Its a holiday areas so obviously food and beverage jobs as well as housekeeping work is on offer but if you have a trade then you have got it made.
The building boom is still in full swing - chippies, electricians, refrigeration engineers and the like can make seriously good money and enjoy a great lifestyle and the same time. Hourly rates may not be as good as in the mines but you won't have to live with a whole load of miners either!
For work on the islands the best route is through the employment agencies such as NEATO (1300 79 55 55) and Minniecon and Burke (07 4946 7442)
If you fancy working on the boats then you will need some sailing experience and preferably be a decent cook - you can pick up unpaid "volunteer trips" with some of the sailing charter companies.
Take a stroll around Abel Point marina and have a chat with the crew of the boats as they are getting ready to go out or as they clean up after a trip. You might even offer to help out (for a free beer!)
Getting a house isn't the easiest job in the world - check out the Whitsunday Times on Thursdays to find share accommodation or a unit. You can always spend the first few nights in a backpackers while you are looking.