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Four days. Three nights. Welcome aboard.
Wednesday 6 May — Saturday 9 May 2026
You already know it as one of the world’s most remarkable rail journeys. Now we go further. A new edition of Tasting Australia by Train is set to unfold between Darwin and Adelaide, with stellar fare, coveted beverages, and time to discover ancient landscapes.
Four days. Three nights. Welcome aboard.
Meet the culinary stars on board
Menus will be curated by a sought after lineup of international and national talent – showcasing Michelin-starred chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho (Spain/UK), who will cook alongside renowned Australian chefs Mark Best, Jo Barrett and Shannon Fleming. Hosting the fun is Mandy Hall: an incredible storyteller and South Australian Woman of the Year for Hospitality.
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Her childhood spent cooking in the Basque city of Bilbao propelled Barragán Mohacho towards professional kitchens. Since the late 90s she’s been based in London, most notably at Barrafina – awarded a Michelin star in 2014 and then at Sabor, her own venue, which earned the honour in 2018. Legado, her latest venture, opened in August this year.
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The Michelin-trained Best has shaped the Sydney fine dining scene for decades, setting the tempo through his seminal Marque and, most recently, the reimagined Infinity at Sydney Tower.
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Trailblazing Barrett, meanwhile, embraces adventure through projects including Future Food System in Melbourne’s Federation Square and Lorne’s beloved Little Picket.
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After 9 years in fine dining, Shannon decided to leave the restaurant scene for a move to the Adelaide Hills to run the restaurant side of LOT.100. With a renewed focus on seasonal and hills focused produce, Shannon has collaborated with local beverage brands, to bring native flavours to life through their products.
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Named SA Woman of the Year for Hospitality, Mandy continues to champion the people and principles that make South Australia a leader in food and sustainability. A MasterChef alumna, Mandy combines intellect and heart in everything she does.
Bespoke Tasting Australia by Train Experiences
The Ghan has long been celebrated as one of the world’s most iconic rail journeys — and for this exclusive Tasting Australia edition, it will evolve into a journey of elevated culinary delights curated by leading chefs and producers. This once-off experience pairs the romance of rail travel with immersive, dining moments only available during Tasting Australia. More than a journey, it’s a landmark gastronomic experience that redefines what rail travel can be.
Bollinger Masterclass
Indulge in a morning fit for the French countryside, aboard The Ghan. As your journey takes you through the rugged Australian outback, partake in an exclusive Bollinger tasting and masterclass devoted to the maison’s most memorable vintages. Since 1829, Champagne Bollinger has been making great wines with a powerful, refined and complex style, expressing the aromas of the fruit in all its dimensions.
Dinner worthy of a Michelin Star
As you settle into your home for the next few nights, enjoying the comforts of a Gold Twin Cabin onboard The Ghan, opening night looms, promising a culinary experience like no other. Begin this exclusive journey with an exquisite dinner crafted by International Michelin Star Chef, Nieves Barragán Mohacho.
Simpsons Gap Lunch
Serenity abounds at Simpsons Gap, known to the Arrernte people as Rungutjirpa, where ochre cliffs are split by a glistening waterhole and sandy creek bed. Settle in for what will be a spectacular, custom off-train experience. Here you will meet chef Mark Best and Nieves Barragán Mohacho for lunch in the most spectacular of locations. Enjoy an informal meal from the comfort of camp chairs – a nod to your uniquely Australian setting.
Dinner Under the Stars
After a day of touring through Australia's heart, sit back beneath a blanket of stars during a truly distinct dinner experience at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Be immersed in outback history and grandeur. You can also watch the local blacksmith crafting away using traditional tooling and methods, or take the opportunity to climb aboard a camel for a short ride, mirroring the storied history of The Ghan's namesake.
Off Train in Coober Pedy
Discover a unique off train experience in Coober Pedy, custom created for Tasting Australia by Train: The Ghan Edition. Enjoy lunch crafted by trailblazing chef Jo Barrett and South Australian star Shannon Fleming, to be served at the iconic Big Winch Café. A culinary experience heroing local produce and set amongst a stunning backdrop of views across dugouts to the Coober Pedy desert skyline. Following lunch, discover unique experiences off train including an exclusive tour of the Umoona Arts Centre.
Black Tie Dinner
Indulge in a fine dining experience reminiscent of times gone by. Michelin-trained Mark Best, Executive Chef at Infinity by Mark Best, Sydney Tower; will craft an exquisite fine-dining menu for a final memorable evening on board The Ghan. The evening warrants black tie attire, foreshadowing an evening to remember, channeling all the glamour of great train odysseys.
