Job Info
Location: CAIRNS CITY, QLD
Salary: Above Award
Job Type: Temporary position | Casual position
Job Description
Want a job where you can travel, explore our incredible back yard AND get paid?! Do you want to experience and learn about the bush and Aboriginal and Torres Strait culture? Would you like a job where in 6 months you will grow more (personally & professionally) than you can ever imagine?!
Cockatours are looking for one adventurous GUIDE + one adventurous CHEF or COOK for the 2026 season. We run 15 & 17 day camping tours to remote outback Australia in our two 4WD tour trucks. Our main tours are to Cape York and Northern Territory/Gulf Savannah (Cairns-Darwin).
2026 is a Cape York only year, 2027 will be both Cape York and Gulf Savannah. To be a Gulf Savannah guide, you will need to have done one year of Cape York tours first. Employment in 2026 is for 7 Cape York tours between
May-October (see tour calendar here on our website at Tours > Calendar). Our staff are taken care of, paid well and offered bonuses if they complete a second season with us. Our tours offer a relaxed way of seeing these regions for our clients aged 40-80.
Tours are run by a driver/guide and an assistant/chef. Team work, communication and cooperation are essential. We have a great reputation and we pride ourselves on taking care of our clients and staff.
Training will be provided on the job. These roles are highly rewarding, visit amazing places, pay well and have employee benefits based on time employed. Some days can be challenging, but most are exciting, interesting and incredibly enjoyable!
You get to see the country & meet amazing people! Our Cape York tour includes:
* Pajinka (Tip of Australia)
* walk to tip + scenic heli flight!
* Split Rock Art Site
* A very real, authentic Welcome to Country
* Thursday Island Tour
* Weipa Croc & Bird boat tour
* Cooktown
* The breathtaking Fruit Bat Falls
* Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) NP or Rinyirru (Lakefield) NP Wildlife day
* Cape Tribulation & Daintree
* 2 water cruises
New staff get the option to go on each outsourced tour at least once (when seats are available). Tours are extensively researched and we have built great relationships across all regions. The tour truck is a comfortable, new, 2024 purpose-built tour truck.
Please DON'T send applications by social media and please don’t phone us about the role! Applications via social media will not be considered. The timeline for job applicants in 2026 is: Applications due: 31st March, 2026 Shortlist announced: 3rd April, 2026 Interviews: 6-10 April, 2026 Induction & work start: 5th
May, 2026 See more about the job & apply here: https:///jobs/ Who We
Are: Cockatours is a Cairns based tour operator, primarily running 15 to 17 day camping tours to Cape York and the Northern Territory. We are passionate about getting people outdoors and igniting a fire for adventure within them. We dream of changing our clients lives by teaching them about nature and culture.
This role is suited to a friendly, outgoing and relaxed person. Duties include preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner (each night a client assists with dinner), coordinating food supplies, announcing meals and assisting the tour guide where needed. We pride ourselves on exceptional food and welcome chefs to add their own take on meals (we have a set meal list, which can be adjusted).
Employment is for 7, 15-17 day tours from May to September. Our tours offer a relaxed way of seeing Cape York for our clients aged 50-80.
Tours are run by a driver/guide and an assistant/chef. Team work, communication and cooperation are essential. We have a great reputation and we pride ourselves on taking care of our clients and staff.
Training will be provided on the job. These roles are highly rewarding, visit amazing places, pay well and have employee benefits based on time employed. Some days can be challenging, but most are exciting, interesting and incredibly enjoyable!
You get to see the country & meet amazing people! Please be aware, these roles are highly active and require a decent level of fitness. Whilst the work isn’t physically difficult, the days can be long and there is always something to do.
Camping tours require a higher level of staff engagement than accommodated tours do. They are busy roles, however you will also be able to do many of the things your passengers do. Chef
* Main Duties & Responsibilities:
The person in this role will assist the head guide in delivering an enjoyable, safe & authentic experience to clients on tour. The role is primarily food preparation however it may include other tasks. The role:
* Prepare & cook meals for clients including breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon & morning teas, adhering to food safety principles
* Assist with cleaning up after meals (when needed)
* Take instruction from the tour guide throughout the tour
* Help the guide and other clients set up campsite (not client's tents)
* Engage with clients in activities and contribute to the group
* Assist guide in day to day operations & activities where needed
* The days can be long, however, the hours can be sporadic throughout the day, often with ample rest or down time
* Staff will have the option to go on outsourced tours when their help isn’t needed
* Contribute to a healthy & happy tour environment.
Skills & Experience Qualifications:
* First aid certificate
* Food handling certification: https://dofoodsafely.health.vic.gov.au/index.php/en/
* Experience as a cook/chef is essential
Skills:
* Excellent food preparation, cooking and hygiene skills
* Ability to recognize and mitigate hazards and dangerous situations
* MR License is highly desirable
Performance Goals:
* Deal with clients, suppliers and others professionally at all times
* Be punctual, helpful and respectful
* Ensure work environment is clean, safe and happy.
To Apply Please go to /jobs and fill in the straightforward application form there and email through to ****@ Be open with your application, as we value getting a feel from the person more than what is on the resume.