Expressions of Interest - 2027 Saleyards Tours

Published on 14 October 2026

Blackall-Tambo Regional Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from an experienced tour operator to conduct guided tours of the Blackall Saleyards during 2027.

The Blackall Saleyards is a working cattle processing and spelling facility and remains primarily used for cattle sales and associated operations. The successful operator will be authorised to conduct public tours of the Saleyards at approved times and in approved areas, subject to Council’s operational, safety and visitor requirements.

What Council is seeking

Council is seeking an experienced and suitably qualified tour operator who can independently manage and deliver the Blackall Saleyards tour experience, including:

• managing customer bookings and enquiries
• taking customer payments
• promoting the tours
• providing knowledgeable and engaging commentary
• managing visitor groups and numbers
• ensuring visitors comply with site safety requirements
• managing cancellations and customer communications
• collecting visitor feedback
• providing Council with basic tour and visitor statistics.

The operator will be responsible for the day-to-day operation and promotion of the tours.

Tour arrangements

The standard tour operating period will be Thursdays between 8.00am and 12.00pm, subject to Blackall Saleyards operations and schedules. Additional tour guidelines do apply, and can be provided in writing to those persons expressing interest in this opportunity. 

Who can apply

Expressions of interest are invited from individuals, businesses or appropriately structured tourism operators with experience working with visitors and groups in a tour setting, or is wanting to establish or grow a tourism business within the region. 

Agreement with Council

The successful applicant will enter into a 12-month Blackall Saleyards Tour Operator Agreement with Blackall-Tambo Regional Council for the period 1 January to 31 December 2027.

Important information

The arrangement is for the approved use of Council’s facilities to conduct tours. It is not an employment, contractor or paid service arrangement. Council will not pay the successful tour operator for conducting tours. The operator will independently manage its own bookings, customer payments, operating costs and revenue. Council retains full operational control of the Blackall Saleyards, and cattle sales and other Saleyards operations will take priority over tourism activities.

Interested in operating the Blackall Saleyards Tours?

To get started, please email tourism@btrc.qld.gov.au with some information about you or your business, including:

• your contact details and ABN
• your tourism or tour operating experience
• who would be conducting the tours and their experience/qualifications
• how you would manage bookings, customers and the tours
• how you would promote the tours
• any similar tours or visitor experiences you currently operate
• any relevant tourism accreditation or industry memberships
• confirmation that you can meet Council’s insurance and workplace health and safety requirements.

You are also welcome to include any ideas you have for improving the visitor experience at the Saleyards, provided they can operate within a working cattle facility.

Council will review submissions and may contact applicants to discuss their proposal or request further information.

Expressions of Interest close 31 October 2026. 

For more information or to have an initial chat about the opportunity, contact tourism@btrc.qld.gov.au