Commis Chef | Cruise Whitsundays

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

About Us

Cruise Whitsundays, based in Airlie Beach is the largest marine-based tour and transport provider in the Whitsundays. Providing close encounters with the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and the islands of the Whitsundays, Cruise Whitsundays operates 10, well-equipped, air-conditioned vessels, plus a world-class sailing catamaran, offering a range of tours, as well as an inter-island resort connection service, with regular daily departures at two islands, one airport and two mainland ports.

Cruise Whitsundays also operates Australia’s first underwater accommodation, Reefsuites, and a Reefsleep glamping experience at the Reefworld pontoon, moored offshore at Hardy Reef on the Great Barrier Reef.

From our cruises and sailing adventures to our world-renowned underwater accommodation, there’s no better way to experience the Whitsundays, and you won’t find a friendlier or more experienced crew to work with. When the ocean is your office, every day is good one!

About Journey Beyond

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 a Commis Chef to join our team at Reefworld. This entry-level culinary role is based permanently aboard the Reefworld Pontoon, Cruise Whitsundays' flagship offshore experience located 39 nautical miles out on the Great Barrier Reef. Under the direct guidance and supervision of the Reefworld Chefs, you will contribute to delivering a high-quality food experience in one of Australia’s most unique hospitality settings.

The position operates on a swing-based roster of 8 days on, 6 days off, with all shifts performed exclusively at Reefworld. As a Commis Chef, you will take ownership of daily breakfast service, assist with lunch service, and help prepare for dinner service, in addition to routine kitchen duties and general operational support as directed.

Key responsibilities include but not limited:

• Take ownership of daily breakfast service by preparing, cooking, and presenting all components to the required standard, ensuring timely delivery within the Reefworld kitchen.
• Actively contribute to lunch service under the guidance of the Reefworld Chefs, assisting with food preparation, plating, and maintaining the quality and pace throughout the service period.

• Timely and thoroughly complete dinner preparation tasks as directed, including mise en place, portioning, and kitchen setup to ensure a smooth transition into the evening service.

• Maintain a clean compliant kitchen station at all times, adhering to the Cruise Whitsundays Food Safety Management Plan and HACCP procedures, and ensuring all food safety documentation is completed accurately and on schedule.
• Positively contribute to the overall guest experience by assisting Pontoon Hosts with coffee preparation and table service when required, ensuring a seamless and welcoming atmosphere for all guests.

About You

You will have a genuine passion for hospitality and food, coupled with a strong desire to learn and develop under the guidance of experienced culinary mentors. Your ability to thrive in a close-knit team while adapted to the isolated offshore environment of Reefworld will be crucial. We are looking for someone who is reliable, self-motivated, and capable of consistently performing over an 8-day swing without access to shore-based support.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A genuine passion for hospitality and food, with a willingness to learn and develop culinary skills.
• Strong ability to follow direction and work effectively as part of a tight-knit team in an offshore environment.
• Reliability and self-motivation to perform consistently in a fast-paced kitchen setting.
• Flexibility and guest-focused attitude, willing to support host operations when required.

• Prior experience in a commercial kitchen environment
• Barista experience

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or currently enrolled), or demonstrated equivalent kitchen experience
• SITHFAB021 - QLD Responsible Service of Alcohol
• SITSS00069 - Food Safety Supervision Skill Set
• HLTAID011 - Provide First Aid, CPR & O2
• Blue Card - Working with Children Check QLD
• Elements of Shipboard Safety
• National Police Check

• Generous discounts on Journey Beyond travel and experiences
• An attractive salary and positive work environment
• Study Assistance Policy
• A career with opportunities for progression, transfers, and secondments
• Employee Referral Policy
• Parental Leave program
• Purchased Leave policy
• Private Health discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts on Journey Beyond merchandise
• Discounts at the Cruise Café & Bar
• Discounts at the bar on board vessels
• Free public transport
• Salary sacrifice remote area benefits

Applications will be reviewed and progressed as they are received, so don't wait, apply now!