Journey Beyond the Tracks: From Adelaide to Perth

The garden

This suburban garden is inspired by a journey on the Indian Pacific, one of Australia’s epic train routes, linking the coastal cities of Adelaide and Perth by traversing the stunning and unique Outback landscape. The design nods to both cities’ commitment to urban greening and reflects the diverse environments of South Australia and Western Australia.

A garden structure, echoing the shape and interior of a train carriage, divides the space. One side captures Western Australia’s ecologically abundant landscapes expressed through tiered beds and diverse native plant species, while the other represents Adelaide’s green urban vision as a National Park City, featuring trees and natural water corridors.

Reclaimed timber, ochre-coloured eco-concrete, stone, aggregate, and low-carbon metals are used throughout. Inside the pergola, modern timber panelling is mirrored on the boundary wall, framing a quiet seating area. The central dining space nestles among sand-loving plants, celebrating Western Australia’s 8,000+ endemic species. Overall, the garden pays tribute to the more than 450 national parks and reserves found across South Australia and the rich biodiversity of Western Australia as one of the world’s internationally recognised hotspots.

Key plants

Planting is heavily inspired by both Western Australia and South Australia, in a palette of muted greens, with some blues and hot-coloured flowers.

Eucalyptus, Callistemon, Hakea, Grevillea and Anigozanthos all feature prominently. They are native to both South Australia and Western Australia and many can be found growing in the Kwongan.

Plants supplier: Hortus Loci

Sustainability notes

Eco-Crete mixed with recycled aggregate is used for paving stones, while crushed brick provides a textured surface underfoot. A zero-carbon metal sourced from Finland, made entirely from recycled materials using hydropower, adds a low-impact industrial touch. Timber elements will either be reclaimed or, ideally, eucalyptus timber sourced from the UK to complement the Australian theme. UK-sourced boulders are used as stepping stones, weaving through the garden and enhancing its naturalistic feel.

The designer – Max Parker-Smith

“I’ve always been drawn to Australia and its contrasting landscapes and this is a great opportunity to celebrate some of the flora of South Australia and of Western Australia, showcasing the wonder of the epic Indian Pacific train journey connecting those states,” Max Parker-Smith.

Max graduated from the Inchbald School of Design in 2018 and made his show debut at the RHS Tatton Flower Show in the Young Designers category, where he earned a Silver-gilt medal for his contemporary and sustainably designed garden. He then went on to exhibit at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show, creating a Norwegian-inspired garden using natural and reclaimed materials. More recently, Max designed the largest feature in the Floral Marquee at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. His passion for horticulture shines through in his plant-rich designs, while his fascination with innovative materials continues to drive his creative approach, especially at the flower shows. Based in South London, Max works on both urban and rural private projects.

About the sponsors

Journey Beyond, alongside South Australian and Western Australian tourism bodies is sponsoring a Chelsea garden to spotlight the Indian Pacific rail journey and the diverse landscapes it traverses, from desert plains to wine regions. The garden celebrates Australian biodiversity, culture, and sustainable tourism through design.  Follow the garden’s development here.

Garden legacy

The plants are being reused in Kensington Gardens, London and hard landscaping is being relocated to a new garden at Longleat.