Whitsunday Islands, Australia: Island Work

The Whitsunday Islands are thought to be one of Queensland’s top travel destinations. International and national travellers alike visit the islands, which enjoy fantastic weather all year round, the Great Barrier Reef on their doorstep and the mainland beaches just minutes away. Hence, the main source of island work is generated largely by the tourism and hospitality sector.

Travellers looking for work on the islands will find that wait persons, cleaners, chefs, dive instructors, kitchen staff, sailing hosts, lifeguards and tour operators are always in demand. Although holding a hospitality operations or retail certificate helps, there are a number of specific island jobs that don’t need qualifications.

On the mainland, employment opportunities are more readily available, with accommodation establishments, cafes and restaurants providing around 20% of the local job positions for the region's employed workforce. This is closely followed by retail outlets that offer around 13% employment and the sugar cane industry. Employment rates on the Whitsunday mainland are high, and there is a good chance that travellers holding a current working holiday visa or valid tax file number will either find full-time, part-time or casual work quite easily.

Whether planning to work amongst the Whitsundays’ resort islands or on the mainland, there are plenty of working opportunities available for those with the will and enthusiasm to work amid paradise.