MasterChef set to serve up Australia’s native ingredients in the Red Centre

Media release

In partnership with Tourism Australia and Tourism Northern Territory, MasterChef Australia is set to put a spotlight on Australia’s native ingredients in the Red Centre.

The two episodes airing on Monday 28 June and Tuesday 29 June will see judges Andy Allen, Jock Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong task the final eight contestants to take inspiration from the outback using a range of native ingredients in a service challenge beneath the stars at Bruce Munro’s Field of Light Uluru, and in an elimination challenge with Rayleen Brown of Kungkas Can Cook at Simpsons Gap.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said that the episodes will air in the lead up to NAIDOC Week (4 - 11 July), and will open the opportunity for all Australians to tune in and share in tens of thousands of years of Indigenous history.

“We are proud to support MasterChef to showcase Indigenous tourism experiences and unique native ingredients. With NAIDOC Week just around the corner, the episodes open the opportunity for all Australians to tune in, reflect and learn about Australia's Indigenous culture.

“Viewers will get a glimpse of the culinary experiences available to book in the Territory, including under the stars at Bruce Munro’s Field of Light Uluru.”

Tourism NT’s Executive Director Tony Quarmby said, “We are thrilled to be able to showcase the iconic Red Centre destinations of Uluru and Simpsons Gap through these upcoming MasterChef episodes, reaching over 800,000 viewers across the country each night.

“The Northern Territory’s stunning landscapes are the perfect backdrop for MasterChef; from the contestants being on top of the sand dune overlooking Uluru as the colours of the rock change with the light, to being underneath the towering Simpsons Gap gorge just outside of Alice Springs in the West Macdonnell Ranges, these two episodes will give viewers just a taste of what the NT can offer visitors.”

CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia Matt Cameron-Smith said, “With an increasing number of Australians seeking out Indigenous tourism experiences as they holiday in their own backyard, we were delighted to have the opportunity to showcase our amazing destination.”

“With the MasterChef contestants using a range of local native bush ingredients in their challenge, this reflects the experiences our guests can have at Ayers Rock Resort when they dine with us at Sounds of Silence or the more intimate dune-top experience at Tali Wiru.” Cameron-Smith concluded.

MasterChef judge and Friend of Australia, Jock Zonfrillo also spoke of the experience in the Red Centre and how it shaped the contestants.

“Every person felt moved by the experience. The contestants themselves talk about how it changed them as a cook and a person, as well as how it has changed their relationship with Australia. That is what I feel is a pillar of being on Country, and what really shines through in these episodes.”

Viewers wanting to get an authentic taste of Aboriginal culture, can follow in the judges footsteps by planning a trip to the locations featured in the episodes with some great deals also on offer.

Quarmby also commented, “Now is the perfect time to plan a trip to the Red Centre as Jetstar is offering a flight sale to run alongside the MasterChef episodes to help motivate more Australians to experience it themselves.”

The two Red Centre MasterChef Australia episodes will air on 10 and 10 Play On Demand at 7:30pm on Monday 28 June and Tuesday 29 June 2021.