South Australia's best eating and drinking experiences have delighted festival-goers across a deliciously diverse 18th edition of Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond.
With over 280 local businesses supported, the 2025 festival showcased some of the best of the state's produce, people, and places to visitors from all over.
More than 150 events throughout South Australia featured during the past 10 days and nights, with highlights including Tasting Australia Airlines journeys to the northern Flinders Ranges and Murray River, the return of Tasting Australia by Train and the new Aperitivo Hour series featuring chefs from leading national restaurants.
The festival's Town Square hub in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga welcomed over 65,000 people and hosted four bars and 15 food vendors, live music and DJs, hands-on Make sessions and Canteen lunches prepared by teams from top South Australian eateries including Flinders Food Co, Adelaide Hills favourite The Lane and Mt Gambier's Elementary by Soul Co.
More than 2,000 meals were served to guests inside Tasting Australia's Dining Galleries presented by Mitolo Family Farms, while over 4,500 bottles of Seppeltsfield wine were enjoyed across Town Square.
Special Mother's Day celebrations in Town Square took place on Sunday, among them a family brunch, indulgent degustation lunch and free flower crown making for children led by Nature Play SA.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said "Tasting Australia proudly shared South Australia's abundant simple pleasures and supported 280 local businesses through its latest edition.
"We know food and wine experiences are the top driver of interstate visitation to our state, and Tasting Australia is loved for the many ways it shares them," Minister Bettison said.
"It's the latest success in South Australia's blockbuster calendar of major events and festivals - one that will continue into winter and beyond."
Tasting Australia Festival Director, Karena Armstrong said "a theme of connection was woven through the latest program."
"Celebrating connection - between producers, people, places and the land we call home - was at the heart of Tasting Australia this year," Ms Armstrong said.
"It's a privilege to welcome visiting chefs and beverage stars to our state, together with highlighting the local professionals who share South Australia's remarkable eating and drinking experiences all year round."
Journey Beyond Executive General Manager of Marketing, Justine Lally expressed her excitement about seeing Town Square visitors enjoying the new Ghan Experience - a taste of one of Australia's most renowned rail adventures.
"We were thrilled with the response we received in our inaugural year as the presenting partner for this extraordinary culinary celebration. It was wonderful to see so many visitors stepping into The Ghan Experience; the train carriage-themed activation where guests loved catching a glimpse of life aboard this iconic Outback journey. They were immersed in a sensory experience that showcased the sights, sounds, and scents of this legendary ride, encapsulating the essence of travelling on The Ghan," Ms Lally said.
"The Journey Beyond Lounge also proved to be a popular spot for Town Square visitors, providing a place to sit back, relax, and soak in the atmosphere, sights, and enticing aromas. Guests were able to engage with our knowledgeable Journey Beyond travel centre staff to learn about our 17 iconic Australian experiences available across the country and book their next adventure."
Visit tastingaustralia.com.au
