We always wondered what it would be like to do some Caretaker Work Around Australia. After finishing our 3 month farm sit from Aussie House Sitters, we discovered what might be the perfect caretaker position. We’re talking a tropical beach in the Whitsundays (Queensland). More on that later.
When we first thought about working as caretakers, caravan parks, showgrounds as well as cattle stations came to mind. Larry had already worked on a cattle station in Western Australia for a few months (as a bore runner as well as other bits and bobs). At that time, caretaking caravan parks and showgrounds didn’t appeal.
While looking at one of the many job sites on our own blog post “ 40 how to find work while travelling tips”, we looked at sites specific to travellers. Moreover Caretaker Work Around Australia
There are many resorts in the Whitsundays, Queensland. Such as Hayman Island (where we worked on and off for numerous years). Now, before you think “you can’t work on an island” as you have a caravan or other set up. We worked on Hayman and stored our van at a caravan park. Returning to it on the weekends. You could always store it somewhere for a few months while you work on one of the islands.
On a couple of occasions we have seen adverts for caretakers needed on empty islands resorts. These are resorts that have been closed for years after cyclones etc. They sometimes need long term caretakers to keep an eye on the place and do odd jobs. You would need to like your own company as it would basically be a deserted island. Now how different would that be for some Caretaker Work Around Australia.
Alternative to working on a island resort, we chose a beach resort on the mainland. This small beach resort specifically advertised for caretaker work for travellers. It was a great way to learn and ease into a caretaker roll. For Larry, this was meant to be more of a lifestyle job than money orientated. But, when you work where you live it can be hard to switch off work mode.
Well, where do I begin.. Larry wasn’t given a job description as such but the previous caretaker did give Larry a bit of a handover. One of the main things was the water. The resort runs on tank water so it was important to make sure water cleaning and transfer etc. was understood before he left.
The resort has had a few people looking after it over the years. With that in mind, it’s sometimes interesting as to what fixes have been done previously. Simple things like finding valves and connections that should be easy to find, aren’t. A bit of bush mechanics or Macgyver it! is often the go to when your remote or semi remote.
Larry also designed and built BBQ wooden surrounds for each unit. Living where you work often means lots of times work comes home with you.
As we’ve lived and worked in the Whitsundays on and off for years we are used to cyclone activity. This time though we parked undercover at the resort and we secured the accommodation.
There wasn’t just Caretaker Work at this resort when we first got there. Other jobs include handyman, housekeeping and bar work. A few backpackers/travellers have been hired for theses jobs. We have met some lovely travellers from many different countries.
While working on Hayman Island Resort, job’s varied from water sports to dish washer, gardener to butler. These are the resorts people often say “you’re so lucky to work/live here”. I have seen backpackers just turned up at a resort and asked if there was any jobs going. They were basically given the job on the spot. Just because a place is beautiful, doesn’t mean you can’t get a job there. Remote and semi remote areas are usually crying out for staff.
Obviously there’s not only Caretaker Work Around Australia for us travellers. You’ll find heaps of work all over Australia, in so many occupations and areas. As well as the jobs previously mentioned, Larry workd on a broadacre farm at harvest time in NSW. While working on that farm, a relative of the farmer asked Larry to come and work on his property. That job was grading roads on a sheep station.
Aussie House Sitters are our choice of house sitting sites. Use our Coupon Code “AHS15%off” for 15% off your joining fee
One of the good things about travellers is they often have their own accommodation. whether that’s a caravans or tents. Having your own accommodation is a huge bonus when looking for work in remote or semi remote areas. Remote can be out bush as well as out at sea. Of course lots of places also have on-site staff accommodation.
In the 16 months of caretaking at Montes Reef Resort in the Whitsundays we enjoyed living by the beach as it was a change from the red dirt and dust of the outback. Don’t get me wrong, we love that as well! Here we had the beautiful ocean every day, as well as stunning sunsets. We’ve often said to each other “people pay a fortune to holiday here for a short time and we get to live it every day”. Learning new skills is also a major benefit as it puts you in good stead for future caretaking rolls.
Depending on where you are, the job, local areas as well as the locals themselves can make for priceless memories.
So, whether you want to work in the outback doing a job you have never done before, or you would like to work and live at the beach or a tropical island, apply or just ask and give it a shot. Caretaker Work Around Australia is something new to us but we would 100% do it again.
And we are !!
As we have been full time caravanning since 2016 some of these working while traveling posts are quite old. But hopefully are still helpfull.
Aussie House Sitters are our choice of house sitting sites. Use our Coupon Code “AHS15%off” for 15% off your joining fee
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