PRIVATE DINING
FOR EFFORTLESS EVENTS
Restaurant-quality dining experiences for intimate celebrations, milestone occasions and unforgettable evenings with family and friends in the Hunter Valley.
250+ FIVE STAR REVIEWS
AS FEATURED IN
AN EXCEPTIONAL DINING EXPERIENCE
AT THE LOCATION
Some occasions deserve more than a restaurant booking.
Whether you're celebrating a milestone birthday, hosting valued clients, planning a special anniversary or gathering loved ones around the table, The Wilderness Chef creates restaurant quality dining experiences in the location that suits you best.
We regularly create private dining experiences at:
Luxury Airbnb accommodation
Vineyard retreats
Holiday homes
Private residences
Boutique event venues
Corporate retreat locations
Including locations throughout the Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast.
OF YOUR CHOICE
CATERING FOR EVERY OCCASION
ENJOY YOUR EVENT WHILE
WE HANDLE THE
DETAILS FOR YOU
From menu planning and dietary requirements through to service staff, beverage support and event coordination, our experienced team ensures everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
TRUSTED BY
CURATED DINING EXPERIENCES
Whether you're planning a private gathering, corporate celebration or something in between, our chef created menus can be tailored to suit your style, venue and guest experience. Every menu is crafted using premium seasonal ingredients and delivered with the restaurant quality service The Wilderness Chef is known for.
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Canapé Reception
Elegant roaming canapés designed to encourage conversation and create a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.
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Banquet Dining
Generous share plates served to the centre of each table, bringing guests together over beautifully presented food made with fresh seasonal ingredients.
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Individually Plated Dining
A refined restaurant quality experience featuring beautifully plated courses served directly to each guest.
-

Alternate Drop
A classic event dining style featuring alternating menu selections served across each table.
SIGNATURE ENHANCEMENTS
PROUDLY LOCAL
Whether you're planning a wedding in the Hunter Valley, a private event on the Central Coast or a corporate gathering in Newcastle, our experienced team delivers exceptional food, professional service and a guest experience that feels effortless.
Exceptional food, thoughtful service and an experience designed entirely around your guests.
CRAFTED FOR EVENTS THAT DESERVE
INCLUSIVE DINING
WITHOUT COMPROMISE
We thoughtfully cater for gluten free, dairy free, vegan, vegetarian and other dietary requirements without making guests feel like an afterthought.
Our chefs create alternative dishes with the same level of care and attention as every other plate served.
Because everyone deserves to enjoy great food.
A premium experience from first enquiry to final plate
WHY CHOOSE US
EXCEPTIONAL EVENTS BEGIN WITH
EXCEPTIONAL HOSPITALITY
40+ Years of Catering Expertise
Our team has catered thousands of guests across weddings, corporate events and private celebrations. With decades of experience behind us, we know how to deliver seamless events without compromising on quality or service.
Chef-Curated Menus
Our menus are designed by experienced chefs and curated around the seasons, bringing restaurant-quality dining to weddings, corporate events and private celebrations.
Trusted By 1,000+ Event Hosts
With over 250 five-star Google reviews and recognition as one of the region's leading caterers, we've earned a reputation for exceptional food, polished service and unforgettable guest experiences.
Premium, Local Produce
We believe great food starts with great ingredients. That's why we work with trusted local growers, producers and suppliers to source fresh, seasonal ingredients that showcase the very best of the Hunter Valley and surrounding regions.
Dedicated Client Manager
From your first enquiry to the final toast, you'll have a dedicated point of contact to guide you through menu selections, event timelines, guest numbers, beverage packages and every detail in between.
FLEXIBLE, CUSTOMISABLE MENUS WITH BESPOKE MENU CREATION AVAILABLE.
No onsite kitchen facilities required
PRIVATE DINING EXPERIENCES
Enjoy a restaurant quality dining experience in the comfort of your accommodation, home or private venue.
Ideal for intimate celebrations, milestone birthdays, corporate retreats and Hunter Valley getaways.
PREFERRED CATERING PARTNER
Our team regularly caters at some of the Hunter Valley's most beautiful wedding and event venues including:
AT THE REGION’S MOST SOUGHT AFTER VENUES
We understand these venues intimately, helping create a seamless experience for you and your guests.
MEET COOPER THOMAS
FOUNDER &
EXECUTIVE CHEF
For more than a decade, Cooper Thomas has been creating restaurant-quality dining experiences across weddings, corporate events, private celebrations and luxury retreats.
Known for his passion for exceptional food, premium local produce and meticulous attention to detail, Cooper has built The Wilderness Chef into one of the region's most sought-after catering teams.
Today, Cooper leads a team of full-time chefs and hospitality professionals who share the same commitment to quality, service and creating memorable guest experiences.
250+ FIVE-STAR GOOGLE REVIEWS
Incredible experience working with The Wilderness Chef at Fernbank Farm for our wedding! So easily accommodate dietaries and different needs. Their booking and selection portal make the entire process so easy, with clear understanding of upcoming due dates and requirements. The food was incredible and all our guests were raving the entire night both our dinner service and canapes prior to the reception. All food came out on time and was exactly as we were hoping for. Thank you so much team!
I highly recommend The Wilderness Chef for any occasion. They first catered for my wedding in 2022 and, more recently, for an intimate dinner with 20 friends for my husband's 40th birthday.
The food tastes magical, the presentation is beautiful and the ambiance created by these guys is warm and inviting. You should look no further if you want your guests to talk about your event's food for years to come.
Amazing!!! We had The Wilderness Chef cater our small wedding a few weeks ago and we were blown away, the food (and service) was outstanding - 10/10 and couldn’t have been any better. We loved the energy and vibe they brought to the evening too and you can really feel the passion they have for what they do. An absolute highlight of our day and we are so grateful!
TEGAN EASTLEY
KELSEY DENTON
ABBEY SUGDEN
PLANNING A WEDDING OR EVENT IN THE HUNTER VALLEY?
LET'S CREATE A DINING EXPERIENCE
YOUR GUESTS WILL REMEMBER FOR
YEARS TO COME
1000+ EVENTS HOSTED
ENQUIRE NOW
Submit your enquiry to receive more information, including our catering packages and pricing. Our team will then check availability for your date and be in touch to discuss the details.
Catering 7 days a week
Office Hours
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday to Friday: 9am – 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: Dedicated to events, we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Catering 7 days a week
Office Hours
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday to Friday: 9am – 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: Dedicated to events, we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.