Australia’s original luxury camping destination, Paperbark Camp, on the NSW South Coast, has announced the appointment of a new head chef – Bryce Mason – and elevated culinary fare for the acclaimed retreat’s treetop restaurant, The Gunyah.
Spring and early summer savings of 10 per cent have also been unveiled for overnight stays at Paperbark Camp for bookings made by November 30, 2025.
A talented and passionate chef from the NSW South Coast, Bryce Mason brings a wealth of experience and a unique, contemporary approach to the kitchen at The Gunyah Restaurant at Paperbark Camp. Bryce joins Paperbark Camp after a distinguished tenure as Head Chef at Bangalay Dining at Shoalhaven Heads where he honed his skills and commitment to local produce under the guidance of executive chef, Simon Evans and owner, Michelle Bishop, who both recognised Bryce’s exceptional talent and recommended him for this new opportunity when they knew it was time for him to advance his career.
Bryce’s career has been defined by a dedication to thoughtful, produce-driven cooking and years of experience in some of the country’s most respected dining rooms. He was part of the opening team at Such and Such, one of Canberra’s most acclaimed modern restaurants, and previously held key roles at Rebel Rebel and Pilot, both known for their inventive cuisine and contemporary dining ethos.
Having trained extensively in Canberra before returning to the NSW South Coast, Bryce brings to Paperbark Camp a deep understanding of both regional and modern Australian food culture — combining technique, creativity and a genuine respect for ingredients.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Bryce to the Paperbark Camp family,” says Paperbark Co-Owner, Camilla Hamilford. “Bryce’s dedication, experience and passion for creating high-quality, memorable dining experiences align perfectly with our ethos at The Gunyah restaurant,” Ms Hamilford said.
“With over eight years of experience in high-calibre establishments, Chef Mason has consistently delivered exceptional culinary experiences. Well-versed in food culture, Bryce is a creative and detail-oriented professional with a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. His culinary journey is driven by creativity and a desire to elevate local dining. We look forward to seeing his unique vision unfold.”
Guests at The Gunyah restaurant can anticipate surprise and delight with Chef Mason’s ever-changing nightly menus, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative flavour combinations. Some of Bryce’s latest dishes at Paperbark have included mussels with green mango and cucumber, pork rillettes with black barley and radicchio, charcoal chicken with roasted allium and koji, and watermelon with yuzu, yoghurt and rose.
Bookings are open to overnight guests at Paperbark Camp and also day visitors, with a four-course, fine-dining dinner priced at $95 per person.
Opened in 1999 as Australia’s first deluxe camping property, pioneering a new genre in accommodation here, Paperbark Camp offers an ever-popular blend of sophistication and simplicity. Nestled in tranquil, riverside bushland at Jervis Bay, 2½ hours south of Sydney, the five-star eco retreat offers elevated safari tents, bush-view tubs and a gourmet restaurant suspended amongst the paperbark trees.
Paperbark Camp offers bed and breakfast packages to allow guests the flexibility to either dine at the camp’s renowned Gunyah Restaurant, aloft amongst the gums, or try local eateries, microbreweries and take-away options in nearby Huskisson and around Jervis Bay.
Spring savings
Book a spring or early summer stay and save 10 per cent. Book by November 30, 2025, for stays from now till December 21, 2025. Including the 10 per cent saving, bed and breakfast packages start at $535 per night per couple per night (based on a midweek stay Sun-Thur). Use code ‘SPRINGFLING10’ when booking online or call Paperbark Camp on 02 4441 6066 or visit www.paperbarkcamp.com.au .
Rates include a full gourmet breakfast in Paperbark’s Gunyah restaurant, canoe hire and free Wi-Fi. A four-course dinner at the Gunyah Restaurant, with the menu changing nightly, is $95 per person, with the restaurant also open to the general public.
Cocooned in tranquil, wildlife-rich bushland, guests at Paperbark are encouraged to switch off, slow down, leave the phone behind, savour unfettered relaxation, bask in meditative ‘forest bathing’ and experience adventures such as kayaking, swimming with seals, stargazing and walking on country with indigenous guides.
The camp’s luxe tents boast polished hardwood flooring, double canvas roofs, outdoor deck seating and private open-air ensuites with premium natural toiletries where guests can enjoy nature while they bathe. The raised tents are camouflaged amongst spotted gums and paperbark trees along the banks of Currambene Creek just outside Huskisson.
www.paperbarkcamp.com.au
