25th October 2017
Offering train enthusiasts a new way to enjoy the countryside, the Indian Pacific offers a special Food & Wine Train that takes them on a culinary adventure across the Nullarbor from Adelaide to Perth and back. The transcontinental two-night journey each way was the perfect way for guests to immerse themselves in food and wine masterclasses while stepping off the rails to explore some unique destinations including Rawlinna and Cook, small railway siding home to only four people.
Onboard the Indian Pacific, guests were offered native foods by famous Indigenous chef Mark Olive, in a masterclass where they tasted native herbs such as lemon myrtle and native proteins including emu, barramundi and crocodile. Australian food and wine personality Lyndey Milan regaled guests with the history of Australian cuisine and took them through a blind tasting of champagnes while sharing food and wine pairing tips.
As the train crossed the Nullarbor, guests enjoyed interactive classes including gin making with Adelaide Hills Distillery, with unique base flavours that included green ants and strawberry. There were also truffle making classes with the team from South Australian chocolatier, Chocolate No. 5. A wine masterclass also showcased several wines from South Australian wineries Kalleske and Coriole and Western Australian winery Moss Wood.
Guests disembarked at Rawlinna for a culinary feast under the stars and a misty early morning tea and coffee. The journey also included a stop in Kalgoorlie for an insight into the Western Australian mining town’s history and a visit to a 24 hour Super Pit mine.
As part of the journey, guests enjoyed pre and post touring including a visit to the Adelaide Hills and Mt Loft Ranges Vineyard as well as an interactive cheese making class. There was also a visit to the Adelaide Central Market and Barossa Valley which included a demonstration by coopers making wine barrels at Yalumba, a port tasting from Seppeltsfield and dinner at famous Hentley Farm.
