Pearls & Plates return to Broken Bay Farm this October for a one-of-a-kind waterfront dining experience combining pearls, place and exceptional food on the stunning Hawkesbury River. This full day immersive experience blends pearling heritage, river storytelling and a spectacular long table lunch in a secluded waterfront setting accessible only by boat.
Special guest chef: Mindy Woods
This year’s culinary experience is led by acclaimed Bundjalung Chef, Mindy Woods, one of Australia’s leading voices in native and First Nations cuisine and recipient of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 Champion of Change Award. Mindy’s multi-course menu will draw inspiration from the Hawkesbury River and surrounding landscapes, heroing native ingredients, hyperlocal produce and premium local beverages.
A setting few will ever experience …
The experience unfolds as a full day journey, moving guests through immersive pearl, river and dining moments across the Hawkesbury River from morning to late afternoon. Guests begin their morning journey at Broken Bay Pearl Farm’s Shellar Door at Mooney Mooney before cruising by boat into the Hawkesbury River landscape, where a long-table lunch awaits prepared under the culinary direction of Woods, whose approach celebrates native ingredients, cultural storytelling and connection to Country. The menu will hero Akoya pearl oyster alongside hyperlocal produce sourced from the surrounding river and coastal region. The day’s lunhc setting is a secluded historic homestead on the water’s edge, with culinary program blending Australian pearling heritage, river storytelling and contemporary dining in a location accessible only by boat.
Hosted by the Brown family of Broken Bay Peral farm (NSW) and Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm (WA) in collaboration with the Liddon family of the Abrolhos Islands, Pearls & plates brings together food, culture, storytelling and Australian pearling heritage in one unforgettable experience.
Pearl Masterclass
Back by popular demand, guests can once again join an optional pearl Masterclass before the event with Pearl Grader and Executive Manager Penny Arrow. Learn about the grading and value of Australian pearls before heading off to the long table experience.
