MasterChef Australia series 16

The sixteenth series of the Australian television cooking show MasterChef Australia was announced in October 2023 and premiered on 22 April 2024 on Network Ten. Series 4 winner Andy Allen returned as judge from the previous series having held the role since series 12, whilst Melissa Leong left the show to judge the second series of Dessert Masters and Jock Zonfrillo died prior to the broadcast of the previous series. Food writer Sofia Levin, French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and series 1 runner-up Poh Ling Yeow took over as judges, replacing Leong and Zonfrillo.

The series was won by Nat Thaipun in the grand finale against Josh Perry, broadcast on 16 July 2024.

Changes
Unlike previous series, the number of judges was increased from three to four and the program was broadcast only four nights per week. The number of contestants also increased from 18 in the previous series to 22, however, remained less than the typical 24 contestants. Like the previous two series, the audition stage was not broadcast. The Second Chance Challenge returns where the eliminated contestants (besides Lourdes & Stephen) compete for a spot back in the competition. In addition, the returning contestant will also be safe at Sunday's Elimination. Like the twelfth series, there was only one immunity pin up for grabs for the series at the start of the competition.

Top 22
The Top 22 was announced on 14 April 2024.

Episodes and ratings

 * From 28 January 2024, OzTAM ratings changed. Viewership data now focus on National Reach and National Total ratings instead of the 5 metro centres and overnight shares.