Get paid to care for a remote Australian island: accommodation included

Would you and your partner enjoy spending several weeks on a remote Australian island, with accommodation provided and a paid caretaking role? Mackerel Islands Pty Ltd is looking for a practical, self-sufficient couple to look after Thevenard Island, off the coast of Western Australia, while its tourism operations are closed for the summer. The position involves daily maintenance checks, monitoring essential services and keeping in contact with management. The ordinary duties are expected to take around two hours per day, but living on an isolated island during cyclone season should not be underestimated. Remuneration is available, but the employer must confirm final pay and employment arrangements.

Information reviewed: 13 November 2026. This independent article is based on publicly advertised employment opportunities for the Australian summer of 2026/27. The advertisements contain different starting dates, and availability and employment conditions may change.

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Most days of the year, Thevenard Island welcomes visitors who travel across the Indian Ocean to spend time on its sandy beaches, explore nearby reefs, or simply escape the mainland for a while.  But summer brings a different rhythm to this part of Western Australia. Tourist facilities close for the season, the number of people on the island falls, and someone still needs to look after the buildings, equipment, and essential services. For the coming summer, Mackerel Islands Pty Ltd is advertising a paid caretaker position for a couple on Thevenard Island.

The accommodation is provided, the ordinary daily duties are relatively limited, and the location is certainly unusual. However, the role requires practical maintenance skills, independence and the ability to respond appropriately when problems occur far from the mainland. For a couple already accustomed to remote work or long-term travel in Australia, it could be an interesting short-term employment opportunity.

Where is Thevenard Island?

Thevenard Island lies about 22 kilometres off the coast of Onslow, a small town in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. It is the largest of the Mackerel Islands, a group of islands and atolls surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Thevenard is known for its sandy coastline, coastal vegetation, fringing reefs and marine wildlife. During the tourist season, visitors can stay in beachfront cabins and enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkelling, fishing and exploring the island.

Unlike a completely uninhabited island, Thevenard has established tourism facilities. These include holiday accommodation, service buildings, boat facilities and an airstrip. The island’s remote location, however, means that its infrastructure requires attention even when visitors are no longer arriving. According to the operator’s website, Thevenard Island normally opens to tourists from about April to December. The summer closure creates a need for people to monitor the property and handle routine maintenance while the seasonal team is away.

How do people normally reach the island?

During the visitor season, the Mackerel Islands operator offers transport connections from Onslow. The boat crossing to Thevenard Island takes approximately 45 minutes in normal operating conditions. Light aircraft can also reach the island through its airstrip, with flights available from locations such as Exmouth. However, the ordinary visitor transport arrangements should not be assumed to operate during the summer closure. The caretaker advertisements do not clearly explain whether the employment package includes transfers to and from the island, or how transport would be organised during the placement.

Applicants should confirm this detail before making travel plans.

See Thevenard Island on Google Maps 📍

What does an island caretaker couple actually do?

The role  is to monitor the island and its facilities while regular tourism operations are closed.

Mackerel Islands is looking for people who can work independently and recognise problems before they become more serious. According to the published job advertisements, the duties include:

• Conducting daily inspections of buildings, facilities and essential infrastructure.
• Monitoring the island’s water, electricity and wastewater systems.
• Performing basic maintenance, general repairs, and grounds upkeep.
• Identifying and reporting maintenance or operational problems.
• Monitoring weather conditions and following cyclone preparation procedures.
• Following established safety and emergency procedures.
• Maintaining regular communication with the management team.

These responsibilities are practical rather than primarily hospitality-related.

During the summer closure, the couple would not be expected to perform the same duties as resort staff during the tourist season. Their main purpose would be to help keep the property secure, operational and ready for the next period of activity. Someone with experience maintaining buildings, machinery or basic utility systems may find the work familiar.

Someone whose only experience is occasional gardening or household cleaning, on the other hand, should consider carefully whether they would be comfortable handling problems in such an isolated setting.

Is it really only two hours of work per day?

