Live, Work & Play in the Whitsunday Islands – Your Ultimate Study-Adventure Starts Here!
Imagine studying your uni-accredited Diploma of Travel and Tourism while living on one of the world’s most spectacular islands. With this program you’ll be doing just that. Live, work and play in the Whitsundays while gaining real-industry experience and building the foundation of your travel career.
The best bits of Work, Study + Play Whitsundays
Study Smart, Live Big - Level up with our Diploma
Earn a uni-accredited Diploma while living in paradise — flexible online study that fits your life and sets you up for the future.
Real Jobs, Real Pay - Your Career Starts Here!
Kick-start your future with paid resort and tourism roles, heaps of support, and a ready-made crew of new mates.
The Ultimate Adventure in Paradise!
Live study & play in one of Australia's most iconic destinations with exclusive events, island adventures and non-stop good vibes.
Ready to begin your Whitsundays adventure?
So, what's the program all about?
It’s your chance to launch your travel career and live in one of the most iconic places on earth. Over 15 months, you’ll blend a uni-accredited Diploma with paid, hands-on industry experience — all while living, studying and playing in paradise.
DURATION: 15 months (6 x 9-week study periods/semesters)
Step 1: Study online at home
Kick off your adventure with 4 subjects full-time, including your Hospitality elective, so you’re prepped and ready for your upcoming work.
Study Full-time: 2 x 9-week study periods studying 2 subjects in each
Step 2: Sneak Peek Experience & Get Ready
Before you move to paradise, join a Sneak Peek experience! Meet your cohort, attend interviews with employer partners, and get organised for your island move. It’s your chance to get excited, ask questions, and feel fully ready for the adventure ahead.
Step 3: Move to the Whitsundays
With everything all set before you move, swap your study desk for palm trees and ocean views! Begin your paid role in resorts or tourism, while continuing your Diploma part-time. Earn money, gain experience, and live like a local — all with guidance from your program leaders.
Study Part-time: 2 x 9-week study periods studying 1 subject in each
Step 3: Enjoy the Whitsundays
Studying and working in paradise means adventure is part of every week! Snorkel the reef, release turtles, join eco‑adventures, and hit exclusive student events — all while gaining real work experience. Keep growing in your role, progressing or explore new opportunities with other employer partners.
Study Part-time: 2 x 9-week study periods studying 1 subject in each
Graduate + Take Off
Complete your Diploma with real-world experience under your belt, celebrate with your cohort in true Whitsundays style, and step confidently into your next adventure — whether that’s continuing life in paradise, heading home, or chasing opportunities overseas. If you want to continue your study, you’ll have a direct pathway into 2nd year of the Bachelor of Business with Torrens University Australia.
Work with the best in paradise!
See what roles are up for grabs in the Whitsundays jobs or check out our awesome partner employers — your next adventure is waiting!
Work in Paradise
Your Work, Study + Play Whitsundays program isn’t just study — it’s hands-on industry experience in paradise. You’ll get to work in:
- Resort and tourism operations
- Food & beverage and hospitality
- Eco-tourism experiences. marine and island activities
- Customer service, sales, and front office roles
You'll work right in the heart of the Whitsundays with our amazing employer partners on island or in Airlie Beach.
- Hayman Island
- Daydream Island
- Hamilton Island
- Club Wyndham
- Cruise Whitsundays
- Mantra Club Croc
- Mirage Whitsundays
Earn while you learn, make new friends, and build skills that actually matter for your future.
No upfront fees, 100% FEE-HELP
No ATAR required
100% online learning
Jobs in the Whitsundays
15-month program
Fun & adventure
2026 Diploma of Travel and Tourism
Our updated Diploma of Travel and Tourism, a higher education qualification delivered in partnership with Torrens University Australia, is now more flexible, supportive, and designed for life in the Whitsundays.
Hands-on Industry-Connected Electives
Build real skills and gain job-ready experience through a core hospitality subject, plus optional electives such as events.
Simplified Study Structure
With 9-week study blocks, 3-week breaks, and a focus on one subject at a time while you’re in the Whitsundays, it’s easier to stay on track, balance work, and enjoy island life.
Jobs & Careers in the Whitsundays
Kick-start your tourism career in the Whitsundays with paid resort and hospitality jobs, hands-on experience, and real industry pathways. From front-desk roles to food & beverage, housekeeping, recreation, and more, you’ll build skills that employers actually want.
From the islands to the mainland, from activities to front desk, the Whitsundays offers something for everyone.
Ready to see where your career could take you?
Living and Working in the Whitsundays
Living and working in the Whitsundays means swapping the everyday for island life — paid resort jobs, stunning beaches, and a built-in community of new mates.
From accommodation to study routines, support, and what life on-island is really like, we’ve answered it all.
How much does it cost?
No Upfront fees, 100% FEE-HELP Available!
What support will I get?
Support from beginning to end!
More frequently asked questions
Find out about jobs, moving & more!
You could be in paradise!
Join the next intake
Whitsundays Program Specific Benefits
If waking up in the scenic Whitsunday Islands isn't already remarkable enough, discover why this adventure is truly like no other.
Confidence & Independence
Real World Skills
Dedicated Program Leader
Exclusive Play Activities
Live In Paradise!
Career Launching
Launch Your Career In Paradise
Need something to show the parents?
Check out our Whitsundays Parent Guide
Now Is The Time
Send us an enquiry to start your travel career journey today!
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