If you’re a food and wine lover looking to take a walk on the wild side this autumn, there’s an event you won’t want to miss. For this year’s Tasting Australia festival, running from May 8th to 17th, Monarto Safari Resort is inviting you to sip, savour and safari in a luxurious overnight getaway.
Taking place on Thursday, May 14th to Friday, May 15th, this one-of-a-kind stay starts by checking in to Safari Lodge, located at Monarto Safari Resort. Here you’ll be met with sweeping views, natural tones and world-class hospitality before you begin your night of adventure.
“A stay at Safari Lodge is completely unique, offering a true immersive, after-hours wildlife experience, right here in South Australia,” shared Sarah Borlace, the Senior Marketing Executive at Monarto Safari Resort.
After taking some time to settle in and explore your room, you’ll be met with arrival drinks and canapes, before heading on a guided safari at Monarto Safari Park’s Wild Africa in a purpose-built Safari Land Cruiser. “Guests will board a 9-seater open-sided safari vehicle and embark on an adventure into Wild Africa,” shared Sarah. “Over the 2.5 hour experience, guests will have ample opportunities to view hippos, cheetahs, giraffes, rhinos, zebras and roaming antelope species. They will also have the opportunity to disembark the vehicles in the middle of the safari at a sundowner location to enjoy a glass of champagne and the sounds of nature, before heading back to the main lodge.”
Then, it’s back to the lodge for pre-dinner drinks against a stunning sunset backdrop. This is followed by a seven-course degustation by Executive Chef DeBuys Nortier. “Executive Chef DeBuys Nortier has drawn inspiration from South Australia and Monarto, presenting a refined take on modern Australian cuisine, infused with vibrant African flavours. Safari Lodge will showcase some of the world’s finest produce.”
This will all be perfectly paired and personally presented by local South Australian winemakers, giving you a chance to try some of the best local wines from Langhorne Creek and Adelaide Hills regions. Wrap up the evening back in your room, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the wild, making it a truly unforgettable experience. And if you’re looking for unforgettable experiences, Tasting Australia is not short of them.
Tasting Australia has returned in 2026 as South Australia’s biggest celebration of food and drink. This year features a program that brings together international culinary stars, local legends and immersive dining experiences, where South Australia becomes the table on which Tasting Australia is set.
“Tasting Australia is an iconic Australian event and felt like the perfect opportunity to showcase Safari Lodge, with a unique overnight experience combining wildlife, fine dining, storytelling and luxury,” shared Sarah. “The collaboration is distinctly South Australian, showcasing local vineyards and regional flavours and reinforces what Tasting Australia is all about: food, people and place. As Journey Beyond is the major partner for Tasting Australia and Monarto Safari Resort is a Journey Beyond brand, it was important for us to create a beautiful event that truly showcases the location and local produce.”
The Sip, Savour, Safari experience is an 18+ event, with tickets for double occupancy inclusive of canapes, a seven-course dinner, breakfast the next morning, welcome drinks, paired wines with dinner and the stay.
Sip, Savour, Safari
When: May 14th and 15th
Where: Safari Lodge, Monarto Safari Resort, 525 Monarto Road, Pallamana, Murray River Lakes & Coorong, South Australia, 5254
Price: From $1785 for two
For more information, click here.
