Head Chef | Drysdale River Station | 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 a range of unique adventure tours and luxury short stays across our beautiful country. Our adventures capture the very essence of Australia, from the rugged red cliffs of the Kimberley to the unspoiled natural wonder of Tasmania, we bring iconic experiences to life. We operate 8 lodges in some of the most remote, inaccessible and beautiful locations. Our team of guides, drivers, camp and operations staff are passionate about the outdoors and take pride in bringing our guests on the adventure of a lifetime.

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

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team at Drysdale River Station for the 2026 touring season.

Located in the heart of the spectacular Kimberley region of Western Australia, Drysdale River Station offers a truly unique outback hospitality experience. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will be responsible for delivering high-quality meals across multiple service areas – including tour guests, staff, and our public bar and bistro.

This position is ideal for a chef who thrives in a dynamic, remote environment and enjoys leading a team to deliver consistently excellent food in a relaxed but high-volume setting.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations across tour dining, staff meals, and public bar & bistro service
• Plan and deliver varied, high-quality menus that cater to diverse guest expectations and dietary requirements
• Supervise, train, and mentor kitchen team members to maintain a positive and productive work environment
• Ensure food preparation, presentation, and service standards are consistently met or exceeded
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations
• Manage stock control, ordering, and kitchen costs effectively
• Work collaboratively with the wider camp team to deliver a seamless guest experience

ABOUT YOU

You are an experienced and capable chef who leads by example and brings a calm, solutions-focused approach to a fast-paced environment.

Key requirements:

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume environment
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build and motivate a team
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Ability to cater for a wide range of dietary requirements without compromising quality
• Sound knowledge of food safety standards and kitchen operations
• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent)
• Current Food Safety Supervisor Certificate

REMOTE LIVING

Drysdale River Station is located in a remote part of the Kimberley region. This is a live-on-site role for the duration of the season, with accommodation and meals provided.

Remote living offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the everyday and immerse yourself in one of Australia’s most iconic landscapes. While it comes with challenges, it also offers an incredibly rewarding lifestyle and a strong sense of community.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive remuneration rates.
• FREE accommodation and meals.
• Generous discounts on Journey Beyond travel and experiences.
• Employee Referral Program.
• Discounts on private health insurance.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program.
• Exclusive discounts on Journey Beyond merchandise.