On this unique Melbourne-Tasmania roundtrip, some of Australia’s most coveted chefs, producers and food critics will shine the spotlight on Australia’s culinary delights. Dine on exclusive dishes created by talented Australian food icons and come home full of inspiration!

Melbourne — Adelaide — Hobart — Melbourne
5 - 12 January 2024 on the Queen Elizabeth

The 7-night roundtrip from Melbourne, via Tasmania and South Australia, highlights all aspects of Australia’s unique culinary offerings on the second edition of the highly sought after Great Australian Culinary Voyage. The culinary experts will celebrate Australian produce and culinary excellence through engaging activities, including special interactive dining events, live talks and carefully curated experiences on board and ashore*

Special Guests:

Karen Martini will headline the culinary voyage in 2024.

Karen Martini is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, author, and television presenter and loves to showcase cuisines from all over the world. Karen hosts regular segments on Australia’s most-watched lifestyle TV show Better Homes & Gardens and has been a judge on cooking reality show My Kitchen Rules.

Karen Martini will take over Queen Elizabeth’s The Verandah Restaurant and create a unique and exclusive degustation menu. The Melbourne-based chef will also deliver a three-course menu for the ship’s main dining room, Britannia Restaurant. During talks and panel discussions, Karen will give insights into her career and tell her story about Australian produce and food culture.

Darren Purchese is one of the most respected pastry chefs in Australia today, renowned for his exquisite and extravagant sweet creations. The owner and creator of Melbourne’s B&P Sweet Studio is a natural host and accomplished public speaker, notably appearing on TV for MasterChef Australia and The Great Australian Bake Off.

The pastry chef extraordinaire returns to Queen Elizabeth to celebrate an exclusive selection of sweet delights and put a twist on Cunard’s famous Afternoon Tea*, featuring his tasty 'Glamingtons' cakes, gin and tonic scones, and more. Darren will reveal tricks of the trade during a cookery demonstration and talk, and for eager foodies, he will host a tantalising culinary tour* of his hometown, Melbourne.

Mark Olive aka ‘The Black Olive’ has been a chef for over 30 years, and has established himself as an Australian food icon through his work with Australian Indigenous and native ingredients. Mark has starred in TV series ‘The Outback Cafe’ and has been a host on popular shows including SBS’s ‘A Chef’s Line’ and ‘On Country Kitchen’.

Legendary chef Mark Olive returns to Queen Elizabeth's culinary voyage to once again put the spotlight on native Australian ingredients when taking over one of the ship’s restaurants for bespoke dinners*. Mark will also take to the stage for insightful live talks and interactive culinary demonstrations, offering guests a unique opportunity to learn about native Australian cooking first-hand.

Gary Mehigan one of Australia’s most loved TV presenters, chefs and cookbook authors, Gary Mehigan will join Cunard’s culinary voyage line-up for the first time. He is best known for his role as a former judge and co-host of MasterChef Australia.

On board Queen Elizabeth, he will share insights about his long and successful career, as well as his passion for travel, culture and food. Gary will host live cooking demonstrations, as well as several insightful sessions with fellow culinary royalty.

Katie Spain is one of Australia’s leading drinks experts, writers and journalists. She is the national drinks writer for GOOD FOOD, feature writer for Australia’s Wine Business Magazine, and South Australia state editor for Gourmet Traveller.

Her expertise will shine through when educating guests on everything worth knowing about the latest wine and drinks trends during exclusive masterclasses* and a tailored shore excursion* in one of South Australia's award-winning wine regions.

*Additional charges apply. This experience is not included in the cruise fare and must be booked via My Cunard prior to sailing.

Stay tuned for more special guest announcements!