The Reef Authority and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) are seeking caretakers to live and work on Low Island, part of Low Isles in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
Low Isles is about 15 km north-east of Port Douglas and 60 km north of Cairns. It is made up of two small islands: Low Island and Woody Island.
Low Isles is jointly managed and protected by the Reef Authority and QPWS through the Reef Joint Field Management Program.
Caretakers live on Low Island and help protect its environmental, cultural and historical values. The role includes grounds maintenance, vegetation management, buildings and off-grid systems maintenance and repairs, visitor education, and monitoring compliance with the marine park rules.
This is a unique opportunity, but it is not a holiday. The role is physically demanding and requires people who are practical, resourceful and comfortable living off-grid in a remote tropical environment.
The tender is now open for businesses to make a submission. Potential suppliers are encouraged to read the tender details, role requirements and frequently asked questions before applying.
Tender details
The public tender ‘Low Isles Caretaker Services’ is open through VendorPanel. A public tender is a formal process used by government to select a business or supplier to deliver goods and services under a contract.
Low Isles Caretaker Services |
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| Issued by | Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation |
| VendorPanel reference | VP511894 |
| Buyer reference | P263956 |
| Closes | 5 pm, Monday 6 July 2026 |
| Expected decision date | Monday 3 August 2026 |
| Expected contract commencement date | Friday 9 October 2026 |
| Link | VendorPanel Low Isles Caretaker Services listing page |
Before you apply: mandatory requirements
Applicants must provide 2 people who can live permanently on Low Island for the contract term.
The contract term is 2 years, with 2 possible one year extensions.
You will need:
- previous caretaking or property maintenance experience
- handyperson or relevant trade skills
- an ABN
- GST registration
- public liability insurance of at least $10 million
- workers compensation insurance, or income protection insurance if self-employed
- first aid certification
- construction white card certification
- site inspection (optional prior to tender submission, mandatory for shortlisted suppliers)
- If you do not currently meet all requirements, you may still apply. Your response must explain how
- you will meet the requirements before the contract starts.
How to view the tender
- Go to the Low Isles Caretaker Services listing on VendorPanel.
- Select Preview button in the top-right of the screen (see screenshot below).
- Read the tender details.
- Check the mandatory requirements before you decide to apply.
How to apply
To apply, you need a VendorPanel supplier account. Important: You must be registered as a business to respond. This means you will need an ABN.
If you do not have a VendorPanel supplier account
- Open the Low Isles Caretaker Services listing on VendorPanel.
- In the Request a Supplier Invitation section, enter your name and email address to request a supplier registration invitation.
- VendorPanel will email you an invitation.
- Open the email titled Register to access the 'Low Isles Caretaker Services' public tender.
- Select click here in the email.
- Follow the prompts to create your supplier account.
- Once registered, log in to VendorPanel.
- Open the Low Isles Caretaker Services tender page.
- Carefully review the tender documentation (including Request for Quote and Contract Details)
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Follow the prompts to complete and submit your response before the closing date.
If you already have a VendorPanel supplier account
- Open the Low Isles Caretaker Services listing on VendorPanel.
- Log in to your supplier account.
- Open the full tender listing.
- Carefully review the tender documentation (including Request for Quote and Contract Details)
- Complete and submit your response before the closing date.
What to include in your submission
When making a tender submission, you will need to provide: Your tender response should include:
- the completed Request for Quote
- the completed Contract Details
- resumes for both people who would live on the island
- a statement of suitability of no more than 2 pages
- information about your ability to meet insurance, ABN, GST, first aid and construction white card requirements.
About Low Isles
Low Isles comprises a 1.6 ha vegetated coral sand cay (Low Island) and a mangrove cay (Woody Island) connected by a reef. It is located approximately 15 km northeast of Port Douglas and 60 km north of Cairns in North Queensland.
Low Island is a Commonwealth Island managed through the Reef Authority and QPWS Reef Joint Field Management Program.
The island can only be reached by a vessel, such as a private vessel or commercial tour boat. Tour operators run services to and from Low Isles at specified times when conditions allow. Access may be limited during extreme weather or periods of low tourism.