The job advertisement describes approximately two hours of ordinary daily duties. “Indeed” also lists an expected workload of around 15 hours per week. This makes the position unusual compared with many conventional hospitality jobs. However, the estimated duration of routine tasks should not be confused with the total responsibility involved in living on the island.

It is not explained whether caretakers must remain continuously available, how emergency work is compensated, whether both people are expected to perform the same duties, or how time off the island would be arranged. For example, an unexpected maintenance problem or severe weather warning may require substantially more attention than the ordinary daily checks. Therefore, applicants should clarify working hours, availability requirements and emergency responsibilities before accepting the position.

Is this a paid job, and how much does it pay?

The opportunity is advertised as paid employment, not as an unpaid volunteer exchange.

The employer states that it will discuss remuneration and employment arrangements with suitable applicants. Although some job-board information shows an indicative hourly pay range, the advertisements do not clearly state the final rate or explain how payment would apply to both members of the couple. Therefore, it is not possible to confirm a reliable salary or total expected income from the information currently published.

Before agreeing to the appointment, both applicants should ask how the remuneration will be calculated, whether each person receives separate payment, how many hours are paid and how additional work or emergency duties are treated. The exact employment arrangement, including any applicable award, tax obligations and other entitlements, should also be confirmed in writing.

Is accommodation included?

Accommodation on Thevenard Island is explicitly included in the offer.

This is one of the position’s central benefits, particularly because living on the island would otherwise be difficult to arrange during the seasonal closure. However, the job announcement does not specify exactly which accommodation unit the caretakers would occupy or whether it is equipped in the same way as the tourist cabins. Applicants should confirm the facilities provided, including cooking arrangements, electricity, internet connectivity and laundry access.

What about meals, groceries and other expenses?

The advertisements do not state that meals or groceries are provided. Because Thevenard Island is remote and the tourist facilities are closed during the appointment, access to food supplies may require advance planning. Applicants should ask whether they are expected to bring their own provisions, whether deliveries can be arranged and who pays for any necessary supply transfers.

The published offer also does not clearly address the cost of transport between the mainland and the island.

Accommodation is confirmed, but food, travel costs, transport arrangements and other personal expenses should not be assumed to be included.

Who is the employer looking for?

The position is specifically advertised for a couple who can share responsibility for looking after the property. Applicants do not necessarily need a long career in island management, but they should be confident performing practical tasks without immediate assistance. The employer is particularly interested in people who are:

• Reliable, responsible and comfortable working independently.
• Practical and experienced in general maintenance or repairs.
• Resourceful when dealing with unexpected problems.
• Familiar with remote accommodation, rural stations, caravan parks or similar environments.
• Comfortable with isolation and a quieter lifestyle.
• Capable of following safety instructions and emergency procedures.
• Able to communicate regularly and clearly with management.

A trade background or strong general maintenance experience would be an advantage, especially if at least one member of the couple has well-developed practical skills. Previous caretaking experience in an isolated location is also relevant.

Do you need boating experience?

Boating experience and a Recreational Skipper’s Ticket are described as highly regarded, rather than compulsory, in the Indeed advertisement. This makes sense given the island’s location and its dependence on marine transport. However, applicants should not assume that operating a boat will automatically be part of the position or that they will have a boat available for personal use.

Clarify any boating responsibilities, equipment access, and licensing requirements with the employer.

Can children or pets accompany the couple?

The Indeed advertisement specifically states that, because of the accommodation and operational arrangements, the position is not suitable for accompanying children or pets. This limitation matters for families or long-term travellers who might otherwise consider the placement part of a wider Australian journey.

The biggest consideration: Australia’s cyclone season

The attractive location and limited routine working hours are only part of the story. Thevenard Island lies off the Pilbara coast, one of the regions of Australia most exposed to tropical cyclones. According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the official cyclone season runs from 1 November to 30 April.

The advertised summer appointment falls directly within that period.

Severe tropical weather can bring destructive winds, heavy rain, dangerous seas, flooding and disruption to transport or communication systems. Because Thevenard is an island, isolation may become particularly important if weather conditions prevent safe boat or aircraft access. The job advertisements expressly include monitoring weather conditions, preparing for cyclones, and following emergency procedures among the caretakers’ responsibilities.

