He was treated by paramedics before he was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
The offenders fled the scene in a vehicle, police said.
A crime scene has been established as police continue to investigate the incident.
Read Related Also: Fires threaten residents near Cairns as recovery begins in Queensland's south
No arrests have been made.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has dashcam or CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