North Queensland has two distinct seasons. Summer, from November to March, is hotter, humid and wetter. Tropical storms and cyclones may occur (cyclone season is 1 November to 30 April, however, may occur outside this time). Winter, from April to October, is usually cooler and drier.
The island contains a Commonwealth heritage listed lightstation. The lightstation includes an operational lighthouse, managed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority under a lease with the Reef Authority. Other buildings and infrastructure include:
- Head Lightkeepers Residence
- Assistant Lightkeepers Residence (includes ‘Yonge Room’ education/research facility)
- Relief Lightkeepers Residence (includes workshop)
- New Power House (includes Remote Area Power System)
- Old Power House (includes interpretive museum)
- Old Fuel Store (fuel/chemical/equipment storage)
- Boat House (tour operator equipment storage)
- Wastewater treatment plant
- Public toilets
Low Island is also Commonwealth heritage listed for its significance to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji and Yirrganydji peoples as part of their dreamings.
Low Island is off-grid. It has a remote area power system, rainwater supply and filtration system, wastewater treatment plant, and composting public toilets.
Low Isles receives about 50,000 visitors each year. Visitors arrive by commercial tourism operators and recreational vessels for activities such as snorkelling, beach visits and island walks.
Peak visitor times are usually between 8 am and 5 pm. Visitor access is prohibited between sunset and sunrise, however researchers, contractors, volunteers and rangers may occasionally stay overnight for management purposes.
From September to March, Low Isles becomes a vital nesting area for pied imperial pigeons and bridled terns. Because the island fills with noisy birds, eggs, and chicks, caretakers must constantly adjust their daily maintenance work. Community volunteers conduct monthly bird surveys and may also assist with caretaking duties during the bird season.
Low Isles and its surrounding waters are protected by marine park zoning and site-specific management arrangements under the Cairns Area Plan of Management.
Frequently asked questions
Tender and application process
A public tender is a formal process used to select a business or supplier to provide services to government under a contract. For this tender opportunity, a supplier is being sought to provide caretaker services on Low Isles.
Tender submissions must be made through VendorPanel. You can preview the Low Isles Caretaker Services listing first, but you will need a supplier account to access the documentation and make a submission.
Open the listing and go to the Request a Supplier Invitation section. Enter your name and email address. VendorPanel will email you an invitation to create an account. Follow the link in the email and complete the registration steps.
If you already have a VendorPanel account, log in to VendorPanel, open the listing and follow the prompts to respond.
Yes. You must be registered as a business and have an ABN to register as a supplier with VendorPanel to access the tender and make a submission.
You must also be registered for GST.
Applicants are required to have previous caretaking or property maintenance experience and handyperson or relevant trade skills. The successful supplier will also need to have a first aid certification, a construction white card and appropriate insurances.
If you do not currently meet all requirements, you may still apply. Your response must explain how you will meet the requirements before the contract starts.
Your submission should include:
- the completed Request for Quote
- the completed Contract Details
- resumes for both people who would live on the island
- a statement of suitability of no more than 2 pages
- information about your ability to meet insurance, first aid and construction white card requirements.
A site visit is optional before making a submission and is strongly encouraged. A site visit will be required for shortlisted suppliers who have not previously accessed Low Isles for operational or management purposes.
The tender closes at 5 pm, Monday 6 July 2026, Brisbane time.
The contract is expected to start on 9 October 2026.
Tender submissions are assessed against several criteria, including:
- How well the supplier meets the role requirements
- Relevant skills, experience and capability
- Previous experience delivering similar work
- Value for money
- Queensland Procurement Policy benefits
Suitable suppliers will be shortlisted and requested to conduct an interview.
Email pmgbr@detsi.qld.gov.au for questions about the tender.
About the role
No. Suppliers must provide 2 people who can live permanently on Low Island for the contract term.
The contract term is 2 years, with 2 possible 1-year extensions.
Yes. The successful supplier will be paid a monthly fee for caretaker services. Applicants must submit a quote as part of their tender response.
No. While living on a tropical island appeals to many people, the role is physically demanding and requires people who are practical, adaptable and comfortable living in a remote, off-grid environment with limited services and support.
