Tasting Australia needs no introduction. The iconic South Australian food festival has been wow’ing food lovers for 28 years. So how does a food festival continue to excite people year in, year out for almost three decades? Secure Australia’s most legendary train, The Ghan, to whisk guests from Darwin to Adelaide, that’s how. 

In 2026, Tasting Australia will allow guests to experience South Australia by train, plane and road thanks to a bunch of new events. If you love travel and food, here are three delicious ways to experience Tasting Australia in 2026.

Tasting Australia by Train 

Step aboard The Ghan with an appetite for good food and adventure. Across four days and three nights guests will be treated to bespoke menus by celebrated Australian chef Mark Best and Michelin-starred Nieves Barragán Mohacho, while South Australian storyteller, strategist and food waste warrior Mandy Hall will be hosting the fun on board. 

Credit: Tasting Australia

Off-train adventures include cruising the Katherine River to see Nitmiluk Gorge, experiencing the stunning Simpsons Gap (known to the Arrente people as Runguttjirpa), a walk along the ochre fold of Kanku-Breakways Conversation Park in Coober Pedy, guided by a local Aboriginal leader, before visiting Two Dogs Lookout and the outback town’s Serbian Orthodox Church. 

Of course, all off-train adventures will also treat guests to memorable dining experiences. Mark Best will plate up lunch at Simpsons Gap in Alice Springs, dinner under the stars at Alice Springs Telegraph Station will be presented by The Ghan team and lunch will be prepared by Aussie chefs Jo Barrett and Shannon Fleming at Big Winch Cafe in Coober Pedy. 

Hungry for more? Once you disembark The Ghan in Adelaide you can explore Tasting Australia’s Town Square where food vendors, pop-up bars, live music and masterclasses will be taking place. 

Tasting Australia Airlines  

South Australia’s coastline is renowned for its world-class seafood and in 2026 Tasting Australia wants to fly you right to the source. Departing Adelaide and flying guests to Port Lincoln, Tasting Australia Airlines will take you to Eyre Peninsula. The full-day experience will see guests on board the MFV Tacoma, a fully restored 1950s tuna poling boat. Local chef Kerri Lawson will lead a filleting demonstration on the boat and guests will be able to bite into the freshly sliced sashimi while winemaker Liz Heidenreich guides a Teakle Wines tasting. 

Credit: Tasting Australia

Lunch will follow at the beachside Coffin Bay Yacht Club. Here Ben Devlin, chef and co-owner of Pipit in Northern NSW, will team up with South Australia head chef of The Salopian Inn, Jimmy Toone, and cook up a seafood feast. 

The afternoon will see guests immersed in nature at Yarnbala. The venue is nestled within a critically endangered ecosystem and is a place where founder Kane Slater, hosts experiences that are grounded in regenerative practices. Here, you’ll be treated to snacks prepared by proud Bundjalung chef Mindy Woods and given plenty of time to wander around. 

Tasting Australia by Road 

If you want to truly experience the food of a region then allow Tasting Australia to curate the perfect day itinerary for you for some of South Australia’s most popular spots, think McLaren Vale, Barossa, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula. Guests joining the day tours will spend time on private farms, orchards and kitchens as well as be extremely well fed by beloved local chefs. 

So which will it be: rail, sky or road? We’ll take all three. 

Credit: Tasting Australia

Tasting Australia by Train on The Ghan departs from Darwin on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 and will arrive in Adelaide on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Tickets from $7,395 per person. Tasting Australia Airlines takes place on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The full-day experience and return flight to Adelaide Airport cost $1,245 per person. Tasting Australia by Road events are priced at $450 per person for the day experience. For all price inclusions, more information or to book, visit tastingaustralia.com.au