General Manager (Full-Time, Permanent)

Job Title: General Manager – Iconic Outback Tourism Group (Cobbold Gorge, Visit Forsayth & Undara Lava Tube Tours)

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Cairns & Far North QLD (Forsayth / Etheridge Shire)

Classification: Hospitality & Tourism > Management

About us

We are a family-owned outback tourism group operating three of Outback Queensland’s most iconic and multi-award-winning destination brands in the spectacular Gulf Savannah region. Spanning ancient landscapes and world-class geological wonders, our properties offer domestic and international travellers an unforgettable taste of the Australian outback. Together, our portfolio represents the benchmark for regional tourism and remote hospitality

1. Cobbold Gorge Tours & Village: Multi-tier modern accommodation, camping sites, infinity swim-up pool bar, licensed Bistro & Bar, and our signature guided tours/helicopter flights—home to Queensland’s first glass bridge and delivered under the Savannah Guides ethos.
2. Visit Forsayth: Strategic management of our historic township footprint, including the iconic, 7-day-operating Goldfields Hotel & Finnigans Rest (pub, bistro, convenience store, accommodation and caravan park).
3. Undara Lava Tube Tours: Coordination and execution guided tours within the spectacular Undara Volcanic National Park.

We take immense pride in our role as custodians of these pristine environments. Guided by the expertise of our Savannah Guides, our mission is to deliver world-class experiences, exceptional service, and sustainable tourism. We foster a tight-knit, collaborative live-in team environment that thrives on adventure, community spirit, and classic country hospitality.

About the role

Are you an energetic, hands-on leader ready to lead a multi-award-winning outback tourism portfolio? Cobbold Gorge Tours Pty Ltd is seeking an experienced, visionary General Manager to direct our comprehensive operational footprint in Queensland's Gulf Savannah country.

Working closely alongside the business owners, you will be the driving force behind our daily operations and our team culture. Our team built its reputation on: Passion, Purpose, and Pride. We want a leader who embodies these values and can inspire them in team members.

This isn't your standard resort role. It is a multi-faceted position giving you oversight across every aspect of a premier outback destination group. Based permanently at the beautiful Cobbold Gorge Village (near Forsayth),



you will lead day-to-day operations spanning:

- Guided Touring: Coordinating tour execution across Cobbold Gorge and the Undara Lava Tubes Volcanic National Park.
- Hospitality & Retail: Running busy food and beverage operations, fully licensed bars, bistros, and essential township retail services.
- Outback Logistics: Managing remote asset maintenance, staff and guest transfers, inventory supply chains, and transport needs.

We are looking for a capable General Manager who is a unique blend of a strategic business leader and a practical, hands-on operator. As our footprint spans hospitality, tour operations, retail, asset maintenance, and a working cattle station environment, you must be able to balance high-level commercial management with the unique realities of outback life. This role requires someone who genuinely loves the country lifestyle, thrives on variety, and has the practical hospitality skills to handle seasonal ebbs and flows, complex remote logistics, and close-knit community life.

Key Responsibilities

1. Day-to-Day Operations: Oversee daily business operations across all properties, with a strong focus on maximising tour capacities and accommodation occupancy while maintaining high standards across food, beverage, and maintenance.
2. Commercial Performance & Growth: Manage financial budgets, monitor cost controls, handle seasonal purchasing, and identify opportunities to drive revenue.
3. Team Leadership & Overall Accountability: Recruit, hire, and mentor key leadership roles, including the Manager at Forsayth and the Daily Operations Managers at Cobbold Gorge. While these managers directly supervise and run their respective seasonal staff day-to-day, you retain ultimate responsibility for the performance, standards, culture, and success of all three operations.
4. Owner Liaison & Strategy: Maintain open, regular communication and work in close partnership with the business owners to report on business health, discuss strategies, and ensure the properties align with the family’s long-term vision.
5. Guest & Community Relations:



Keep service standards high for our guests while maintaining great relationships with local council, National Parks, and regional tourism bodies.
6. Safety & Compliance: Ensure a safe working and visiting setting across all locations, following sensible safety and environmental guidelines tailored for outback touring.

Skills & Experience

1. Proven Hospitality Leadership: Experience as a General Manager, Resort Manager, or senior operations leader within regional tourism, holiday parks, or multi-site hospitality businesses.
2. Values-Driven Leadership (Passion, Purpose & Pride): Someone who genuinely aligns with our core motto of Passion, Purpose, and Pride. You lead by example, bring great energy to the job, and know how to inspire these same values across our management teams and seasonal crews.
3. Financial Literacy and Budgeting: A practical approach to managing budgets, monitoring cost controls, and identifying smart ways to drive revenue and keep a seasonal business thriving.
4. Tech-Savvy Operations (Newbook): Confident computer and technology skills, including direct experience using Newbook (or similar property management and booking software) to optimise accommodation and tour bookings.
5. Practical Problem Solver: A hands-on, solution-focused attitude. You are an excellent communicator who can troubleshoot remote operational challenges and isn't afraid to roll up your sleeves when needed.
6. Outback Adaptability: A genuine love for the country lifestyle and the ability to thrive in a remote, live-in outback environment.

What We Offer

- Market-competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
- Comfortable, onsite accommodation provided at Cobbold Gorge Village, meals provided during our operating season (April to October).
- For couples looking to relocate together, suitable employment or a dual position may be available for a partner across our accommodation, food and beverage, or administration teams, depending on skills and experience.
- A unique opportunity to lead one of North Queensland’s most celebrated tourism assets.

How to Apply If you are ready for a unique lifestyle change and possess the practical leadership skills to guide our team, we would love to hear from you.

Please click the 'Apply' button and attach your current resume along with a cover letter introducing yourself and detailing your experience living or working in regional environments.

📌 General Manager (Forsayth)
🏢 Cobbold Gorge Tours
📍 Forsayth