Tour Guide

Summary

Tour guides accompany visitors on local tours and guide tourists within a specific country, region, area, city or site. They provide special information on history, archaeology, monuments and works of art; the environment, culture, natural and built attractions; places of interest; and any general matters of interest to the visitor.

Duties & Tasks

Tour guides may perform the following tasks:

  • meet members of a tour on arrival and make introductions
  • coordinate pre-arranged accommodation and transport and make sure that tour members are comfortable
  • lead tour groups, drive coaches or limousines, advise tour members of local interest points, and prepare and present tour commentaries
  • coordinate pre-arranged tour activities such as visits to local attractions, restaurants or shops, train rides, cruises, extended tours, white water rafting, bushwalking and mountaineering
  • research and share general information on Australian Indigenous cultures
  • attend to operational problems such as booking errors and amendments, lost luggage or illness
  • provide first aid if needed
  • keep in touch with transportation companies
  • maintain written reports of daily activities and carry out other administrative work.

Working Conditions

Being a tour guide is often physically demanding. During a tour, guides must be available at all times to answer questions and sort out problems. Manual work such as loading or unloading baggage or other equipment may be required.

Tour guides are often required to spend time away from home, especially those fulfilling the role of tour manager.

Personal Requirements

  • maturity
  • able to accept responsibility
  • patience and tact
  • understanding and acceptance of different cultures
  • good organisational skills
  • excellent general knowledge of Australia and regional touring areas
  • problem-solving skills and ability to think logically
  • excellent communication and negotiation skills
  • good health.

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