Soar above stunning landscapes to create unforgettable aerial experiences over the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef.

As a Helicopter Pilot, you’ll bring breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences to life by flying over the stunning Whitsunday Islands and the iconic Great Barrier Reef. You’ll operate and navigate aircraft to safely transport tourists, conduct aerial tours, and support emergency services. Other responsibilities include planning flight routes, conducting pre-flight checks, communicating with air traffic control, and ensuring passenger comfort and safety throughout each journey.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, Helicopter Pilots play a key role in the vibrant tourism sector, offering unique aerial experiences that attract visitors from around the world.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Plan and conduct scenic flights over islands and reef
• Ensure aircraft maintenance and safety checks are completed
• Communicate with passengers and provide safety briefings
• Navigate using modern flight instruments and GPS technology

This role suits people who:
Are confident, detail-oriented, and passionate about flying and customer service.

Pathway:
Typically, start with a commercial pilot’s licence, then gain helicopter-specific ratings through flight school. Experience is built through flying hours and practical training.

Bring the Greater Whitsunday’s natural and cultural wonders to life for visitors.

As a Tour Guide, you’ll lead guests through the Great Barrier Reef, rainforests, rivers, and rural and ocean landscapes, sharing local knowledge and stories that connect visitors to the region’s unique environment and heritage. You’ll use technology like GPS, digital maps, and audio systems to enhance the visitor experience and ensure smooth tour operations. Safety is a top priority in this role as you tailor tours to suit diverse groups, managing logistics and responding to changing conditions. Tour Guides also play a role in promoting sustainable tourism, educating visitors about environmental care and cultural respect.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, Tour Guides support a thriving tourism sector by delivering memorable, informative experiences.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Lead eco-tours and cultural experiences
• Share insights about local wildlife, history, and culture
• Use digital tools for navigation, bookings, and communication
• Monitor group safety and wellbeing

This role suits people who:
Are passionate about our local region, are outgoing, and enjoy storytelling.

Pathway:
This role doesn’t necessarily require formal study but gaining a Certificate III or IV in Tourism or Guiding and gaining hands-on experience can be useful. Further study can open doors to career growth and management roles in the future.

Introduce visitors to the underwater wonders, colour, and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

As a Diving Instructor, you’ll guide visitors through the pristine, World Heritage-listed waters across our region, ensuring safe and enjoyable dive experiences. Using modern dive equipment and digital tools, you’ll plan and monitor dives for beginners and experienced divers alike. Key parts of the role include delivering safety training, handling emergencies, providing great customer service, and educating guests about marine ecosystems, reef conservation, and sustainable tourism. You may also maintain equipment, log dive activities, and assist with underwater photography or eco-tourism events.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, Diving Instructors support tourism by delivering memorable, environmentally responsible dive adventures.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Teach diving techniques and safety procedures
• Plan and lead guided dives
• Maintain dive gear and record dive logs
• Promote marine conservation and sustainability

This role suits people who:
Are adventurous, calm under pressure, and passionate about marine life.

Pathway:
Start with scuba certifications and progress to instructor level. VET or university courses in marine conservation or environmental management can enhance your knowledge of marine habitats and sustainability, making you a stronger candidate.

Create culinary delights that combine food, flavour, and art to deliver memorable dining experiences.

As a Chef you’ll prepare, cook, and present a wide range of dishes, managing kitchen operations and maintaining high food safety standards. In this role, you can work across a variety of settings, including high-end resort restaurants, cafes, and more. It’s a career where your creativity and passion for food can truly shine, offering opportunities to grow and explore diverse culinary styles.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, chefs play a vital role in supporting hospitality by crafting dishes that attract locals and tourists alike, contributing to developing a vibrant food culture.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Prepare and cook meals to high standards
• Develop and innovate menus
• Maintain cleanliness and food safety protocols
• Manage kitchen staff and coordinate workflow

This role suits people who:
Enjoy creativity, fast-paced environments, and working with their hands.

Pathway:
Typically start with a Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery and completing an apprenticeships that provides practical, real-world experience.

Create unforgettable guest experiences while leading the day-to-day operations of a resort.

As a Resort Manager, you’ll take charge of all aspects of resort operations—from front office and housekeeping to food service and guest relations. You’ll use digital booking systems, staff scheduling platforms, and guest feedback tools to ensure everything runs smoothly. Using leadership and communication skills, you’ll inspire your team to deliver exceptional service, resolve issues quickly, and maintain high standards. Budget management, event coordination, and adapting to changing guest needs all form part of the role, requiring both professionalism and creative problem-solving.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, Resort Managers play a key role in ensuring visitors enjoy seamless, high-quality stays. With many high-end and eco-resorts across the area, there are opportunities to advance in regional management roles.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Oversee resort operations and team performance
• Manage guest bookings, check-ins, and experiences
• Lead staff training and scheduling
• Monitor budgets, reviews, and service quality

This role suits people who:
Are confident leaders, adaptable, and love working with people.

Pathway:
Many start in hospitality roles, then study tourism or hospitality management. TAFE and The Hotel School offer pathways to grow your career.

Bring events to life with creativity and expert coordination.

As an Event Planner, you’ll organise festivals, weddings, corporate functions, or sporting events. You’ll manage budgeting, venue selection, vendor coordination, marketing, and logistics. Using digital tools and event software, you’ll streamline planning and communication. This role demands strong organisation, multitasking, and problem-solving skills to ensure events run smoothly and meet client expectations.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, Event Planners are vital to creating dynamic events that showcase local culture and attract visitors from near and far.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Coordinate event logistics and vendors
• Manage budgets and timelines
• Communicate with clients and stakeholders
• Use event software to track progress

This role suits people who:
Are organised, creative, and thrive under pressure.

Pathway:
You can start with a certificate or diploma in event management, gaining practical experience through internships or assistant roles. University study can open doors to larger-scale projects and management positions.

Protect and promote the cultural heritage of the Greater Whitsunday region.

As a Cultural Heritage Officer, you’ll work closely with Indigenous communities, local governments, and organisations to preserve and manage cultural sites and practices. Using advanced mapping technologies, digital record-keeping, and heritage management software, you’ll document and safeguard important cultural landmarks and stories. You’ll also develop programs to educate the public and support sustainable cultural tourism. This role requires strong communication, research, and project management skills to balance cultural sensitivity with legal and environmental responsibilities.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, Cultural Heritage Officers play a vital role in preserving Indigenous heritage while fostering community engagement and awareness.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Collaborate with Traditional Owners and stakeholders
• Conduct site assessments and cultural heritage surveys
• Maintain digital records and mapping of heritage sites
• Develop educational and tourism programs promoting cultural awareness

This role suits people who:
Are respectful, community-focused, and passionate about cultural preservation.

Pathway:
Many start with a Certificate or Diploma in Cultural Heritage, Indigenous Studies, or Environmental Management. University degrees and practical experience with Indigenous communities can open more advanced career opportunities.