Chef Darren Robertson to headline Shoal Bay Food and Wine Festival

newy.com.au – Chef Darren Robertson will headline the Shoal Bay Food and Wine Festival when it returns on 14 March 2026, with food, wine, cooking demonstrations, live music and Shoal Bay sunset views on the program.

The open-air festival will showcase local hospitality, producers and performers, bringing together the best of Port Stephens in one of the region’s coastal locations.

Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson said Robertson’s appearance as guest chef added to the festival’s appeal and highlighted the area as a destination for quality food and coastal experiences.

“The Shoal Bay Food and Wine Festival is all about enjoying the things we love about our region – good food, wine, music and the Shoal Bay sunset,” Mayor Anderson said.

“It’s great to have Darren Robertson join us alongside our local businesses to showcase the quality of our regional food culture and perform a cooking demonstration on the main stage,” Mayor Anderson added.

Festivalgoers will be able to sample premium offerings from 22 local restaurants, wineries, brewers and distillers, with live entertainment and cooking demonstrations across two stages.

The Shoal Bay Country Club Main Stage, hosted by Jessica Farchione, will feature Brendan Watson and the Joy Band, with DJ Dola performing throughout the afternoon and evening.

Airbnb has joined the event as the Event Community Partner, with Airbnb Australia and New Zealand country manager Susan Wheeldon saying the company was proud to help showcase the region.

“Airbnb is proud to partner with the Shoal Bay Food & Wine Festival and play a role in bringing such an enjoyable experience to all who attend from near and far,” Ms Wheeldon said.

“It’s also an opportunity for visitors to take in all the other great experiences this region has to offer, providing local businesses with an important economic boost during the quieter months,” Ms Wheeldon added.

Mayor Anderson said the festival offered more than a tourism boost for the area.

“Events like this strengthen our sense of community. They give us a chance to celebrate our local identity and take pride in the incredible backyard we share, while enjoying a day out with friends and family,” Mayor Anderson said.

“They also encourage visitors to stay longer outside of peak season and explore more of the Port Stephens region,” Mayor Anderson added.

The event will include a dedicated quiet area for participants to rest, and free shuttle buses — including low-floor wheelchair accessibility — will run from Salamander Bay and Nelson Bay, alongside the Shoal Bay Country Club courtesy bus.

Robertson is a co-owner and chef of the Three Blue Ducks group and a former head chef at Tetsuya in Sydney.

The Shoal Bay Food & Wine Festival is supported by Airbnb, Shoal Bay Country Club, Destination NSW, the Shoaly Collective, Destination Port Stephens and Port Stephens Council, with more information available at pscouncil.info/SBFW-26.