Allyn River Valley, NSW  ·  Three hours from Sydney  · 
The Long Lunch  ·  Chessenden Farm  ·  Autumn 2027

A long table
in the river.

One weekend in autumn. A long table set on the gravel bar of the Allyn, feet in the water, lunch cooked over fire, and an afternoon with nowhere to be.

1
Weekend
50
At the table
1
River
0
Speeches
Autumn
2027

The shape of the day.

The table is set in the water before anyone arrives. The day runs long and slow around it, and the afternoon belongs to you.

Late morning
Arrive, phones down
A drink on arrival and a drawer for phones. No speeches. Someone points you to the river.
Before lunch
Down to the gravel bar
Shoes off. The first sight of the table, set in the shallow water where the river runs over the stones.
Midday onward
The long lunch
Cooked over fire, served down one long table, feet in the river. Wine poured for those who want it, and good drinks for those who don't.
Afternoon
Nowhere to be
The sauna, a swim, a walk, or sitting still by the water. Nothing is timed. On the Saturday, the fire is lit as the light goes.
The gravel bar on the Allyn River at Chessenden Farm, where the table is set
The gravel bar · Where the table goes
The Allyn running shallow over river stones at the crossing
The crossing · Ankle to shin deep

Feet in
the water.

The table sits in the crossing where the Allyn runs shallow over a bar of river stones, ankle to shin deep.

We have looked for another long lunch set in a river and found almost nothing like it.

Everything is brought in for the day and gone by night. Nothing is built at the water's edge.

·
The tableOne long table, in the water, for everyone.
·
The fireLunch is cooked over it. On the Saturday it is lit again at dusk.
·
The riverSwim, sit, or keep your feet in it.
·
The saunaHot through the afternoon, a few steps above the river.

River level and water quality are checked before the day. If the river says no, the table moves to the river flat under the trees.

Bring your table.

Most people come with friends. One of you starts a table and sends the link. Everyone picks the days that work, and we find the one that works for all of you.

Start a table Or join the waitlist on your own and we'll seat you with good company.
Before you come

Practical details

The date
One weekend in autumn 2027. The date is set once the waitlist is full enough to fill the table, and the waitlist hears first.
Price
Shared with the waitlist first, together with the date. Nothing is paid until the date is set.
Weather and the river
River level and water quality are checked two days out and on the morning. The rain plan is the river flat under the trees.
Drinks
Wine for those who want it, and proper non-alcoholic drinks for those who don't.
Food
Cooked over fire by a licensed caterer. Dietary needs handled with notice.
What to bring
Clothes you don't mind getting wet at the hem, swimmers if you'll swim, a warm layer for later.
Getting there
About 3 hours from Sydney, sealed road to the gate. Travel details go to the waitlist with the date. The Allyn River Valley is near Dungog, in the Barrington Tops foothills.
The Day, open now Summit, coming 2027

Be first to the table.

The waitlist hears the date and the price before anyone else.

One weekend  ·  Autumn 2027  ·  The gravel bar, Allyn River