Caretakers have daily tasks that must be completed to ensure the island is clean and presentable for visitors, and the infrastructure is well maintained. Between the daily tasks, duties can vary from grounds maintenance, vegetation management, building repairs, coordinating contractors and overseeing works, educating visitors, reporting compliance issues, administrative tasks and responding to operational issues as they arise.
Yes. Caretakers must live permanently on Low Island during the contract term.
Yes. Up to 52 days of approved leave per year is supported, with a maximum of 30 consecutive days. Caretakers are expected to arrange relief caretakers where both people are absent for overnight periods of leave, and must arrange and pay for their own transport to/from the island.
If one person remains on the island, strict call-in arrangements must be in place.
No. Other full-time work or full-time study is not supported because of the nature of the role. Part-time work or study may be considered by negotiation.
Children may be considered as part of the tender evaluation process. Ensure your submission includes details if this applies to you.
Personal guests may stay overnight with prior approval. Guests must stay with you in the Head Lightkeepers Residence and guest numbers must not exceed bedding limits. All guests must provide their own transfers.
All office equipment is supplied, including a laptop computer and mobile phone for business use.
All workshop tools, machinery and equipment are supplied.
Caretakers may seek reimbursement of general caretaker expenses (up to $1000/month) for the purchase of any day-to-day supplies necessary to undertake caretaker services (e.g. general cleaning supplies, workshop and office consumables).
Pets are not allowed on Low Island. The island has important wildlife, bird nesting habitat and protected natural values. Applicants should not expect to bring dogs or other pets.
Caretakers are not required to own or operate a vessel; however, the use and storage of a private recreational vessel may be negotiated before the contract is awarded. Include details in your submission if this applies to you.
Transport is generally arranged through commercial tour operators or private vessel.
Transfer arrangements will be made for caretakers at the commencement and completion of the contract, and in the event of an emergency evacuation.
Caretakers are expected to make and pay for their own arrangements for all other periods of leave.
Caretakers are expected to buy and supply their own food, drinks and personal items for the contract term.
Caretakers also coordinate the supply and delivery of office/cleaning/workshop supplies and general maintenance materials to Low Island (costs can be reimbursed under the general caretaker expenses allowance).
Supplies can be ordered in-person, via phone or online, and picked up or delivered with the support of volunteers, tour operators, QPWS and Reef Authority staff.
Our vessel fleet also supports the delivery/disposal of large, bulky items about twice/year.
Not always. Access can be limited by weather, sea conditions and tourism vessel schedules. Last minute cancellations to vessel schedules can, and do occur, particularly in the monsoon season.
In the event of a tropical cyclone, caretakers are expected to follow established emergency procedures. If evacuation from the island is required, caretakers will be provided with temporary accommodation on the mainland.
No. In-water activities such as swimming, snorkelling and kayaking are not part of the caretaker services. If undertaken, they are at the supplier's own risk.
Living on Low Island
Low Isles is about 15 km north-east of Port Douglas and 60 km north of Cairns. It includes Low Island and Woody Island, which are connected by a reef.
Low Isles is a very popular Great Barrier Reef destination and receives about 50,000 visitors each year. Visitors are prohibited on Low Isles between sunset and sunrise.
Caretakers live in the fully furnished historic Head Lightkeepers Residence. It has 3 bedrooms, a sunroom/office, a kitchen, ceiling fans, a washing machine and treated rainwater supply.
No. The caretaker residence has ceiling fans but does not have air conditioning.
No. Low Island operates as an off-grid site with its own power system, rainwater supply, filtration system and wastewater treatment plant. The public toilets are a composting design.
Caretakers need to provide their own personal Starlink service. The cost can be reimbursed under the general caretaker expenses allowance.
Low Isles has a tropical climate. Summers are generally hot, humid and wet. Tropical storms and cyclones may occur. Access to and from the island can be limited during severe weather. Winters are typically cooler and drier.
From September to March, Low Isles is important nesting habitat for pied imperial pigeons and bridled terns. Low Island remains open, but can be noisy and busy with birds, eggs and hatchlings and can make some caretaker tasks quite challenging. Woody Island has a seasonal closure during the season to protect nesting birds.