2026 Shoal Bay Food and Wine Festival | Nelson Bay / Port Stephens
If your idea of heaven is a chilled glass of exquisite wine, incredible food, and a breathtaking sunset by the beach, then the time to go to Shoal Bay is now! The Shoal Bay Food and Wine Festival 2026 is here, and it’s bolder, tastier, and more vibrant than ever.
This exciting festival in one of New South Wales’ stunning coastal locations is a major event on the Port Stephens calendar. After successfully transitioning to a March schedule in 2025 due to terrible weather, the organisers made sure the late-summer vibes are up and alive this year. You can expect the foreshore to be the place to be as the sun sets over the bay.
On Saturday, the 14th of March, Shoal Bay Road will transform into a fun alfresco dining zone where you can find must-try local food, craft beverages, and boutique wines. You’ll get to meet talented chefs, winemakers, and distillers in the area. This year, guest chef Darren Robertson (of Three Blue Ducks fame) will headline the festival with a live “Ocean to Plate” cooking demonstration on the foreshore.
So, mark your calendar and create your festival plans. It’s time to sip, savour, and soak up the sun in one of Port Stephens’ most beautiful spots!
When: Saturday, 14th March 2026 | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Shoal Bay Road & Foreshore (front-row seat to the bay), Shoal Bay, New South Wales 2315
Entry: This is a free event! Bring your friends, your family, and your appetite.
What to Expect
A Feast for the Taste Buds
Experience a curated journey of flavour from local restaurants, wineries, brewers, and distillers.
- Gourmet Greats: Sample tasty dishes from Atmos, Julio’s at Bannisters, Greek at the Beach, and the Shoal Bay Country Club.
- The Wine Trail: Sip your way through Tynan Wines, Bonvilla Estate, Peter Drayton Wines, and Bimbadgen.
- Craft Beer and Spirits: Discover small-batch magic from Sundowner Brewing Co, Pants Off Distillery, and local craft brewers.
- Curated Tastings: Grazing boards galore with premium cheeses from Le Petit Fromage, artisanal goods from Two Bobs Bakery, and charcuterie from Goose on the Loose.
- Other participating partners: Good Foods Distributors and more to be announced!
Live Entertainment
The festival features live performances from local and regional artists at the Shoal Bay Country Club.
- Main Stage (Hosted by MC Jessica Farchione):
- Brendan Watson: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Joy Band: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- DJ Stage:
- Beats by DJ Dola: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What to bring: Cash or cards for food and drink stalls, sun protection, and a light jacket for the evening breeze.
Event Links:
Port Stephens Council Website: https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/community/events/2026/all-events/shoal-bay-food-and-wine-festival-2026
Stay in the Heart of the Action
Thinking of heading to the Shoal Bay Food and Wine Festival? You’ll want to lock in your accommodation sooner rather than later. With all the buzz around this event, places are going to fill up quickly!
To make things even easier this year, free shuttle buses will be running on a continuous loop from 2:30 pm to ensure everyone can get to and from the event safely and without parking stress. These wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses run on two routes:
Shuttle 1:
- Salamander Bay to Shoal Bay
- Approximately every 40 minutes, last departure from Shoal bay at 9 pm.
Shuttle 2:
- Nelson Bay near Dolphin Watch Cafe, Victoria Parade > Shoal Bay Road at Bill Strong Oval > Shoal Bay.
- Approximately every 20 minutes, last departure from Shoal Bay at 9:15 pm.
Coming from out of town? Find accommodation options that are right where the festival is. The best part about staying close to the festival is you can just walk over and dive straight into the action.
Book Your Stay with Nelson Bay Accommodation
The sooner you book your stay with Nelson Bay Accommodation, the better. Whether you’re looking for a cosy beachfront apartment with spectacular sunset views or a family-friendly place to settle in, we’ve got a spot for you. From luxury stays to more relaxed studio options, you’ll be right near all the festival action.
