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A Tour Guide takes groups of visitors on trips to tourist attractions or special places of interest. You might work for a tour guide company or run your own specialised tours. Tour Guides might host tours of towns and cities or concentrate on a particular venue or attraction. You’ll provide information on the area and answer any questions from your guests.
Tour Guides should be knowledgeable about the area they’re visiting and be able to communicate well with clients. Customer service skills are essential and you should have strong problem solving abilities. Tour Guides should be able to liaise with people from a range of backgrounds. You’ll need to be organised and be able to manage your time well.
There are 5 courses available for people who want to become a Tour Guide.
Possible job outcomes:
Do you work in the tourism and travel industry and want to step-up to team leader or unit manager? Try the SIT50122 Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management. This nationally recognise diploma is focused on leadership skills and you can choose electives that support a career in sales, tour groups, travel consulting, holiday parks and resorts. The course covers: developing advanced knowledge of the tourism and travel industry, managing customer service, interpersonal skills and conflict management, team leadership, financial management, business relationships and networking. Enquire now for the full list of entry requirements, specialist elective choices (and their availability), and upcoming enrolment opportunities in your area..
Average duration: 12 months.
The Bachelor of Tourism, Hospitality, and Events develops an understanding of research and practice in these fields as intricate business sectors. This course equips students with sought-after skills such as digital fluency, sustainability, resilience, and futures thinking, with an emphasis on tropical environments. It is designed for those seeking to excel in the dynamic and evolving areas of tourism, hospitality, and event management, providing a comprehensive foundation for a successful career in these interconnected industries. .
Average duration: 3 years.
The Bachelor of Arts (Chinese) offers an in-depth exploration of Chinese culture and language, relevant due to China's economic prominence and Mandarin's status as the world's most widely spoken language. You'll gain strong Mandarin language skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and a deep comprehension of Chinese culture and history. This practical course equips you with the qualifications needed for a range of international careers, as Australia's ties with China heighten the demand for Mandarin language skills and cultural understanding..
Would you like a senior role at a travel agency or call centre — or even leading tour groups at different tourist attractions around Australia? With the SIT40122 Certificate IV in Travel and Tourism you can specialise in either travel sales and bookings or tourism delivery, and you’ll also gain skills in leadership, customer service, and cultural awareness. Competencies include: building professional knowledge of the travel and tourism industry, providing outstanding customer experiences, managing conflict, monitoring and interpreting sales data, communicating with clients and customers. Enquire now for the full list of entry requirements, specialist electives (and their availability), and upcoming opportunities for enrolment in your area..
Become a tour guide this year with the SIT40222 Certificate IV in Guiding. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to work as a tourist guide, leading tour groups and presenting commentaries and activities. You’ll gain skills in customer service, communication, and workplace safety, and graduate with the skills to develop professional knowledge of your region including the history, culture, and available tourist attractions. Enquire now for the list of entry requirements, tour guide career outcomes, and opportunities for enrolment in your area..
In Australia, a full time Tour Guide generally earns $1,150 per week ($59,800 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
The number of people working in this industry has grown strongly over the last five years. There are currently 4,700 people employed as a Tour Guide in Australia compared to 3,800 five years ago. Tour Guides may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If you’re interested in a career as a Tour Guide, consider enrolling in a Certificate IV in Travel and Tourism. You’ll cover topics including customer service, communication, conflict resolution and cultural awareness. You could also consider a Certificate IV in Guiding or a Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within tour guides. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Tour Guides
Hiking Guide
$960 weekly pay
Outdoor Adventure Guide
Tour Advisor
Tour Coordinator
Tour Guide
$1,150 weekly pay
Tourism Operator
$1,250 weekly pay
Learn more about Tour Guide courses in your area.