Taste of South Australia Expedition 2021 Pre-Release

Settle in to the comforts of The Ghan, relax in your cabin or mingle with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. Enjoy lunch ahead of your Off Train Excursion in Katherine. In a region renowned for jaw-dropping natural assets, Katherine boasts one of the Top End’s best – the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge. Alternatively, you may choose to experience a glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home and prepare to be mesmerised as you visit a huge cattle station, sit back and be entertained as you experience horse and working dog demonstrations entwined with live music and humorous bush-tales.

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights The Ghan (L, D)

Your arrival into Alice Springs after breakfast provides you with time to explore the iconic town in the red heart of Australia. Prepare for a full day of fascinating excursions and, in the evening, meet the rest of your fellow guests at a spectacular barbeque dinner under a million stars at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station.  (B, L, D)

From your morning stop at the outback outpost of Manguri, you’ll venture into the wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Discover the incredible diversity of Coober Pedy’s spectacular Breakaways on your guided walking tour and take in the colourful low hills that appear from a distance which look as if they are ‘broken away’ from the higher ground of the reserve. The landscape was once an inland sea and over time has been transformed into a dramatic landscape that changes colour with the passing of the sun creating an almost surreal panorama, a truly remarkable landscape and one not to be missed. Dinner is served back on the train where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues. (B, L, D)

After completing the famous north-south crossing of the interior you will arrive into Adelaide. Check in to your accommodation before exploring the food and wine capital at your leisure.

OVERNIGHT: 5 nights Pullman Adelaide (B)

As far as gourmet experiences go, today you are about to indulge in one of Australia’s best. The legendary Penfolds Magill Estate – where some of the world’s great wines are produced – is your venue for an epicurean adventure you’ll never forget.

You’ll be guided through a wine flight, featuring the famous Grange, before heading to Magill Estate Cellar Door for a sumptuous lunch. (B, L).

Make the most of a free day to explore Adelaide, the food and wine capital of South Australia. The flat and grid-like city makes it perfect to explore by foot. Stroll along the cultural boulevard of North Terrace, home to the South Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of South Australia. If it’s a market day, fill a basket with produce from the Adelaide Central Market and enjoy it in one of the many picturesque parts of the Botanic Gardens. Not far from here is Rundle Street and Rundle Mall where you can indulge in some retail therapy of quench your thirst and one of the many bars or restaurants. Alternatively, the beach-side town of Glenelg is an easy 25-minute tram ride away. (B)

Today your boutique wine and food touring continues with a visit to the very special and historic Barossa Valley with its 80 cellar doors. You’ll even visit one of the oldest vineyards in the world where Shiraz vines were planted in 1843. (B, L).

Today is yours to explore one of Australia’s most elegant and sophisticated cities.

If you’d like to get right to the source of another gourmet experience consider visiting a second wine-growing region. The nearby McLaren Vale, where the sea meets the vines, is a perfect option. (B)

After breakfast, check out of your accommodation. (B)