Head Chefs, Cooks & Kitchen Staff | Outback Spirit Tours

Be a part of sharing special places and shaping lasting memories with Australia’s leading experiential tourism business.

ABOUT US

Outback Spirit Tours offers extraordinary adventure tours and luxury short stays that capture the very essence of Australia. From the rugged red cliffs of the Kimberley to the unspoiled beauty of Tasmania, we bring our guests face-to-face with the country’s most iconic landscapes and stories.

Operating eight remote camps and lodges in some of Australia’s most breathtaking and hard-to-reach locations, our passionate team of guides, drivers, camp/lodge hosts, chefs, and operations staff are dedicated to creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for our guests.

Australia’s leading experiential tourism group, Journey Beyond, is privileged to operate 20 brands spanning the country and New Zealand, connecting guests to the land, and to each other.

Headquartered in Adelaide, Journey Beyond formed in 2016 and now comprises tourism brands including: iconic trains The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern, The Overland; premium small-group outback operator Outback Spirit; eco-luxury lodge Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef; aquatic adventures Cruise Whitsundays, Rottnest Express, Sailaway Port Douglas, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Darwin Harbour Cruises and Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney; our tallest members, Melbourne Skydeck and Eureka 89; the historic Vintage Rail Journeys; The Telegraph Station in Alice Springs; Monarto Safari Resort; Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo, New Zealand coach tour specialist Grand Pacific Tours, and Voyages Tourism Australia.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Imagine creating dishes that guests remember long after their journey ends: that meal enjoyed under the star-filled Arnhem Land skies or the modern twist on bush flavours discovered in Cape York. At Outback Spirit Tours, these moments are part of our everyday service.

We’re seeking Head Chefs, Sous Chefs, Chef de Parties, Cooks, and Kitchen Attendants to join our Camps and Lodges teams across WA, NT, and QLD. This is your chance to showcase your skills in some of Australia’s most breathtaking locations, letting the landscape inspire your creativity.

You’ll live onsite for the season (typically 5–10 months), with meals and accommodation provided, working in a close-knit team where collaboration is essential. Our kitchens are central to the guest experience, and equally important, you’ll keep our staff fuelled with wholesome, nutritious meals.

At Outback Spirit, no task is beneath anyone. We all pitch in; even our Head Chefs wash dishes, because in remote locations, true teamwork is everything.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Deliver high-quality meals for guests that reflect the unique character of each region, with attention to flavour, presentation, and consistency.
• Prepare nutritious, fulfilling staff meals that support the team through long, active days.
• Maintain rigorous food safety and hygiene standards, ensuring full compliance with Food Safety and Health & Safety regulations.
• Manage daily kitchen cleanliness, including washing dishes, sanitising work areas, and ensuring all equipment is maintained to standard.
• Confidently accommodate dietary requirements and special requests, adapting menus where required.
• Oversee stock levels through accurate stock control, ordering, and stock takes, ensuring the kitchen remains well-supplied.
• Minimise waste through thoughtful menu planning, portion control, and sustainable kitchen practices.
• Support smooth daily operations by collaborating with the wider team and assisting in any task necessary to keep service running at a high standard.

Some positions will begin in February, with the majority starting in April. Most Lodges and Camps are set to close in September, while a select few will extend until November.

ABOUT YOU:

You are a team player who is eager to assist wherever needed, thriving in a fast-paced environment. You take pride in delivering exceptional food that connects people to place. Adaptable and team-focused, you are energised by the opportunity to cook with purpose.

Requirements:

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent (for chef roles).
• Experience in remote or high-end hospitality (advantageous but not essential).
• Strong understanding of food safety; Food Safety Supervisor certification desirable.
• Remote First Aid & CPR (or willingness to obtain).
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work harmoniously in a small team.
• Basic computer literacy.
• A positive attitude, resilience, and a genuine love for the outdoors.

REMOTE LIVING

Our camps and lodges are located in some of Australia’s most remote regions. Many cannot be accessed by road – instead, you’ll be flown to site from Darwin or Cairns via our private aviation network. You’ll live and work onsite for the entirety of the season, typically 5–10 months, without regular access to nearby towns or cities.

This lifestyle offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the everyday, immerse yourself in nature, and connect deeply with Australia’s vast and beautiful landscapes. While it comes with unique challenges, it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Amazing opportunity to work in a dynamic, growing tourism business
• Generous discounts on Journey Beyond travel and experiences
• Accommodation and meals provided
• Employee Referral Policy
• Private Health discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts on Journey Beyond merchandise

At Outback Spirit Tours, we prioritise a safe and productive work environment. As part of this commitment, we conduct drug and alcohol testing for all employees. Candidates should be aware that some prescription medications may cause a non-negative test result, and by applying for this position, you confirm your understanding and acceptance of this policy. Furthermore, please note that a National Criminal History Check is a required step in the recruitment process.