CONNECTION IN FOCUS AS TASTING AUSTRALIA 2025 CONCLUDES
13 MAY 2025
South Australia’s best eating and drinking experiences have delighted festival-goers across a
deliciously diverse 18th edition of Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond.
More than 150 events throughout South Australia featured during the past 10 days and nights,
with highlights including Tasting Australia Airlines journeys to the northern Flinders Ranges
and Murray River, the return of Tasting Australia by Train and the new Aperitivo Hour series
featuring chefs from leading national restaurants.
The festival’s Town Square hub in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga welcomed over 65,000
people and hosted four bars and 15 food vendors, live music and DJs, hands-on Make sessions
and Canteen lunches prepared by teams from top South Australian eateries including Flinders
Food Co, Adelaide Hills favourite The Lane and Mt Gambier’s Elementary by Soul Co.
More than 2,000 meals have been served to guests inside Tasting Australia’s Dining Galleries
presented by Mitolo Family Farms, while over 4,500 bottles of Seppeltsfield wine were
enjoyed across Town Square.
Special Mother’s Day celebrations in Town Square took place yesterday, among them a family
brunch, indulgent degustation lunch and free flower crown making for children led by Nature
Play SA.
Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said Tasting Australia proudly shared South Australia’s
abundant simple pleasures and supported 280 local businesses through its latest edition.
“We know food and wine experiences are the top driver of interstate visitation to our state,
and Tasting Australia is loved for the many ways it shares them,” Minister Bettison said.
“It’s the latest success in South Australia’s blockbuster calendar of major events and festivals
– one that will continue into winter and beyond.”
Tasting Australia Festival Director Karena Armstrong said a theme of connection was woven
through the latest program.
“Celebrating connection – between producers, people, places and the land we call home –
was at the heart of Tasting Australia this year,” she said.
“It’s a privilege to welcome visiting chefs and beverage stars to our state, together with
highlighting the local professionals who share South Australia’s remarkable eating and
drinking experiences all year round.”
Justine Lally, Executive General Manager of Marketing at Journey Beyond, expressed her
excitement about seeing Town Square visitors enjoying the new Ghan Experience – a taste
of one of Australia's most renowned rail adventures.
“We were thrilled with the response we received in our inaugural year as the presenting
partner for this extraordinary culinary celebration. It was wonderful to see so many visitors
stepping into The Ghan Experience; the train carriage-themed activation where guests loved
catching a glimpse of life aboard this iconic Outback journey. They were immersed in a sensory
experience that showcased the sights, sounds, and scents of this legendary ride, encapsulating
the essence of travelling on The Ghan,” Ms Lally said.
“The Journey Beyond Lounge also proved to be a popular spot for Town Square visitors,
providing a place to sit back, relax, and soak in the atmosphere, sights, and enticing aromas.
Guests were able to engage with our knowledgeable Journey Beyond travel centre staff to
learn about our 17 iconic Australian experiences available across the country and book their
next adventure.
