Journey Beyond, South Australian Tourism Commission and Tourism Western Australia have planted the seed to showcase an Australian garden at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London from 19–23 May.
The tour company and tourism partners won the bid to present a small show garden at the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society show next year.
Designed by award-winning English gardener Max Parker-Smith, the Aussie contribution will celebrate Journey Beyond’s Indian Pacific rail journey, conveying the landscape diversity along the route, plus the flora of Adelaide and Perth.
Using sustainable materials, the garden will centre around a structure that echoes an Indian Pacific train carriage with the shrub plains of the Western Australian outback on one side and the other reflecting Adelaide as a National Park City, showcasing its green urban vision.
Parker-Smith will embark on an Indian Pacific journey in November 2025 to inspire his garden design as a storytelling platform that blends travel, horticulture and Australian innovation, promoting tourism, sustainability and regional identity.
“I see ‘Journey Beyond the Tracks: From Adelaide to Perth’ garden as a compelling platform to celebrate the diverse landscapes of South Australia and Western Australia,” he said.
“By incorporating distinctive materials and the warm, earthy hues of the outback, alongside a thoughtfully curated selection of native inspired planting, the garden aims to evoke the spirit and identity of both states.
“Inspired by the iconic rail journey that links Adelaide and Perth over two nights, this design reflects the ever-changing scenery from world-renowned wine regions to vast arid plains. It’s a moving tapestry of contrasts, and I feel privileged to bring this unique journey to life through landscape.”
Journey Beyond CEO Chris Tallent said: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with Max Parker-Smith, who has a proven track record of creating emotionally rich landscapes that connect people to places through his garden designs.”
“We look forward to seeing Max’s design come to life, especially as he draws inspiration from his journey on board the Indian Pacific in November.”
The world-famous event attracts 140,000-plus visitors per day at the five-day event as well as an additional audience reach of 22 million through BBC coverage.
Once the RHS Chelsea Flower Show concludes, the Journey Beyond garden will be replanted sustainably by The Royal Parks in London’s Kensington Gardens.
For more information, visit rhs.org.uk
