As a Host at The Eco Retreat, you’ll play a vital role in creating a smooth and enjoyable experience for guests visiting K’gari on our 3 day guided tours. You’ll manage the daily operations of our off-grid retreat and self catered accomodation. Providing hospitality services and helping maintain the property to ensure guests can fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the island. The role is perfect for someone with a passion for the outdoors, hospitality, and sustainable living.

You’ll be the heartbeat of our eco-friendly retreat, from cooking meals, cleaning rooms during change overs, to maintaining vehicles, ensuring that every detail is taken care of for our guests. This job is dynamic and fast-paced, requiring flexibility and a hands-on attitude.

Hospitality & Guest Services:

• Welcome and assist guests throughout their stay, ensuring they have a comfortable and unforgettable experience.
• Housekeeping: Making beds, cleaning rooms, and general housekeeping duties to maintain a clean and inviting environment. Keeping up with washing (tea towels, bath mats, cleaning cloths) and maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen. Cleaning fridges and washing up after meals.
• Food Preparation & Cooking ensuring all meals meet our eco-retreat’s standards of sustainability and quality.

Property Maintenance & Environmental Stewardship:

• Gardening & Landscaping: Watering plants, mowing lawns, weeding, and trimming garden borders to keep the retreat looking its best.
• Maintenance & DIY Tasks: Perform light repairs, such as fixing fly screens, cleaning gutters, chopping firewood, and checking fluid levels in our 4WD vehicles. Ensure our vehicles are clean, operational, and ready for guest use.

Off-Grid Living Support:

• Manage and oversee the eco-retreat’s off-grid systems, including solar power, water conservation, and composting.
• Help guide guests in understanding the sustainability principles we follow on the island.

Team Leading:

• Co-lead a team of 4 volunteers that start every 2 weeks
• Work closely with the founders on managing the team and projects
• Lead by exceptional example and spend quality time with your team exploring K’gari on days off and in downtime hours

• Competitive Salary Package: $65,000 per annum, including a weekly salary, accommodation, meal allowances, and even a fuel allowance for island exploration.
• Stunning Location: Your office is the breathtaking K’gari Island, where you’ll live surrounded by rainforests, freshwater lakes, and endless sandy beaches.
• Off-Grid Experience: Learn the ins and outs of sustainable, off-grid living and be part of a passionate team dedicated to protecting this beautiful environment.
• Perks: Company mobile, 4WD vehicle, and all the island sunsets you could dream of.

• Making beds, cleaning guest rooms, and general housekeeping
• Cooking meals and managing the cleanliness of shared kitchen spaces
• Maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and fridges
• Keeping up with laundry, including washing tea towels, bath mats, and cleaning cloths
• Mowing lawns, weeding, and caring for the retreat’s gardens
• Regular vehicle checks (fluid levels, cleanliness) and maintaining 4WDs
• Light DIY tasks, such as fixing fly screens, replacing washers, and cleaning gutters
• Chopping firewood and ensuring supplies for guest use
• Managing waste disposal and recycling in line with our sustainability practices

• Australian resident or valid work visa holder
• Full manual driver’s license with a minimum of 5 years of driving experience and no recent driving offences.
• Leadership Experience:
  Previous experience in a leadership role, preferably in hospitality or tourism, is highly desirable.
• Strong Communication & Time Management Skills:
  You must be organized, efficient, and ready to tackle challenges in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-Solving Ability:
  You’re adaptable and have experience finding solutions when working in remote settings.
• Interview Process:
  Successful applicants will be required to attend three interviews (telephone, video, and an in-person trial day in Noosa).
• Note:
  Unfortunately, this role does not count towards the 88-day working holiday visa requirement.

• Loves nature and thrives in an outdoor, off-grid environment.
• Is passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Is detail-oriented and enjoys keeping things organized and running smoothly.
• Is handy with tools and enjoys light maintenance or DIY projects.
• Can handle a mix of hospitality and practical, hands-on work.
• Has strong social skills and is emotionally mature.

If you’re ready to be part of something special, working in one of the world’s most stunning and remote locations, apply now by completing this application form and start your next adventure with Drop Bear’s K’gari Adventures!

Work Hours (Paid)

🕓 This role is designed to support work/life balance: 34 hours a week

• Working Hours 
  • Monday – 6 am to 2 pm 
  • Wednesday – 6 am to 2 pm 
  • Thursday – 6 am to 2 pm 
  • Friday – 6 am to 12 pm 
  • Saturday/Sunday – 4 hours rostered monthly around car hire bookings (max 2 Sundays a month)
• Weekend and public holiday work paid at Award penalty rates
• Travel to K’gari for on-site vehicle servicing, which is covered by the business, and additional hours are paid at standard rates.

