland. On Sunday, Yellow Billy Restaurant will hold its final service with a Kings Table luncheon, and Blue Kahunas in Hunter Street Mall will close permanently, offering last-chance mai tais.
