Tag-along Tour Guide - Cape York
Are you looking for a rewarding role that combines travel, people, and the chance to share your experience in one of Australia’s most iconic regions?
We’re seeking a friendly, capable Tour Guide to lead our Cape York tag-along tours for the 2026 season (May–October) .
This is a contract position (ABN required), well-suited to someone seeking a seasonal role with purpose, variety, and a healthy dose of adventure.
About the role
You’ll be responsible for running safe, well-organised, multi-day tours. Our tours are designed with a strong focus on safety, knowledge, and providing guests with meaningful experiences.
This isn’t a fast-paced or high-adrenaline role—it’s about being steady, using good judgement, and keeping the group on track.
About the tours
You’ll lead 12- and 18-day tours from Cairns to Pajinka (the Tip of Cape York) and back.
Our guests are typically aged 50 to 70, drive their own car, and bring their own camping equipment (which they set up themselves). They self-cater (although we provide two or three restaurant dinners).
Previous guests say they value safety, organisation, and a slower pace. They also appreciate a knowledgeable and approachable leader.
The travel itself is on a mix of sealed roads, dirt roads, and tracks, with some light 4WD sections. It’s more about remote touring than extreme driving .
Along the way, you’ll visit national parks, scenic spots, swimming holes, and a few of the lesser-known locations we’ve come to love sharing.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll be the go-to person for the group, helping things run smoothly and keeping the trip relaxed and enjoyable.
You’ll be:
* Leading the convoy (up to 8 vehicles) at a comfortable tempo
* Running a simple morning briefing each day
* Sharing stories, insights, and local knowledge
* Keeping in touch with guests via UHF radio
* Coordinating a few pre-arranged tours with external providers
* Helping everyone settle in at camp each evening
What we’re looking for
You don’t need to have it all—but these will set you up for success:
Key skills
* Reliable, patient, methodical, and well-organised
* Comfortable communicating with and leading a group
* Friendly and approachable, with excellent people skills
* Calm when things don’t go to plan and able to work through problems as they arise
Essential
* Australian citizen or permanent resident
* Full Australian manual driver’s licence
* Confident 4WD driving ability and basic recovery knowledge
* Current First Aid & CPR (or willingness to obtain)
* Ability to get a Blue Card and police check
Valued (not essential)
* Experience in tourism, guiding, education, or customer-facing roles
* Familiarity with UHF radio, GPS navigation, or satellite communications
Why people love this role
This isn’t about long hours in a high-pressure job—it’s about enjoying a well-structured season, with our guests, and having time to recharge in between.
Here’s what you can expect:
* A lifestyle-friendly schedule —typically 18-day tours followed by 7 days off
* Full shadow training to help you feel confident before leading your own group
* Familiarisation trips to build your knowledge and experience of outsourced tours
* A well-supported operation - you’re not doing this on your own
* Ongoing training materials and knowledge base to help you learn the region
* Some meals are included during tours
* A competitive contract rate above industry levels
* And of course… time outdoors - campfires, great scenery, and good company
About us
Swagalong Tours is a Cairns-based tour operator specialising in extended tag-along tours through Cape York and the Simpson Desert.
We focus on delivering well-run, enjoyable, and informative experiences, with a strong focus on safety, respect for the environment, and forming genuine connections with our guests.
Interested?
If you’re looking for a role where your experience, reliability, and people skills are truly valued, we’d like to hear from you.
Please call Ben on for an informal chat, or send us an email, preferably with an introduction and a copy of your resume, to
Job Type: Contract
Contract length: 4 months
Pay: $5,500.00 – $7,200.00 per month
Work Location: On the road