Educational Tour Guide

Small World Journeys is a Cairns-based educational tour operator delivering immersive school and university programs across Far North Queensland. Our experiences combine outdoor adventure, environmental education, Indigenous perspectives, citizen science, leadership, and sustainability. We are an award-winning woman-owned business with a heart of green.

We are currently seeking a land guide to join our team through until mid-December 2026 under the Recreation Award. Additional work exists beyond December for the right candidate.

The successful applicant will spend their time guiding educational programs and camps throughout Far North Queensland.

About the role:

• Leading and supporting multi-day educational tours, camps, and expeditions
• Driving groups throughout Far North Queensland
• Assisting with trip preparation, logistics, equipment organisation, and operational support in the office
• Working with high school students in outdoor and educational settings
• Spending up to 6 nights away from Cairns on some programs, but average 1-2 nights away from Cairns.

PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE essential requirements:
✔️ Light Rigid (LR) bus license (NOTE: you can only have this if you already have an Australian license)
✔️ Queensland Driver’s Authority (DA) (NOTE: you can only get this if you already have an Australian license; we will ask to see this DA card)
✔️ Current First Aid & CPR certification
✔️ Blue Card (or ability to obtain one upon employment)
✔️ Experience working with young people
✔️ Availability to travel and stay away from Cairns for multi-day programs

Essential Skills & Attributes:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Confidence working with school-aged students

• Strong organisational and time-management abilities

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with another guide

• Positive attitude and willingness to assist across many areas of the business

• Adaptability and problem-solving skills

• Passion for education, sustainability, travel, and experiential learning

• High attention to detail

• Ability to work flexible hours, including multi-day trips and some weekends

• Knowledge of Far North Queensland environments and destinations

• Outdoor guiding, education, youth work, tourism, or camp experience is highly regarded.

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, reliable, adaptable, and genuinely enjoys creating meaningful experiences for young people. This role would suit someone who thrives in varied environments — from guiding rainforest walks to camping in the bush.

JOB DETAILS:

• The terms and conditions of your employment will be those set out in the Amusements, Events & Recreation Award 2020 (Casual, Level 3)
• Casual - penalty rates apply
• Role begins when we find the right candidate

⚠️ Important – please read before applying ⚠️

• This role is based in Cairns
• Applicants must already have the right to work in Australia
• This position is NOT eligible for visa sponsorship or 88-day sign-off

We understand it's frustrating to apply for a job and not get a response. You have our commitment that if you have the above qualifications, we will respond to you within three days. Conversely, please give us the courtesy of thoroughly reading the above description and telling us in a cover letter why you'd be good at this particular role. If you don't send a cover letter, are on an 88-day visa, or do not have a Light Rigid (LR) bus license and a QLD Driver's Authority (DA), then we will NOT respond to your application.

📄 Learn more about our programs:
www.smallworldjourneys.com.au

📩 To apply:
Please email your CV and a short cover letter to:
[email protected]

Subject line:
Guide Application

No calls please.