Seafood, Sustainability & Matt Stone: Shore Leave launches its tasty 2024 program

In just a few short years mid west seafood fest Shore Leave has quickly become a must-attend event, and they’re upping the game once again in 2024.

Alongside the instantly-iconic Abrolhos Island Long Table Lunch, next year’s festival will host over 30 exciting events over five jam-packed days from April 24-28, including fine dining experiences, tours, markets, music and more.

And this year they’ll welcome a very special guest in pioneering chef and restaurateur, Matt Stone, showcasing his passion for sustainable cooking and knowledge West Aussie produce at Mid West Paddock to Plate.

“My role as a chef is to serve delicious food,” says Stone, “The less food has travelled, the better it is, and the better it is for the environment. It also means less packaging is needed. I love coming back to WA and am always inspired to work with locals, regional and native producers.”

Sustainability will also be the focus of the Abrolhos Long Table Lunch, with Bib & Tucker Executive Chef Scott Bridger taking diners on a journey on the region’s world-renowned seafood.

“I am extremely excited to be hosting the Abrolhos Long Table Lunch next year, it’s an iconic event in an outstanding location. There isn’t another event like it in Western Australia,” says Bridger.

“The menu will look to celebrate the local seafood in the region and highlight its delicate unique flavours.”

Keep your eyes (and taste buds) peeled for a brand new dining event called Dongara Distilled, with acclaimed WA chef Melissa Palinkas celebrating award winning local distilleries, Illegal Tender Rum Co and Stableviews.

“We’re excited to showcase our award-winning rum to visitors coming to Shore Leave festival. Melissa has created a menu that compliments its unique flavour and celebrates its Mid West origins,” said Haley Palmer from Illegal Tender Rum Co.

The beating heart of the festival, The Helm, returns with extensive daily food options including local faves like Burnt Barrel, Skeetas and the Western Rock Lobster Back of Boats Lobster BBQ.

Running from Wednesday 24-Sunday 28 April, The Helm will also be home to daily live music, free kids workshops, sea shanty sing-alongs and much more, with a huge program of events to be announced in the new year.

Shore Leave runs from April 24-28 in Geraldton and surrounds, head to the shoreleave.com.au for the full program and to book your tickets now, and keep your eyes peeled for new events being announced over the coming months.

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This article is sponsored by Shore Leave and endorsed by us. Please see our Editorial Policy for more info.