Tasting Australia by Train
Explore the itinerary
Wednesday 6 May — Saturday 9 May 2026
Arrive at Darwin Berrimah Station. Journey Beyond hosts will direct you to the check-in area. Enjoy a welcome experience with light refreshments, barista coffee and a glass of Bollinger.
Settle into your home for the next few nights, enjoying the comforts of your cabin. As The Ghan begins to travel south, join a private tasting and masterclass led by a Bollinger brand ambassador devoted to the maison’s most memorable vintages.
Lunch onboard in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant follows before your off-train experience in Katherine. Cruise through the towering sandstone cliffs and dramatic beauty of Nitmiluk Gorge and uncover its deep cultural significance.
Dinner onboard will be crafted by International Michelin Star Chef, Nieves Barragán Mohacho.
INCLUSIONS
- Coach transfer to Darwin Rail Terminal departing from selected Darwin hotels
- Darwin Station welcome experience with light refreshments, barista coffee and glass of Bollinger
- Bollinger tasting and masterclass onboard led by Bollinger brand ambassador
- Lunch onboard prepared by The Ghan team
- A cruise on the tranquil Katherine River to see Nitmiluk Gorge and its geological wonders.
- Dinner onboard crafted by Nieves Barragán Mohacho.
Wake to the wide-open skies of the outback as The Ghan draws closer to the iconic town of Alice Springs. After a hearty breakfast on board, step into the heart of Central Australia.
Discover the stunning landscapes and cultural heritage of Desert Park, a registered botanic garden offering an immersive journey through Central Australia’s unique landscapes and rich cultural heritage, enjoy a free-flight bird show and demonstration. Continue your journey at Simpsons Gap – Rungutjirpa to the Arrernte people – a serene site rich in Indigenous lore. Surrounded by mulga woodlands, it’s home to rare plant species and said to be the mythical home of giant goanna ancestors. Here you will meet chef Mark Best and Nieves Barragán Mohacho for lunch in the most spectacular of locations. Enjoy an informal meal from the comfort of camp chairs – a nod to your uniquely Australian setting.
After a day of touring, sit back beneath a blanket of stars during a truly distinct dinner experience at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Be immersed in outback history and grandeur. You can also watch the local blacksmith crafting away using traditional tooling and methods, or perhaps take the opportunity to climb aboard a camel for a short ride. Dinner will be prepared by The Ghan chefs and served with a platinum beverage selection.
INCLUSIONS
- Lunch at Simpsons Gap, Alice Springs, prepared by Nieves Barragán Mohacho and Mark Best
- Spend an evening at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, with dinner under the stars prepared by The Ghan team, paired with a selection of platinum beverages.
Today brings you to the extraordinary outback town of Coober Pedy, where life is anything but ordinary. Known as the opal capital of the world, this desert settlement hides its treasures above and below. More than half of local residents live underground.
Travel by coach to Coober Pedy following breakfast on board. Walk among the ochre folds of KankuBreakaways Conservation Park before visiting Two Dogs Lookout and the Serbian Orthodox Church. A lunch prepared by Jo Barrett and Shannon Fleming will be served at the Big Winch Café, complete with views across dugouts to the desert skyline. Tour the Umoona Arts Centre and Old Timers Mine ahead of returning to The Ghan in Manguri.
Back on board for your final night, it’s time to dress up for this dinner to remember, channelling all the glamour of great train odysseys. Mark Best will craft an exquisite evening menu.
INCLUSIONS
- By dawn you will be close to Coober Pedy: scene of a full-day outback experience.
- Lunch at Big Winch Café in Coober Pedy prepared by Jo Barrett and Shannon Fleming
- Tour the Umoona Arts Centre and Old Timers Mine
- Return to The Ghan in Manguri, followed by dinner onboard prepared by Australian chef Mark Best. Think classic glamour for dinner – suits, sparkle and a sense of occasion.
This morning you’ll see a dramatic change in landscape as the outback’s rich ochre tones make way for the green fields of South Australia. The final stretch of this odyssey will be spent south-bound through the Flinders Ranges to Adelaide. Enjoy a leisurely brunch prepared by The Ghan team as you pass through the Flinders Ranges before arriving in Adelaide.
INCLUSIONS
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Brunch prepared by The Ghan team
- Four days and three nights aboard The Ghan Expedition, travelling from Darwin to Adelaide in a Gold Twin cabin
- All-inclusive meals, fine wines and beverages
- Pre-event accommodation in Darwin
- Post-event accommodation in Adelaide
