22 November 2021
Taste of The Ghan continues to boost local tourism
South Australians’ sentiment for appreciating what is in their own backyard remains stronger than ever. At Journey Beyond, we have seen it with the Taste of The Ghan experience, which by the end of November will have brought over 1,000 people to Clare Valley, boosting local tourism. With each departure of the Taste of The Ghan selling out, Journey Beyond is extending the experience, bringing a new partner on board, and adding two final departure dates in the lead up to the end of the year.
On Friday December 3 and December 10, The Ghan will again make tracks to Clare Valley on an epicurean adventure. The historic Watervale Hotel will be joining our existing vineyard partners to welcome Gold Service guests for a three-course feast paired with premium wines and a pop-up cellar door from award-winning vintner, Kilikanoon. The Watervale Hotel may be new to the Taste of The Ghan experience, but connoisseurs are well aware of this award-winning foodie enclave, run by Warrick Duthy and Nicola Palmer, who have exceptional Clare Valley pedigrees.
“We’re thrilled at becoming part of the Taste of The Ghan experience and welcome the opportunity to showcase local produce in our own special way. Our organic, bio-dynamic Penobscot Farm drives our seasonal menu and fresh food offering and we’re teaming up with Kilikanoon to deliver an exceptional pop-up and pairing wine experience. We can’t wait to share this with the guests on this special Ghan journey,” says Nicola Palmer, Executive Chef, General Manager and Owner of the Watervale Hotel.
The two new departures are scheduled for December 3rd and 10th, with both Platinum and Gold Services available. Gold Service guests on these dates now have three exceptional lunch options to choose from, with Kilikanoon at the Watervale Hotel joining Slate at Pikes Wines and Bush DeVine at Pauletts Wines as host venues, while Platinum Service guests continue to be wined and dined at O’Leary Walker. The single-day regional journey is all-inclusive of food and beverages both on and off the train and includes immersive ‘talk and taste’ sessions on board with a well-known wine personality, a wine tasting at a Clare Valley winery, three-course lunch, and the legendary hospitality The Ghan is known for.
Peter Egglestone, Chief Commercial Officer for Journey Beyond, says, “We continue to be delighted by the response to the Taste of The Ghan experience. The partners we have worked with throughout have gone above and beyond, as have our onboard crew, in ensuring our guests enjoy their time both onboard and off-train in Clare Valley. We welcome the Watervale Hotel and Kilikanoon to the team and are excited to have the opportunity to introduce more guests to this spectacular wine-producing region.”
December’s two new departure dates will wrap up the Taste of The Ghan’s incredible season. Make it one to remember and book your seat at journeybeyondrail.com.
MEDIA CONTACT: Cheryl Monkhouse, [email protected]
About Journey Beyond:
Australia’s leading experiential tourism group, Journey Beyond, is privileged to own and operate 13 brands spanning the country, connecting guests to the land, and to each other.
Headquartered in Adelaide, Journey Beyond formed in 2016 and now comprises tourism brands including: iconic trains The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern and The Overland; small-group outback operator Outback Spirit; eco-luxe lodge Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef; aquatic adventures Cruise Whitsundays, Rottnest Express, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Darwin Harbour Cruising and Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney; and our tallest members, Eureka Skydeck and Eureka89.
Journey Beyond’s Travel Club unlocks exclusive member-only offers, priority access, special benefits and last-minute upgrade offers. With our pillars of Rail Expeditions, Touring, Cruises, Camps and Lodges and Attractions, a Journey Beyond holiday is comprehensive from start to finish. Visit journeybeyond.com and join us as we take the amazing and turn it into breathtaking.
