How to Become a Tour Guide: A New Adventure Every Day

Do you want your next career to bring a new adventure every day? Learn everything you need to know about becoming a tour guide in Australia.
Do you love sharing adventures with people? Working as a tour guide can be a fun, exciting and rewarding job.
The role of a tour guide involves escorting tour groups around places of interest, while also providing insightful and engaging information about the attraction. Tours can be conducted in cities, regions, historical landmarks, natural attractions or just about any place of interest.
Because Australia has such a rich landscape and immersive culture, there are plenty of chances to work as a tour guide in tourist hotspots across the country. Working as a tour guide offers a fantastic opportunity for those who love an adventure and meeting new people.
Job outlook
The tourism industry within Australia can be considered a thriving sector, with 9.4 million international tourists visiting the country in 2019. As a result, tour guide jobs offer great job security and are predicted to have strong growth in the future.
Working as a tour guide also offers flexible working arrangements, including plenty of part-time and self-employed job opportunities. If you have ever thought of starting a business, operating your own tour could be the perfect way to become your own boss!
Attributes needed to be a tour guide
The role of a tour guide requires a range of knowledge, social skills and physical capabilities to cover the many aspects of the job. Some of the more critical attributes needed to work in this industry include:
In addition to these skills, a tour guide must have detailed knowledge of the topics covered within the tour. Tourists will often ask plenty of questions about the place of interest, so you must be prepared to answer questions!
Opportunities and perks
Some fantastic benefits come with the dream job of a tour guide. These perks are a great bonus in pursuing a career in the tourism industry and include opportunities such as:
Work and live in places of interest
The places you get to live and work in are frequented by people from all around the world. You get the opportunity to live and make a living in these dream destinations!
Meet new people
Australia has a unique landscape, so people from all across the globe come here for sightseeing. Working as a tour guide is a great way to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Become a storyteller
With every day offering a new adventure, you will undoubtedly pick up a story or two along the way. People will be captivated by the tales you tell, and the art of storytelling will become second nature.
Become a destination expert
While you spend so much time getting to know a place of interest and its history, you will become an expert on all that your destination has to offer.
You won’t be bound to a “9-5” office job.
Working as a tour guide means that you can break away from the traditional office job and hours, and work outdoors at hours that suit your lifestyle.
What’s the difference between a tour guide and a tour operator?
Within the tourism and travel industry, there are various roles that all play a vital role in a visitors experience to a destination. The roles of the tour guide and the tour operator are two interconnected positions. While similar, there are distinct differences between the two.
The job of a tour guide is a hands-on and practical position. Tour guiding includes taking visitors on day tours and providing information about the attraction. The details of the tour are often mapped out by the tour operator who works with the tour guide to make the arrangements.
A tour operator position is a potential career progression pathway for tour guides who are looking to take on more of a managerial role within the tourism industry.
Tour guide training
Much of the training for tour guide positions occurs on the job of the attraction where you work. However, it can be advantageous to have a Certificate or Diploma in Tourism to increase your employability. In addition to tour guide courses, completing a relevant first aid training course is also an excellent way to stand out to a tour company. Having these qualifications behind you is also ideal if you have ambitions to take on a tour operator role in the future.
There’s no time quite like the present to pursue a career doing something fun. With every day providing new and exciting adventures, working as a tour guide could be the lane change that you’ve been looking for!
12 of the Most Fun Jobs: What Are The Most Enjoyable Careers?
Fun jobs give you satisfaction, let you harness your skills and interests, and couple good work-life balance with job security. Here are some of the most fun jobs that tick all these important boxes.
Browse Travel and Tourism Results
Diploma of Nursing (SA and WA Only) HLT54121
Build a meaningful career that makes a difference with the HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing. This nationally recognised qualification provides the essential skills, knowledge, and practical training needed to become a qualified Enrolled Nurse in Australia....




Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (VIC Only) CPC40120
If you are an aspiring or working tradesperson, here is your foundation for success. This is your first step towards starting your own building business and preparing for the builders registration. We understand that you could be a busy tradie by day,...


Graduate Diploma in Management
The Graduate Diploma in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is ideal for busy senior managers, with a potential entry pathway through any of our Graduate Certificates and study that is highly supported, fits into your schedule, and...


Graduate Certificate in Management
The Graduate Certificate in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is designed for newer and ambitious professionals, with entry possible through management experience alone and a study structure that easily accommodates full-time work...


Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (VIC Only) CPC50220
Prepare for registration as a Builder with the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50210) Gain the skills & knowledge to run your own business Study when it suits you – online & on campus options available...


Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (VIC ONLY) CPC40920
This course covers common skills for the plumbing industry as well as specialist streams relevant to gasfitting, drainage, sewerage, roof drainage and more....


Building Leadership Programme (VIC ONLY) CPC40110 ,CPC502110
BAA is proudly partnered with Victoria University to offer our students higher education opportunities. Whether students are after an alternative way to gain entry into a degree, or simply want to try out a study path so they can confirm their longer-t...


Bachelor of Dance Education (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Dance Education is a unique specialist professional qualification and is Australia’s first–being delivered through ACPE! Units are provided by highly qualified and experienced professionals, empowering you with all the knowledge and ski...


Bachelor of Education (Physical & Health Education) (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Education (Physical & Health Education) incorporates units in movement and health as well as curriculum and pedagogical studies, equipping you with the requisite skills for entering the teaching profession. If you are keen to pursue...


Associate Degree of Sport Business (NSW Only)
Get a higher education qualification in two years when studying full-time! Based on the Bachelor of Sport Business in terms of content, the Associate Degree of Sport Business offers students the opportunity to get into the workforce quicker or alternat...


Bachelor of Dance Practice (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Dance Practice is a specialised degree that will equip you with the skills and experience to become a professional in the dance industry. The course develops artistry, choreography, performance, educational, business, and organisational...


Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) offers the perfect career path for those looking to enhance their knowledge and skills through further studies in physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and other health professions. You will come to understand ho...


Bachelor of Sports Coaching (Strength and Conditioning) (NSW Only)
To address the high demand for sport coaches and professionals in Australia, the Bachelor of Sport Coaching (Strength and Conditioning) is a specialist degree fostering the coaching, administrative, and professional skills necessary for a fulfilling ca...


Bachelor of Sport Business (Leadership)
Turn your passion for sport into a career by immersing yourself in a degree that will broaden your theoretical and technical knowledge, so that you are fully equipped fora management role within the sport industry. The Bachelor of Sport Business (Leade...


Certificate III in Fitness SIS30321
If you’re looking to begin your career in the fitness industry, studying the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness is the perfect qualification to get you started. Gain all the knowledge and skills you need to enter the industry as a Gym Instructor or Gr...


Personal Trainer Course SIS30321,SIS40221
Join the fitness industry as a Personal Trainer and turn your love for fitness into a rewarding career by graduating in both the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness & SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness. Enjoy the flexibility of being your own boss...


Certificate IV in Fitness SIS40221
Take the next step in your career and gain the qualification you need to become a Personal Trainer. If you currently work in the fitness industry as a Gym or Group Fitness Instructor, elevate yourself to the next level by studying the SIS40221 Certific...


Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)
Naturopathy is a whole medical system combining theory (philosophy and principles) and practise that uses an array of natural therapies to support healing and maintain health. Naturopaths aim to treat the underlying causes of illness and disease. The c...


Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition)
Clinical nutritionists integrate traditional food wisdom and current scientific evidence to motivate individuals and communities to eat well and live healthier lives. The Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) is supported by a strong underpin...


Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing OR Disability) (Perth Only) CHC33021
If you have a passion for helping those most in need, this qualification is one way you can utilise your knowledge for the benefit of others. Package the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability) (CHC33021) to save time and gain know...

