The Ghan has launched its first ever day-trip to Clare Valley

Australian icon The Ghan has been roaming Australia’s countryside for decades now, but for the first time ever the train will be leaving on a special epicurean adventure to the world-renowned Clare Valley. Straight from October 8, the single-day itinerary will be a complete food and wine-focused adventure, designed to showcase a new railway journey to Aussies who have been aching to get out and explore the country in the face of ongoing lockdowns.

Now that we’re all locking towards travelling again, The Ghan’s Clare Valley journey is one of the first new domestic travel experiences to pop up and entice people to holiday here this year, with four exclusives departures during spring.

“Most of our iconic long-distance train experiences have been affected at some point throughout the year, which is why we were so excited about getting The Ghan back on the tracks just over a week ago,” said CCO for Journey Beyond Pete Egglestone. “Behind the scenes, though, and looking at what we more we can offer, which has resulted in The Taste of the Ghan.”

South Australia’s Clare Valley has long been known as one of the best destinations the country offers gourmands, and as one of the country’s oldest wine regions, it’s more than equipped to offer The Ghan’s guests a memorable experience.

Journey Beyond has put together the itinerary off the back of extensive knowledge and experience in the region. An official description lists what we can expect when rolling into The Ghan for this journey.

“Departing from and returning to the Adelaide Parklands Terminal, the journey begins with a fabulous pre-departure celebration at the Terminal. Once onboard, guests can relax and delight in a feast of the eyes, ears, and palate while enjoying breakfast en route to Clare Valley. On arrival, luxury coaches transport guests to a local winery for an insightful wine tasting, igniting the inner sommelier, and then off to enjoy a 3-course lunch amongst the vines at another local winery, replete with wine pairings. At day’s end, guests will re-board the train and enjoy a final glass of wine or port, paired with cheese and chocolate, on the return to Adelaide. Our Clare Valley partner vineyards include Pikes Winery/Slate at Pikes, O’Leary Walker and Bus DeVine at Pauletts.

As part of South Australian Tourism Commission’s (SATC) South Australian Great State Experience Vouchers, guests can use their voucher towards booking a Platinum or Gold Class Experience on the Taste of The Ghan. Bookings outside of SATC vouchers can be made directly through Journey Beyond at journeybeyondrail.com.au. Additionally, Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn 1 Quantas point per AU$1 spent to put towards their next rail holiday.

Chris Singh

Chris Singh is an Editor-At-Large at the AU review, loves writing about travel and hospitality, and is partial to a perfectly textured octopus. You can reach him on Instagram: @chrisdsingh.