MasterChef Australia: Channel 10 cooking show to film in Queensland in 2019

Throughout its 11-year run, ratings juggernaut MasterChef Australia has filmed just about everywhere in the country – everywhere except Queensland. But, that’s all about to change for in 2019. FIND OUT WHERE THEY WILL BE FILMING

MASTERCHEF Australia will film in Queensland for the first time in the top rating television show’s 11-year history, with cameras set to roll in areas including Brisbane and the Gold Coast over the next fortnight.

Cast including judges Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan, and a full crew will jet in to film episodes for the 2019 season of the Channel 10 reality cooking competition as part of “Queensland Week”.

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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the venture, which was being supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, would showcase quintessentially Queensland but world-class food experiences and top quality produce, including fresh seafood, tropical fruits and vegetables, as well as the enviable lifestyle and natural beauty of the state.

“Queensland has a vibrant food culture,” she said.

“The abundance of great quality local produce across the state is something that sets Queensland apart.”

MasterChef Australia Judges Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris will jet to Brisbane to film “Queensland Week”.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said hosting MasterChef, which boasts a series average of 1.2 million viewers nationally, would generate great exposure and lure more visitors to Queensland when the show airs around Australia later this year before being broadcast in the likes of New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, India and the UK.

“By hosting MasterChef in Queensland, prospective tourists will have beautiful images of our state beamed into their living rooms,” she said. “One of Queensland’s best selling points is our food. We have great produce and a unique foodie culture that will take a leading role on MasterChef this year.”

Preston, who will arrive in Brisbane today ahead of filming, told The Sunday Mail he had been pushing to bring the show to Queensland — the only state MasterChef has not yet filmed in — for nine years and was thrilled to finally bring it to one of his favourite food destinations.

“This has not been through lack of trying and it’s brilliant we have finally got it over the line,” he said.

“There are millions of people around the world that watch the show and they’re now going to get excited about all the amazing produce and spectacular places.”

Former runner-up Matt Sinclair has a successful restaurant Sum Yung Guys at Sunshine Beach on the Sunshine Coast.

Preston, who revealed filming locations included Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and fellow judges Calombaris and Mehigan are frequent visitors to the Sunshine State and regulars at Brisbane’s annual food and wine festival Regional Flavours.

“We’re really excited to come up for more than our usual three or four day trips because this time we will be able to eat more broadly and widely — I’ve already compiled a whole list,” Preston said.

“Our spending alone will throw a few coins into (the Queensland economy).”

Preston said Queensland had a long history of success when it came to former contestants and their food careers, including the Sunshine Coast’s Matt Sinclair, who was runner-up in season eight of the show in 2016 and now owns popular modern Asian restaurant Sum Yung Guys.

Sinclair, who hosts The Cook’s Pantry on 10, is also is one of three former MasterChef contestants, including 2009 runner-up Poh Ling Yeow and 2015 winner Billie McKay, handpicked to take over Shannon Bennett’s mentoring role this season.

Preston said viewers could once again expect to see Queenslanders shine in the 11th season of MasterChef.

“Queenslanders genuinely love their food — it’s lovely,” he said.