Horizontal Festival

A celebration of NSW Excellence designed with the customer experience at its heart

Set in the picturesque surrounds of Centennial Vineyard in Bowral, Horizontal Festival is more than just a food and wine celebration—its part concert, part degustation menu, part art show and part wine, craft beer & distillery tasting – it’s a curated sensory journey.

Across two unforgettable days, Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 October 2025, guests will discover the richness of NSW regional produce, paired not only with world-class wine, beer and cocktails, but also with art, design, music, and culture.

Get in Touch  amanda@experiencenature.com.au

It's Time for Something New

Festival-goers will explore a series of themed zones, each thoughtfully designed to captivate the senses. Enjoy the Sparkling Bar, wander through the Vineyard, Barrel Room or the Rosé Room and outside to take in the Hops Garden and Orchard.

General Admission tickets are $59 and for those wanting the ultimate festival experience, Platinum packages offer extra privileges and exclusive access on top of what is included in the General Admission pass for $149 per person.

A stellar lineup of chefs and standout regional producers has been confirmed for the inaugural event.

Food lovers can look forward to the signature Masterclass lineup led by one of Australia’s most acclaimed chefs, author, food ambassador and TV personality, renowned chef Mark Best. Mark will be joined by other key food identities such as Mindy Woods, Eilish Maloney and Simon Evans of Bangalay Dining, an acclaimed chef recognized for his inventive dishes and commitment to local foraged flavours. Each Masterclass if $39 per person with tasting and glass of NSW winer included.

Visit Horizontal Festival website

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About Us

About Us

Founder, Amanda Fry

Founder Amanda Fry is a force of nature in her own right with a veracious passion for conservation and creating Experience Nature Group was a game-changer for local tourism. She started working as a chef followed by event and talent management in the entertainment industry and running iconic venues like the Sydney Opera House.

She decided to branch out on her own and found the role of building a PR & Marketing Company, her biggest and most exciting career challenge at that time. It allowed her to travel and work with global media, running campaigns from Dubai, USA to Canada and the UK.

Award Winning Marketer

From MTV Award Red Carpets, Film launches, Rock Bands, Private Clubs to managing media for Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian’s fashion brand in 19 countries, it’s fair to say she was at the top of her game. She spent the best part of 20 years working with some of the biggest celebrities, media and brands in the world both here, and overseas.

One of her celebrity assignments saw her trekking in Vietnam to experience an encounter with the endangered Black Gibbons and this ignited Amanda’s heart for conservation so much so, that it became the driving force in her professional and life path.

That passion ultimately landed Amanda at a conference for Change Makers Rule Breakers with Richard Branson on Necker Island, along with a host of other entrepreneurs and trail-blazers. Honouring her heart for the wild, Branson arranged for Amanda to accompany his zoology team visiting another of his islands, dedicated to re-populating several endangered species of Lemur.

“It’s an indescribable feeling to trek into virgin forest and be swarmed by these beautiful, playful creatures that come out of nowhere, at the game keeper’s call.  Just a magical moment.  That feeling of absolute awe for the wonder of nature is what I want people to experience” 

“My life changing moments did not involve a Kardashian, Jackson or Presley. They happened in the wild places of the world where the wonder, beauty and power of nature touched me.” Amanda Fry

Returning home with an overwhelming sense of the profound possibilities for a wilderness experience unique to Australia, Amanda unplugged from her fast-paced professional life path and made the permanent move to the NSW Southern Highlands. She started her business with Australia’s first Wild Nature Festival, WILDfest which was quickly followed by a Day Tour brand, Wild Food Adventures that evolved in 2021 to Experience Nature.

Our Respect Nature Policy

All our events, tours and expeditions adhere to our Environmental Code
Always leave the wilderness as you found it
Avoid single use plastics (we supply fresh water, glass water bottles & glassware as appropriate)
Recycle, Repurpose, Reuse
Choose Biodegradable Products
Use Organic Body Products that do not impact the water cycle
Always use local product from sustainable poultry, lamb to vegetables, herbs, regional wines and craft beers
Support Native Wildlife Care Groups
Work Together for a Cleaner, Greener Planet

JOIN THE TEAM

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Partner Experiences

Like Minded Travel

Partner Wildlife Escapes

As the founder of a bespoke destination marketing company, TRAVEL is my first great love, my oxygen, my need, as it opens up the chance to experience all the other the things I cherish.

Working in the travel industry creating memories for our guests means when I travel, I choose carefully, I do my research, interview friends who have been there and decide where best to invest my hard-earned dollars. This year I have chosen to share the places I go to experience nature with my work community.

