and enter the kitchen with one driving aim: To become Australia's first ever MasterChef.

Hosted by Sarah Wilson, MasterChef Australia gives budding chefs the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop their cooking skills, to be mentored by the best, and ultimately make a change in their lives.

Signing up as MasterChef's three-person judging panel are two of Australia's most respected chefs and restaurateurs Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris, plus one of the world’s most acclaimed food critics Matt Preston.

Professionals famous for excellence in their fields, the judges have been hand-picked to bring expert knowledge to this life-changing and entertaining series.

Putting their reputations on the line, each is committed to using their extensive experience to mould the best chef they can.

From high octane challenges at Sydney's famous Fish Markets, to time-pressure challenges with mystery boxes of food, surprise encounters with celebrity chefs, to tasks that will test their creativity and nerve, the MasterChef Australia contestants will be put through their paces.

With no prior professional cooking experience, these budding foodies have serious goals they want to fulfil. Their desired end results all differ - whether it is running a Michelin star restaurant, opening a small organic café in the hills of Adelaide, creating a catering business in Newcastle or opening a flagship restaurant in their home town utilising local produce, these contestants' dreams are on the path to becoming a reality.