Tara Lagoon Parklands Caretaker
An exciting opportunity exists for a couple, small business or family to further grow and activate Tara Lagoon Parklands as its dedicated caretakers and tourism ambassadors.
The successful applicants will make the onsite accommodation their home for two years (with an opportunity for two, twelve-month extensions). During this time, they'll play a vital role in strengthening community connections, welcoming travellers, championing the Western Downs as a must-visit travel destination, and caring for the natural landscape of the Tara Lagoon Parklands.
As the Caretaker at Tara Lagoon Parklands, you’ll welcome visitors, share the stories and character of the Western Downs, and showcase the beauty that makes this location so special. Those with a passion for the outdoors will relish the chance to nurture a natural haven rich with native flora and fauna, creating a welcoming environment for both locals and travellers.
In addition to providing Caretaker Services at Tara Lagoon Parklands, successful applicants may also have the opportunity to deliver support operations at the Tara Showgrounds. Located adjacent to the parklands, the Showgrounds are a vibrant and versatile venue hosting everything from private celebrations and community events to agricultural shows and festivals. This added responsibility offers not only an additional revenue stream but also the chance to enhance the region’s broader tourism experience.
Looking for a tree change? This could be the opportunity you've been looking for.
Located 299 kilometres west of Brisbane, Tara is easily reached via Dalby or Chinchilla and is home to a welcoming community of more than 2,300 people.
Tara is a delightful surprise for travellers, offering a vibrant and supportive business community alongside essential facilities such as a swimming pool, library, leafy parks and well‑maintained sporting grounds. The town also features a fully accredited general practice surgery and a Prep to year 12 school, making it a well‑resourced hub within the Western Downs.
Cultural life thrives here. Festivals and community celebrations are woven into the town’s identity, with the biennial Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races drawing thousands of visitors for a colourful blend of multicultural food, entertainment and outback fun.
A popular stop for tourists and an RV‑friendly destination, Tara is perfectly complemented by the scenic beauty of Tara Lagoon Parklands. With affordable short‑term camping, facilities right on the water’s edge and the chance to cast a line or wander into a sunset alive with birdlife, it’s easy to see why the area is growing in popularity among caravanning and RV groups.
This spirit of welcome and natural beauty is captured in the “How Ya Goin’” artwork displayed at Tara Lagoon Parklands. The piece depicts a cockatoo and galah catching up among the gum leaves at sunset, an artistic nod to Tara’s friendly character and its place at the beginning of Queensland’s Sunset Way Tourist Drive.
Tara is surrounded by a diverse agricultural production and energy enterprise and offers that country living lifestyle. Picture strolls along the waters edge, admiring the sunsets and native flora and fauna. See what Tara has to offer as your next adventure awaits at Tara Lagoon Parklands!
Everything you need to know...
Tara Lagoon Fact Sheet(PDF, 4MB)
You can apply via the Seek advertisement here.
Site Visits are welcome and available by appointment only. Please register your interest here for one of our scheduled site visits or please contact our team on (07) 4628 5321.
Join an online presentation about the role by registering your details at one of our Tara Lagoon Parklands information sessions:
Monday 08 June 2026 at 6.30pm here
Wednesday 10 June 2026 at 7.30pm here.
For more information contact the Parks and Recreation team at parks@wdrc.qld.gov.au or call (07) 4628 5321 and for further details relating to opportunities at Tara Showgrounds, please contact the Facilities Team on (07) 4679 4000.