The Carcoar Royal Hotel is set to host a celebration of traditional cooking and community spirit with its upcoming Camp Oven Cook Off on Saturday, 12 July.
From midday, the coals will be hot and the atmosphere even hotter as local cooks and visiting food enthusiasts converge to showcase their best camp oven recipes. With cast iron pots at the ready and fires burning from the morning, the competition will heat up throughout the day, with official judging to begin at 3pm.
The event is designed to bring people together around good food, great music, and old-fashioned hospitality. Held in the heart of the historic village of Carcoar, the Cook Off is as much about the experience as it is about the cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned camp oven cook or simply there for a taste and a chat, everyone is welcome.
Live music will set the tone for a relaxed and festive afternoon, while a jumping castle will keep younger visitors entertained. Families, friends and visitors are encouraged to gather, settle in, and enjoy the warmth of both the fires and the community.
Competitors are invited to prepare their dishes on-site using traditional camp oven methods, with all the delicious aromas and rustic flavours that come with it. The judges will be on the lookout for creativity, technique, and – of course – taste.
The Camp Oven Cook Off offers something for everyone, from hands-on cooks to curious bystanders looking for a memorable day out. It’s a chance to celebrate simple pleasures in a beautiful setting, with hearty food, local music and a strong sense of country camaraderie.
No bookings are required, and entry is free. Just bring your appetite, a few mates, and if you’re cooking, don’t forget your cast iron. It’s shaping up to be a cracking day in Carcoar.
