Inspiring young Queenslanders to work and find success in the tourism industry

Jessica Cooke

Town of 1770

Jessica has a strong passion for heritage and environment conservation. She has developed an exciting career working in Queensland’s marine tourism industry where she provides visitors with the opportunity to experience the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

After working in the hospitality sector, Jessica kicked off her career in marine tourism as a hostess on a boat in the Whitsundays. She enjoyed being on the water so much that she took the opportunity to learn about the operation of boats and advanced to being a deck hand then first mate.

Jessica wanted to learn more about the tourism industry so jumped on land and worked as a tour agent in a travel agency before being approached to return to the water. She joined ocean rafting as a deck hand and, after acquiring her coxswain certificate, became a skipper and the office manager overseeing a team of 30 and the operation of six vessels.

A move from the Whitsundays to the Southern Great Barrier Reef saw Jessica secure the role of tour manager for Lady Musgrave Experiences before taking up her current role as marketing assistant/skipper for 1770 LARC! Tours. She is responsible for promoting 1770 LARC! Tours, including web and social media content and editorials. Jessica also uses her marine knowledge and experience, taking visitors on unique amphibious tours aboard the famous pink LARC!s exploring the beaches and national parks in the region.