Some recommendations are just places you must visit as a wildlife devotee such as the Galapagos Islands and some are curated trips I am going on such as Legends Abroad to Antarctica. Want to come along? Any questions just email me and lets chat

Get in Touch  amanda@experiencenature.com.au

Legends Abroad Antarctica

It’s taken too long to mark this one off the bucket list. I first investigated working as a chef in Antarctica at university to get to see my beloved penguins and decades later I am finally booked to realise that dream.

Legends Abroad is a private trip arranged by friends from Wonder & Wander and requires a screening process to book. I have attended trips with them before and I know the boat will be filled with my tribe, my community and like-minded people who want to see what is happening to our planet first hand.

This is not a trip you can find through just any travel agent, it’s come through personal relationships and friendships. If you care about Climate Change and want to get involved, lets chat. After that I am happy to make an introduction if we both think this is right for you. I am going with 4 other friends 4-15 March 2024. Read brochure HERE

The Enchantment of Galapagos

Some of us will go to all four corners of the planet for a wildlife encounter. I have sat with silverback gorillas on the volcanic slopes of Rwanda, followed wild dogs for two days through grasslands of South Africa, hiked in the Sumatran jungle for a glimpse of an Orangutan and sat in the dark as dawn broke just to hear the Black Gibbon song in North Vietnam. So Galapagos for me was simply a matter of when do I go. And now that I have been I would say to anyone who wants to listen – make it a must do trip for you as well.

Have a read here about my experience, some memories can not equate to any price tag and yes, I took this picture of a mocking bird on a sea iguana….just go, its incredible

Misty Mountain Gorillas

Sitting on a mountain top in Rwanda with a 200kg Silverback Gorilla is life changing. Make no mistake its a journey to get there and not an experience that is easily matched, anywhere in the world.

I have been three times now and am planning to go again very soon. Have a read why saving these long lost cousins was Diane Fossey’s greatest gift to the world.

Plan Your Global Adventure

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Off Grid

Off Grid Collection

Disconnect To Reconnect

Whatever your passion from heart racing adventures, soul fuelled explorations, meandering on horse back, the challenge of slow walking or the calm quiet of meditation, let us show you our region like never before.

Lets reconnect you with yourself, your tribe and your goals through off grid activities that remind you why being in the moment is the path back to greater work life balance. Nature can be your healer.

Nature Heals

Forest Bathing

It’s time to put wellness first.

The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku—literally translated as “forest bathing”—is based on a simple premise: immerse yourself in the forest, absorb its sights, sounds, and smells, and you will reap numerous psychological and physiological benefits

Let nature, nurture you

Canoes, Cool Climate Wines & Canapés

Nowhere else in Australia can you paddle through a sunken forest, observe the native wildlife, sip local cool climate wines on a freshwater lake in our custom-built canoes.

Add in delicious local canapés as well as our expert qualified guides, and you have the most compelling way to experience some of the most magical waterways, imaginable.

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Unearthed

Unearthed Seasonal Food Adventures

Innovative Activities in Nature

We mix local produce, culinary artisans, award winning regional beverages with accessible luxury in unique natural environments to craft truly exceptional events. And as nature is exciting, rugged, beautiful, untamed and unpredictable, so too are our experiences.

If you share our passion for being part of the paddock to plate process then get involved in our seasonal foraging sessions.

SEASONAL GUIDE

Forage Wild Food

In Autumn enjoy a Wild Food Adventure as we forage pine mushrooms in the forests of the Southern Highlands with local forager Joanne Dodd. Learn how to identify, find, cook and devour delicious edible fungi as well as enjoy tasting some local cool climate wines.

As the winter frosts descend its a signal that truffle season has begun. Experience one of our annual truffle hunts amongst the Iles and Robur Oak trees as we work with the truffle dogs to follow the mystical aroma of Black Perigord Truffles.

Olive Grove Dining

With the new growth of spring we bring back our edible weed workshops, basing ourselves in the village of Berrima. Learn about foraged teas and edible weeds as we explore this historical village. We then sit down for lunch to taste these interesting greens with some local wine and delicious bakery desserts.

And its always the season to enjoy a visit to Kangaroo Valley for a 5 course Oil, Olive and Tapenade Degustation Experience in amongst the Olive Grove at Kangaroo Valley Olives.

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Home

JAM EXCHANGE

Preserving Stories told one Jar at a time

Jam Exchange is a celebration of fruit, preserving and the stories held inside a jar. It is built around a simple idea — Making Jam the Hero.

This unique marketplace is on Monday 5 October 2026 in Bowral from 9am until 2pm.

 The Jam Exchange unfolds as a curated, abundant marketplace of jars. Imagine long tables are lined with preserves. Handwritten labels, simple cards and producer notes inviting guests to browse, read and talk. Guests sample jams and purchase jars or vote for their favourites in the competition category. Makers swap their creations with preservers standing beside their work. Growers are acknowledged alongside makers. Home cooks share space with professionals. Taste anchors the experience. Bread is toasted; butter melts and jam is spooned. The DJ jams!

