Great Australian Culinary Voyage 2024

Setting sail in January 2024, Cunard’s Great Australian Culinary Voyage offers you a wonderful opportunity to indulge in your love of food and wine while enjoying a summer cruise on Queen Elizabeth.

Watch our 2023 voyage highlights

Feast your eyes on our video summary of the 2023 culinary cruise for an idea of what to expect when we return to Australian waters in 2024.

5 - 12 January 2024, Queen Elizabeth

Following on from Cunard’s inaugural Great Australian Culinary Voyage in 2023, one of Australia’s most celebrated female chefs, Karen Martini will headline the next edition of this epicurean extravaganza and tantalise your taste buds.

The 7-night sailing from Melbourne, visiting Hobart and Adelaide, highlights all aspects of Australia’s unique culinary offerings. You will be able to taste exceptional dishes, learn about local produce, sample beautiful Australian wines and immerse yourselves in unique local food experiences on our bespoke Shore Experiences.

Some of Australia’s most coveted chefs, producers and food critics will shine the spotlight on Australia’s culinary uniqueness and diversity. Exclusive dishes created by talented Australian food icons will make this an unmissable experience for all food enthusiasts.

Please note that some on board experiences have limited spaces; we advise you book online via My Cunard early to avoid disappointment. Bookings will open closer to the voyage departure date.

Special guests on board

Karen Martini

Karen Martini is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, TV presenter and author who owns and runs Hero, a Melbourne restaurant that showcases her love of global cuisines and great, seasonal Victorian produce. Karen hosts regular segments on Australia’s most-watched lifestyle TV show, Better Homes & Gardens, and has recently released her eleventh cookbook, COOK, to rave reviews.

Karen will take over the Steakhouse at the Verandah dining venue* and create a unique and exclusive degustation menu, and deliver a three-course menu for Queen Elizabeth's main dining room, Britannia Restaurant. During talks and panel discussions, Karen will give insights into her career, and share stories about Australian food culture.

Darren Purchese

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

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

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. Terms and conditions apply. 

More special guests will be announced soon.

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