A real cyclone warning for Thevenard Island in 2026

The risk is not merely theoretical. On 7 February 2026, the Shire of Ashburton published an emergency cyclone warning that specifically included Onslow and Thevenard Island. The warning instructed people in the affected area to shelter indoors immediately because conditions had become dangerous and it was too late to leave.

This incident does not mean that the same conditions will occur during the 2026/27 appointment. However, it shows why the employer’s emphasis on emergency preparedness matters. Potential applicants should take these responsibilities seriously and ensure the employer clearly explains safety arrangements before travelling to the island.

What is everyday life on Thevenard Island like?

Outside the tourist season, the island offers a very different environment from a typical workplace. There are beaches and coastal landscapes to explore, but there are also practical limitations associated with living far from ordinary services. The island’s natural surroundings may appeal to couples who enjoy fishing, marine environments, quiet places and time outdoors.

However, recreational activities will depend on weather conditions, available equipment, safety restrictions and the responsibilities of the appointment.

Do not confuse the caretaker role with a holiday package.

Tourist facilities and activities normally advertised by the operator may not be available during the summer closure. Applicants should ask what access they would actually have to facilities, boats, recreational equipment and other amenities. Likewise, free time does not necessarily mean the caretakers can leave the island whenever they wish. For people who enjoy a quiet routine, isolation may be an appealing aspect of the experience. For others, particularly those who prefer frequent social contact or easy access to shops and services, it may be a significant challenge.

When does the position start?

There is a discrepancy between the publicly available advertisements. The Indeed listing describes an approximately eight-week appointment beginning in early January 2027 and ending around early March. However, a separate Grey Nomads Jobs advertisement, published in November 2026 under the same employer’s name, describes a longer period extending from November 2026 to March 2027.

Both advertisements concern a paid island caretaker position for a couple and include accommodation.

It is unclear whether the longer and shorter dates reflect different arrangements, a revised recruitment schedule, or different availability requirements. For this reason, interested couples should contact Mackerel Islands directly and confirm the current start date, minimum commitment and expected end date.

Can international travellers apply?

This is paid employment, so applicants must have the appropriate legal right to work in Australia.

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs states that Visitor visas and Electronic Travel Authorities do not permit paid work. Some international travellers may have work rights through other visa categories, including eligible Working Holiday Maker visas, but each person’s conditions and limitations must be checked individually. Applicants should consult official Australian immigration guidance and, where applicable, verify their work rights through the government’s VEVO system.

They should also confirm employment conditions, pay arrangements and entitlements before signing an agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides information about workplace rights in Australia, including rights for migrant workers.

How to apply for the island caretaker position

Mackerel Islands invites interested couples to introduce themselves and explain their relevant experience. According to the Indeed advertisement, candidates should provide a brief introduction covering their practical skills, maintenance background and availability. Experience managing isolated properties, working on rural stations or maintaining caravan parks may be particularly relevant. The employer also values an ability to work independently and follow safety procedures.

Applicants should use the subject line specified in the advertisement so the employer can easily identify their enquiry. Before accepting an offer, it would be sensible to ask for written clarification of the pay arrangement, each member of the couple’s responsibilities, accommodation conditions, supply arrangements, transport, and emergency procedures.

Could you spend a summer looking after an island?

There is something unusual about the idea of living on an island after the last holidaymakers have left. Instead of arriving for a short stay, caretakers would join the small group responsible for keeping the place running until regular operations resume. Days may involve checking facilities, handling minor repairs, and enjoying the surrounding coastline when conditions and responsibilities allow. But the experience also requires independence, practical judgement and respect for the challenges of remote living. It is not an opportunity to receive free accommodation in exchange for doing nothing, nor should the advertised two hours of daily duties be interpreted as a complete description of the couple’s obligations.

However, for an experienced, self-sufficient couple with appropriate Australian work rights, Thevenard Island offers a distinctive combination of paid caretaking, provided accommodation, and an unusual place to live for part of the summer. The final decision should depend not only on the destination’s appeal, but also on the employment terms and safety arrangements agreed with the operator.