The Jam Exchange is not about perfection or polish. It is about care, seasonality, and the quiet craft of capturing a moment in the growing year. Preserving devotees understand the pleasure of the process and joy when it’s time to share the creation.

There are two ways to be part of this unique event:

JAM MARKETS or JAM SWAP

JAM MARKETS

Entry to the ‘marketplace’ is free for the public and will also include a coffee stop as well as jam inspired food to buy like Jam Donuts, Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches or Toast with Jam. Come along and stock up the pantry with your favourite spread, we will have jam stalls from all over NSW on hand to offer you a vast array of choices in a jar.

A ‘must visit’ Jam lover’s event, perfect for that long weekend brunch and a satellite event at Horizontal Festival.

VISIT HORIZONTAL FESTIVAL

JAM SWAP

Entry fee $30 per jam maker plus you bring 6 jars of jam. Jars must be 250-300ml in size based on weight. Entry closes on 31 Aug 2026. We want to bring together NSW growers, preservers, home cooks, chefs and artisans who share a love of jam making and transform seasonal fruit into something that lasts.

It’s simple – participants submit 6 jars of jam made from NSW fruit and leave with 6 jars of other people’s jam. Some will be family recipes passed down through generations; others will explore new flavour combinations, varieties, and techniques. Every jar is accompanied by a short story: where the fruit came from, who made the jam, and why this jar exists as well as an ingredient list.

BOOK JAM SWAP

JAM SWAP COMPETITION

Entrants to the SWAP element of this event can also enter The Jam Exchange Competition lovingly judged by Lyndey Milan OAM, Hon Carol Berry (Member for Whitlam) and Carol Brown (Mrs Oldbucks Berrima)– entry will require a jar of your jam per category to be tasted in addition to your 6 SWAP jam jars. These must be sent to us by Friday 18 September. Details will emailed to you once you purchase your SWAP tickets.

The Judge’s decision is final. We will be looking for 3 categories, and our judges will be blind tasting the top 10 entrants on the day.

Best in Show – taste, creativity, and flavour (Judges choice)

Best Jam Story – the who, why and where (Judges choice)

Peoples Choice Jam (Registered guests at event)

Who is choosing the Top 10 Finalists? Matt Moran will be shortlisting our entries to decide the top 10 for our judging panel via our social media channels on Friday 2 October.

DO YOU SELL JAM?

Get in touch hello@experiencenature.com.au if you want to book a stall at the Jam Markets

STALLHOLDERS

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Getaways

Personalised Getaways

Luxury Bespoke Escapes

As destination specialists  – Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven – we have a range of 2, 3 and 4 night getaways and can arrange scenic helicopter flights, seaplanes, boats or prestige land transport for the perfect offline luxury escape. We also create individual itineraries tailored to your time, interests and holiday goals.

Get in Touch at hello@experiencenature.com.au

Breathtaking National Parks

Private Estates

Stunning venues in our 3 Day Coast to Valley Getaway like Barranca or Ooralba in Kangaroo Valley are standout examples of the quality of secluded properties we can offer small group tours, family and friends as well as corporate retreats. Both commanding over 1,000 acres of lush grounds and uninterrupted views across the stunning Morton National Park, there are a vast array of tailored activities and experiences to uplift and inspire. With over 30 properties to offer, we can cater for every type of traveller.

Pristine Beaches to Mountain Villages

The beaches of the South Coast and Jervis Bay are truly paradise. The sound of the ocean replaces the noise of traffic; native wildlife abounds as kangaroos hop through the bush and colourful parrots skim through trees. Explore accommodation partners like The Cove with its tranquil beachfront location surrounded by Booderee National Park or Bangalay Luxury Villas. Venture inland where the Great Dividing Range meets Kangaroo Valley for old growth rainforest. Explore waterfalls, lush forests and take in the escapement views. Let us design your bespoke travel itinerary.

Travel With Purpose

The bushfires in our region over summer 2020 were devastating. Their impact was felt across all areas of life from firefighters to wildlife, property damage, local business and tourism downturn as well as habitat decimation.  

Fire is, however, a necessary part of the regeneration of the Australian bush but it is not usually seen on this scale. We offer immersive workshops in the fire zone of the role of fire in our ecology, wildlife challenges and triumphs, and how this is changing the way we travel and relate to the land. 

