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Work, Study + Play Whitsundays

Your travel career starts in paradise!

 

 

Work, Study + Play Whitsundays

Hayman Island joins the program! 

 

 

Work, Study + Play Whitsundays

Join the crew!

 

 

 

 

Work, Study + Play Whitsundays

Don't just take a gap year - take a Whitsundays year!

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

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.

2025 Webhead MOB WSPW - beach (1)-1

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.

WSP work 400x600
The best thing about the Work, Study + Play Program for me was being able to study for the Diploma and having continued support while applying those skills in the context of the Travel and Tourism Industry in the beautiful Whitsundays!
Robert F
Graduate, Work, Study + Play Whitsundays
My favourite part of the Work, Study + Play program has definitely been the connections I’ve made. I’ve had the chance to meet people I never would have crossed paths with, and those relationships have genuinely shaped my experience. I’ve also gotten to be part of opportunities and experiences I never would have had if I hadn’t joined the program, and that’s something I really value.
Bella N
Graduate, Work, Study + Play Whitsundays
We have worked with Flight Centre Travel Academy for the past 3 intakes. They have quickly become the backbone of our business. We could not do what we do without them. Thank you!
Michael Quigley
General Manager, Mirage Whitsundays
Here at Mantra Club Croc we are really proud to work with Flight Centre Travel Academy to help bring talented, versatile young student into the region to our hospitality and tourism businesses. As a hotel operator we love to see these students come in, grow, diversify their skills while they are here and really advance their careers. We love going on this journey with Flight Centre Travel Academy.
Colin Mcintosh
General Manager, Mantra Club Croc
The best aspect of the Work, Study + Play program has been the independence it fosters and the liberating experience of moving away from home for the first time. At the same time, arriving in the Whitsundays with a strong support network already in place ensures you never truly feel alone.
Abbie D
Graduate, Work, Study + Play Whitsundays

Why study with Flight Centre Travel Academy?

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.

WSP hotel student 600x400 (3)

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? 

WSP location hayman F&B 600x400

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. 

WSP students boat party 600x400 (4)

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.

Now is the Time

Launch Your Career In Paradise

Chat to us today to find out everything you need to know about Work, Study + Play Whitsundays!

Need something to show the parents?

Check out our Whitsundays Parent Guide      

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