Pay & Perks

💰 $75k base salary, depending on experience + 12% supa 
Tool allowance + control of your workshop budget
🌴 Bonuses like island tours or accommodation for great work
🏷️ Staff discounts and “mates rates” for family and friends
🛂 Sponsorship possible for the right person

Other 

• 6-month performance and salary review (progression is one of our core values)
  
• Autonomy and trust — this is your workshop to run
  
• Supportive team culture built on respect and clear communication
  
• Stable employment with a well-established, values-led operator
• The chance to spend time on K’gari and remember why you do what you do

Main Jobs You’ll Do

🔧 Helping with Repairs

This is a position with real autonomy and trust. You’ll be responsible for:

• • Overseeing the full fleet maintenance schedule, including record-keeping
    
  • Managing the parts and consumables budget
    
  • Planning servicing around tour operations to minimise downtime
    
  • Working closely with the owners, guides and island operations team
    
  • Keeping the workshop organised, safe and efficient
    
  • Occasionally travelling to K’gari to service and maintain the island vehicles (travel covered)

🧽 Cleaning and Detailing

• • Wash and clean inside and outside of the vehicles
  • Treat any rust and help protect the cars from damage
  • Make sure the cars look great and are ready to go

👷 Working Safely

• • Always follow safety rules
  • Keep the work area clean and tidy
  • Work quickly but carefully to meet deadlines

👥 Teamwork & Learning

• • Work closely with the team
  • Learn new skills and improve what you already know
  • Be part of a supportive and positive workplace

What You Need

✔ Qualified Light Vehicle or Diesel Mechani
✔ Strong experience with Toyota 4WDs
✔Able to plan, prioritise and work methodically
✔ Comfortable running your own workshop and making sound decisions
✔ Good communicator, you’ll coordinate with guides and operations daily
✔ Reliable, steady and solutions-focused
✔ Manual licence required
✔ 4WD recovery experience is a bonus (but not essential)
✔ Good attention to detail
✔ Willingness to work hard and learn new skills
✔ Fit and able to do physical work

Please complete this short APPLICATION FORM !

Work Hours (Paid)

🕓 This role is designed to support work/life balance: 34 hours a week

• Working Hours 
  • Monday – 6 am to 2 pm 
  • Tuesday – 6 am to 2 pm 
  • Wednesday – 6 am to 2 pm 
  • Friday – 6 am to 12 pm 
  • Saturday/Sunday – 4 hours rostered monthly around car hire bookings (max 2 Sundays a month)
• Weekend and public holiday work paid at Award penalty rates

Pay & Perks

💰 $65k base salary + 12% supa 
🌴 Bonuses like island tours or accommodation for great work
🏷️ Staff discounts and “mates rates” for family and friends

All-Rounder Responsibilities

🚙 Pre & Post Tour Prep

• Prepare vehicles before tours, including checking and loading recovery gear

• Manage and restock first aid supplies

• Complete pre-tour paperwork and basic data entry

• Assist with food packing for tours

• Keep the office clean and well organised

• Support stock ordering and replenishment so everything is where it needs to be

🧽 Cleaning & Detailing

• Wash and clean vehicles inside and out

• Treat rust areas and help protect vehicles from ongoing wear and tear

• Ensure vehicles look great and feel welcoming for guests before each tour

🔧 Hands-On Support With Repairs

• Assist with basic mechanical tasks such as changing tyres, bulbs, wipers and starter motors

• Perform routine checks and report any issues early

• Learn how to diagnose and troubleshoot common vehicle problems with the support of our mechanic

👷 Safety & Workshop Care

• Follow safety and workshop procedures at all times

• Keep tools, equipment and work areas clean, tidy and well maintained

• Work efficiently while maintaining care and attention to detail

👥 Teamwork & Learning

• Work closely with our mechanic, guides and operations team

• Be open to learning new skills and developing your capabilities over time

• Contribute to a positive, supportive and respectful working culture

What You Need

✔ Friendly and personalble
✔ A valid driver’s licence
✔ Good computer skills 
✔ Good attention to detail
✔ Willingness to work hard and learn new skills
✔ Fit and able to do physical work

📧 Send your CV or a short message about your experience to hana@dropbearadventures.com.au

• Competitive Day Rates 
• Stunning Location: Your office is the breathtaking K’gari Island, where you’ll be surrounded by rainforests, freshwater lakes, and endless sandy beaches.