Contact us at hello@experiencenature.com.au

Plan Your Getaway

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Feasts

Highland Harvest Feasts

Autumn Wine Harvest Feast

“Diners stepped through an Alice in Wonderland style door to an irresistible scene; a long row of rustic timber tables shaded by calico umbrellas and surrounded by vines ready for harvest. Platters appeared piled with food as guests sipped Far Ago Hill wines, growing in the earth beneath their feet. The quiet mingling on arrival was soon replaced with laughter and music as guests made new friends and fell further under the magic spell of the Highlands” Trip Advisor review

Feast in the Forest

Winter Solstice Feast of the Beast

“Feast of the Beast – A Mighty Night! It was our first time at the Feast of the Beast, and I can’t tell you how impressive the night was. To host 250 people, with food, music, drinks and a range of entertainment, out in the middle of a forest, and in the middle of a Southern Highlands winter….well, it was nothing short of miraculous. Amanda and the team did an AMAZING job.”  Trip Advisor review

Spring Hallows' Eve

Also known as Samhain in the Celtic religion, Hallows Eve falls on 31 October each year, and is traditionally celebrated with a feast. Our take on this celebration is Day of the Dead meets All Saints Day in a night for druids and witches.

Cooked With Fire

Summer Wild Harvest Feast

“What a great night! The adventure started with a stretch Hummer ride through the forest complete with disco lighting and bubbles.

Before reaching our final destination we stopped to adorn top hats and tails or tiaras and gloves just to add a little pizzaz to the evening. At the end of the ride a large marquee with a beautifully set table was set up in a flat clearing. Several small fire pits and the large cooking fire pit also awaited us. More drinks and Kangaroo cocktail sausage canapés around the fire kicked off what was a fantastic meal cooked by Lennox Hastie. The courses that followed were superb as was the service and matching local wines. The whole aesthetic was conducive to striking up conversations with anyone who was there and many fabulous discussions were had. The live music was wonderful and the luxury portable loos were fitting for the occasion (best portaloos ever – Kenny would be impressed!) Congratulations to Amanda and her team for putting on a unique and fun event! ”  Trip Advisor review

Join our feasting community.

HARVEST FEASTS WEBSITE

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Business Events

Business Events

Different, Delivered

We understand the business market and can offer the right solution for your company. Retreats, Day Tours, Team Building Programs, Leisure Adventure Activities, Wellness, Forest Therapy and Leadership are all areas our expert team, specialise in.

As thought leaders, trail blazers and game changers we also know the value of good storytelling. Let us become part of your brand story by designing innovative experiences to not only incentivise your staff but also to attract the industry’s finest to knock on your door and become part of your future.

Authentic Experiences

We cater for groups from 20 to 200 with hotel, private residence accommodation or by creating Pop Up Wilderness Retreats (Glamping) in the Southern Highlands, Shoalhaven and Canberra. All our events and itineraries are individually tailored with authentic experiences to offer corporate groups maximum flexibility.

Activities can be curated to drive team building goals, focus on wellness or include leisure choices. We offer everything from seasonal foraging for mushrooms, truffles, native bush medicine to wine tasting, outdoor cooking, microbrewery and distillery tours and farm stays. Outdoor adventure experiences such as mountain biking, hiking and abseiling are also part of our portfolio.

Our Clients

Remote Business Lounges

Customised Itineraries

We bring together the team, suppliers, producers and collaborators to transform your vision into a custom event for your business. As globally experienced event producers with credits that include events for 20 or 100,000 guests, both here and abroad, we know how to make your experience, memorable.

WORK WITH US

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Wild Food Adventures

Tours for the Travel Industry

Our day tours are designed for the travel industry with ten (10) Signature and Seasonal tours to choose from and over forty (40) activities in region so we can tailor a bespoke itinerary for guests.

We work with ITO’s, Wholesalers, Travel Agents, PCO’s, MICE specialists, Concierge Companies, Hotels and Event Managers offering immersive day tours to Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven.

Signature Tours

More Than Just Day Trips

Experience pristine wilderness, meet boutique award winning cool climate wine makers, explore historical villages, hike rainforest trails, taste bush foods, swim in waterfalls and unspoilt beaches, cycle through vast forests, go beyond the cellar door, be part of the paddock to plate process and taste fresh local produce crafted into culinary moments.

Explore Unspoilt Beaches

Explore Our Region

We offer Day Tours from Sydney or Canberra to the Southern Highlands as well as the Shoalhaven and South Coast. Additionally we have a range of one to multi night itineraries to craft your clients perfect in region stay.

TRAVEL PARTNER DOWNLOADS

Craft Your Adventure

Wholesale Brochure

Each season offers a different lens through which to see the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven. In Autumn explore local villages, enjoy wine harvest, see the changing amber and golden hues of our hiking trails, forage for mushrooms. Winter brings roaring fires, whisky tastings, truffle hunts, Feast of the Beast in the forest and Winterfest. By Spring we have major events across the region and wild edible weed foraging.  These quickly leads into Summer when swimming in waterfalls and on unspoilt beaches beckons followed by cool climate wine tasting.

Request a wholesale brochure and work with us hello@experiencenature.com.au

Wild Food Adventure Tours

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