The Gunyah Restaurant at Paperbark Camp

An excellent dinner here at sunset with our two adult children. Such a lovely setting among the treetops and a very warm and homely atmosphere. Incredible service from all the staff, especially Emma who couldn’t do enough to make us feel welcome and was very professional and warm and welcoming. The food was fantastic. A set menu which took the challenge out of choosing and every dish was delicious and cooked to perfection. Our daughter is gluten and dairy free and her meal was only a small variation to ours and the staff took great care to provide her as enjoyable an experience as ours without compromise. Very fresh, tasty and enjoyed by all. The cocktails and wines were great too. Excellent selection and a perfect accompaniment for the setting and the dishes. Absolutely would dine here again when next in the area An absolute treat in a unique and tranquil location

The restaurant’s remote location and lovely ambience gives you an escape from the busy city. The service staff were exceptional - probably some of the best we have had the pleasure to dine with for a while. Whilst we had a decent night, unfortunately the food was not near the standard we would expect from a place like this. We had the four course dinner menu - two courses were bread courses - one small piece of sourdough with tomatoes and jamon, second dish was essentially just rock melon with chilli sauce on it and side of bread. The main course was nice but not impressive. The dessert was mostly grilled stone fruits. My partner had the regular menu and I had the vegan version - which was essentially the same dishes with all the non-vegan items taken out without any replacement. The food wasn’t bad but it was just not up to the standard you would expect from a $90 set menu especially if you are driving all the way from Sydney. There was no variety and diversity of tastes, they all mostly tasted the same.

Hidden away at the end of a quiet dirt track just outside Nowra, Paperbark Camp feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. The elevated treetop setting is tranquil and secluded. Arrive a little early and you can enjoy a glass of local Shoalhaven wine by the fire pit outdoors or relax by the cozy indoor fireplace, which immediately sets the tone for the evening — warm, welcoming, and unhurried. The staff deserve a huge shout out, in particular Susie and Violet, who looked after us with warmth, humour, and genuine care. Their attentiveness elevated the whole experience and made the night feel like dining in a good friend’s home. The restaurant has recently moved to a set menu format. While some might miss the choice of à la carte, I found it refreshing to be guided through a menu that encouraged me to try dishes I might not normally order. Here’s how the Winter menu unfolded: Flatbread, Zatar Spice A perfect way to start: warm, soft bread carrying the bold, earthy kick of za’atar. Simple, rustic, and exactly what you want in that first bite. The optional sourdough was also outstanding — crusty, hearty, and served with rich butter. Mussels, Green Mango, Cucumber A bright, surprising dish where briny mussels were lifted by the sharp tang of green mango and the cooling freshness of cucumber. A clever balance of ocean and orchard. Pork Rillettes, Black Barley, Radicchio Described by our server as a deconstructed dumpling, an apt description of this deeply savoury pork, paired with the smoky chew of black barley and the slight bitterness of radicchio. Rich and hearty, yet with enough balance to keep it light. Charcoal Chicken, Roast Alliums, Koji (with rice, sambal, daikon) I’ll admit, chicken often feels like the mundane choice on a menu — but not here. Smoky from the charcoal, deeply flavoured with koji and sweet roasted alliums, it was exceptional. The accompaniments of rice, sambal, and daikon added both comfort and a little spark. Blackberry, Grapes, Umeshu, Granita A refreshing close to the meal. The sweet and tart notes of blackberry and grape combined beautifully with the plum wine’s depth, all sharpened by icy granita. It felt an odd choice for a winter menu but still very enjoyable. Paperbark Camp is a restaurant that surprises you from start to finish. From its peaceful bushland location to the warmth of its service, it feels special without ever being pretentious. The set menu approach works beautifully here, and the kitchen clearly takes pride in showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients in thoughtful ways. If you’re anywhere near the Shoalhaven, make the short detour down that dirt track. What you’ll find at the end is one of the most memorable dining experiences in the region.

We had a wonderful stay at Paperbark Camp. The check-in process was smooth and effortless, setting the tone for a relaxing getaway. The hospitality was exceptional, warm, generous, and genuinely welcoming throughout. One of the highlights was the food: absolutely fantastic, with fresh, beautifully prepared dishes that made every meal a delight. A truly memorable and refreshing experience in a stunning natural setting. 10/10. Would recommend. Looking forward to visiting again soon.

We stayed three nights at Paperbark during the 2025 Easter long weekend,and we had breakfast and dinner included in our rate. At the time it's three course breakfast included a customisable main, and four course set dinner. Not everyone will agree on every dish of every meal, me included. However, we had the benefit of dining three days sampling different dishes, and overall I found the experience enjoyable. The restaurant is certainly targeting a fine dining experience and it's mostly there. The taste and the potion are well balanced. As for the former, some dishes are more awesome than others but it's a surprise everyday. The atmosphere is unquestionably a feature given its location. Probably a slight challenge for outside guests after dark. Otherwise, a memorable experience under the starlight next with camp fires nearby. The staff is well trained and very responsive. The kitchen is slightly overwhelmed so take your time and enjoy your meal. Not necessarily for the hungry souls. The drinks list is limited but the wines are good under the fainting candlelight while waiting for the next dish. I'd say it's definitely a great value addition for resort guests (or campers).