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Journey Beyond joins Tasting Australia 2026 on epic statewide eat-and-drink trails

Gear up, gourmands! The annual Tasting Australia (TA) festival presented by Journey Beyond will showcase culinary tourism in South Australia by train, plane and automobile from 8–17 May 2026 in an evolution of the program’s popular highlights.

Gear up, gourmands! The annual Tasting Australia (TA) festival presented by Journey Beyond will showcase culinary tourism in South Australia by train, plane and automobile from 8–17 May 2026 in an evolution of the program’s popular highlights.

Now on sale, travellers can book the previously sold-out Tasting Australia by Train, Tasting Australia Airlines and Tasting Australia by Road, a brand-new experience.

TA by Train invites travellers to journey from Darwin to Adelaide on The Ghan, joining chefs on board, including Michelin-starred Nieves Barragán Mohacho (Spain/UK), Jo Barrett (VIC), Mark Best (NSW), Shannon Flemming (SA) and host Mandy Hall (SA) on the three-day culinary experience.

Tasting Australia by Train on The Ghan. Image: Journey Beyond
All aboard TA by Train on The Ghan.

TA Airlines will travel to the Eyre Peninsula for a full-day seafood and coastal experience, including time aboard a historic tuna fishing boat, a visit to Coffin Bay National Park and food from chefs Mindy Woods (NSW), Ben Devlin (NSW) and Jimmy Toone (SA).

Chef cooking outdoors on the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. Image: Tasting Australia
Dishing up seafood delights on the Eyre Peninsula.

The new TA by Road series allows small groups to explore Adelaide’s surrounding regions, including McLaren Vale, the Barossa, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula, with local culinary identities, spending time at private farms, orchards, kitchens and cellar doors.

Boarding Tasting Australia Airlines to the Eyre Peninsula. Image: Tasting Australia
Boarding TA Airlines to the Eyre Peninsula.

TA Festival Curator Kane Pollard said: “These new program highlights speak to the spirit of adventure that runs through this festival, now in its 19th year and with a reputation for consistently raising the bar.”

Chefs plating cheese plates outdoors in South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. Image: Tasting Australia
TA by Road in the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Journey Beyond Executive General Manager of Marketing Justine Lally said its third festival outing promised to be the most memorable yet.

Chef plating food in Adelaide Hills. Image: Tasting Australia
Road tripping in Adelaide Hills.

“This year’s Tasting Australia by Train on board The Ghan redefines indulgence with a Bollinger masterclass and curated off-train experiences,” she said.

Group dining in McLaren Vale. Image: Tasting Australia
Alfresco eating and drinking in McLaren Vale.

“Guests are invited on a culinary journey that pairs the romance of rail travel with uninterrupted views to enjoy Australia’s ever-changing colours and landscape.

Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, north of Coober Pedy in South Australia, on The Ghan train. Image: Journey Beyond
Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, north of Coober Pedy, on The Ghan.

“We are delighted to partner with TA and provide a platform to showcase our exceptional iconic brands, travel experiences and culinary highlights across our magnificent state and country.”

Find out more here.