Tour Guide
What the work is
Accompanies and guides visitors on sightseeing, educational and other tours and experiences, and describes and explains points of interest and cultural or historical significance. May deliver information in languages other than English.
Would you enjoy the work?
These are the main tasks in the official description. Mark how each one sounds to you.
- Accompanies and guides visitors on tours, providing information and explanations about points of interest, and cultural, ecological or historical significance
- Transports visitors to and from their accommodation and points of interest
- Prepares and delivers informative and engaging commentary during tours
- Ensures the safety and wellbeing of tour participants throughout the tour
- Assists with the coordination and logistics of transportation, accommodation and meals for tour groups
- Provides recommendations and suggestions to visitors regarding local attractions, activities and services
- Answers questions and provides assistance to visitors, addressing any concerns or issues that may arise during the tour
- Conducts research to stay updated on local history, culture, ecology and attractions to enhance tour commentary
- Collaborates with other tour guides and tourism professionals to develop tour itineraries and experiences
- Maintains accurate records of tour schedules, participant numbers, and any incidents or feedback received
Try it
A simulation and a case study from this kind of work, set in a fictional coastal heritage town with a small museum, walking tours and a visitor centre. They are fictional.
The kind of days you could have
Good days
- A group falls silent at the lookout because of something you just said
- A visitor who planned one night stays three because of your suggestions
- A school group asks questions you have to look up, and you love it
Hard days
- Telling the same story for the fifth time in the same day with a smile
- A booking mix-up where the group is on the footpath and the cafe has closed
- Rain, wind and a group that did not bring the right shoes
Written by Career Calling as a general guide. Real roles vary by employer and place.
Work a mission
Step into a simulated workplace in this field, with a brief from your manager.
Description and tasks: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Occupation Standard Classification for Australia, 2024, Version 1.0 (opens another site), occupation 461632, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. The skill guide above is our plain English summary.