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Tour Guide

ANZSCO 451412

A Tour Guide leads groups to attractions, providing insights and answering questions while ensuring excellent customer service and time management.

  • This role has a low level of AI exposure. Core skills such as adaptability, social intelligence, and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
      • ACT
      • VIC
      • QLD
      • TAS
      • WA
      • NT
      • SA
  • 10,000 people employed in Australia
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

How do I become a tour guide

Get qualified to work as a tour guide with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Related career opportunities

Browse occupations related to Tour Guide.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Tour Guide generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 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.

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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

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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.

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Further reading

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All tour guide courses

Tour Guide careers

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.