• Lead guided tag-along 4WD tours of K’gari
• Provide guests with an unforgettable experience of the island’s landscapes, wildlife, and rich cultural history
• Share knowledge about K’gari’s Indigenous heritage and the Butchulla people, following their lore in all aspects of our tours
• Ensure the safety and comfort of all guests throughout the tour
• Foster an interactive and engaging atmosphere, encouraging guests to participate in sustainable practices
• Maintain vehicles and equipment to the highest standards
• Assist in the organisation and execution of multi day tag-along tours of K’gari
• Promote Drop Bear’s eco-retreats, sustainable tourism initiatives, review platforms and socials

• A deep passion for nature 
• Strong understanding of eco-friendly practices (training provided)
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills
• Knowledge of the history of Australia
• 4WD driving experience (preferably with off-road and mechanical knowledge)
• First Aid certification (or willing to obtain)
• MR Licence (or willing to obtain)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team that spans across Noosa and the Island
• Flexibility and a love for the outdoors in all weather conditions

Please complete this application form to apply.

• Competitive Salary Package: $65,000 per annum, including a weekly salary, accommodation, meal allowances, and even a fuel allowance for island exploration.
• Stunning Location: Your office is the breathtaking K’gari Island, where you’ll live surrounded by rainforests, freshwater lakes, and endless sandy beaches.
• Off-Grid Experience: Learn the ins and outs of sustainable, off-grid living and be part of a passionate team dedicated to protecting this beautiful environment.
• Perks: Company mobile, access to 4WD vehicle, and all the island sunsets you could dream of.

Guest Booking and Enquiry Services

• Answer guest calls and respond to email inquiries in a friendly and professional manner.
• Collaborate closely with Hosts to manage the weekly task list and ensure resources are well organized.
• Support the General Manager with administrative tasks, including booking audits, creating and posting social media content, updating the website, and reconciling accounts.

Hospitality & Guest Services

• Housekeeping: Maintain a clean, welcoming environment by making beds, cleaning rooms, and handling general housekeeping duties. Keep on top of laundry (tea towels, bath mats, cleaning cloths), and ensure kitchen cleanliness, including fridges and post-meal cleaning.
• Food Preparation & Cooking: Assist in preparing and cooking meals that meet the eco-retreat’s sustainability standards and high-quality expectations.

Property Maintenance & Environmental Stewardship

• Gardening & Landscaping: Help maintain the retreat’s beauty by watering plants, mowing lawns, weeding, and trimming garden borders.
• Maintenance & DIY Tasks: Perform light repairs such as fixing fly screens and cleaning gutters. Ensure retreat vehicles are clean, operational, and ready for guest use.

The ideal candidate for this role would be someone who is highly adaptable, organised, and passionate about hospitality and sustainable living. You should thrive in a hands-on, dynamic environment and be ready to take on a wide range of tasks, from guest services to property maintenance. Here’s a breakdown of the qualities and skills that would make someone a great fit:

1. Hospitality Experience – in customer service, housekeeping, or food preparation is essential. 

2. Strong Organisational Skills – The role involves managing multiple tasks, from handling guest bookings to coordinating property upkeep. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented and able to manage their time effectively.

3. Team Player with Leadership Potential – While the role requires the ability to work independently, the ideal candidate will also be a great collaborator, working closely with hosts and the general manager to meet operational goals.

4. DIY and Maintenance Skills – A candidate who is comfortable with light repairs, gardening, and general property maintenance will be a great asset. 

5. Positive and Proactive Attitude – A friendly, approachable demeanor is key in a guest-facing role. The ideal candidate will have a positive, “can-do” attitude and be willing to pitch in wherever needed, whether it’s assisting with a guest request or tackling a maintenance task.

6. Passion for Sustainability – Since the role involves working in a world heritage National Park the candidate must have a genuine interest in sustainability and environmental stewardship. A commitment to maintaining eco-friendly practices in food preparation, waste management, and property upkeep is a must for us.

7. Flexibility & Ability to Adapt – The role involves a variety of tasks with a flexible schedule. The ideal candidate should be comfortable adapting to changing priorities and working in a diverse environment.

8. Tech-Savvy – Basic computer skills for booking management, social media content creation, and website updates are required. Familiarity with standard office software and an ability to learn new systems quickly is really is essential. 

In summary, the perfect candidate would be a motivated, versatile individual with a passion for hospitality, a knack for problem-solving, and a genuine interest in contributing to the success of our eco-friendly accommodation.

Please send a cover letter and resume to hello@kgarifraserisland.com.au. 

Points to address in your cover letter if they are not detailed on your resume.  

• Available Start Date. 
• Why you are interested in this role
• Why you think you are the ideal candidate. 
• Your availability for an interview