All journeys have a story. Those shared in this remarkable passage will explore connection and belonging, heritage and love. After a sell-out journey last festival, Tasting Australia returns to rail with members of the Ayubi family behind seminal Adelaide restaurant Parwana and Duncan Welgemoed from instant classic Africola. This gastronomic journey from Melbourne – Adelaide is in collaboration with Journey Beyond onboard The Ghan’s dining and bar carriages.
Tasting Australia Presented by Journey Beyond
“Three things go through my mind after Tasting Australia each year.
“One: how did I cram so much good food and drink into such a short space of time?
“Two: how much is property in Adelaide again?
“And three: gosh this is the best food party in the country. It's always a joy to be in South Australia, but never more so than during Tasting Australia.”
– Journalist Max Veenhuyzen
A celebration of eating and drinking
Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond is one of the country’s longest running eating and drinking festivals – celebration and collaboration of people, produce and place lie at the heart of our existence. Each autumn we invite audiences to step beyond a standard food festival to discover deliciously different experiences that feed their curiosity.
Board a Tasting Australia Airlines flight to destinations you’ve always wanted to explore. Savour the magic that happens when local legends are joined by top chefs from around the world – moments impossible to recreate. Sip your way through a wine, beer or spirit masterclass, sampling South Australian gems alongside those from further afield. Head to the heart of Adelaide or enjoy a regional getaway.
Tasting Australia creates lasting memories through unique eating and drinking experiences that only South Australia can offer.
Festival Director Karena Armstrong shapes the diverse annual program alongside Food Curator Kane Pollard and Drinks Curators Meira Harel and Banjo Harris Plane. Simon Bryant, one of South Australia’s real food heroes – is patron.
Tasting Australia inspires visitors, chefs, producers, media and buyers to experience the best of our state – and ensures local audiences are always at the party too.
Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond will return to South Australia in 2025 from Friday 2 May to Sunday 11 May.
Tasting Australia by Train: AFRICOLA X PARWANA
Tasting Australia Airlines
Choose from two curated adventures abord Tasting Australia Airlines – one visiting the Northern Flinders Ranges for an overnight adventure or a delicious daytrip aboard a houseboat in the Riverland. Venture further, discovering these beautiful regions alongside leading chefs inspired by their produce. Details? Sorted. Each itinerary leaves you free to enjoy travel at its very best.
Town Square
Tasting Australia’s Town Square is the festival hub located in the heart of Adelaide CBD in Victoria Square/ Tarntanyangga. It is home to deliciously diverse eating and drinking experiences and free entry – this is the place to meet for a drink, stay for a meal and explore.
Dining Galleries presented by Mitolo Family Farms – Town Square
There’s beauty in the transient – in a space crafted to celebrate shared meals and the people who shape them. Our Dining Galleries are adorned with work by South Australian artists and ready to welcome you. Together they serve as the festival hub: setting for drinks, lunch, dinner and connection. Inside guests will experience the best of Australian hospitality across menus and beverage lists offered only once.
Canteen – Town Square
After a sold-out series last festival, Town Square Canteen is back to celebrate six new standout regional dining experiences and the people who shape them. It’s your chance to meet leading South Australian chefs and their front-of-house staff, to trade stories and forge new connections. Featured venues – Flinders Food Co (Flinders), The Lane (Adelaide Hills), Kuti Shack (Fleurieu Peninsula), Temperance (Riverland) Fino Seppeltsfield (Barossa) and Elementary by Soul (Limestone Coast).
Make – Town Square
Make sessions are here to help you hone a new skill while learning from a local expert and sharing stories along the way. Held in the Town Square kitchens and led by chefs and artisans, each will cover a simple skill on the path to professional results. It’s fun and immersive, with no assumed knowledge, plenty of guidance and a drink as you go.
Drinks Academy presented by Adelaide University – Town Square
Great drinks deserve an academy. Meet ours: a new addition to Town Square and one poised to feature the best in beverages from near and far. This is your go-to destination for festival parties and masterclasses, together with the debut Learn series and a fun new celebration of beer. Love a cocktail? We’ll have plenty – and the best bartenders on hand to craft them. If it’s fresh, delicious and interesting, it’s here.
Tasting Tables
Settle in for a series of intimate tastings hosted across beloved Adelaide hospitality venues. Each features a guest presenter and a rare set of beverages. Talk, taste and share special bottles in a setting that allows you to discover the people and places that shaped them.
Regional Events
A range of immersive events will feature in the regional program including Food, Glass, Wood a culinary and art collaboration between the Fleming brothers: Shannon with food, Mike with wood and Liam with glass; Argentinean chef Martin Moltini teaming up with Wild at Heart head chef Stephane Brizard for lunch at Kay Brothers Winery in McLaren Vale; and a special trip Around the World with Penfolds and a party in their Magill Estate tunnels.
