The demand for tour guides has never been higher, with the role now added to the Australian Government’s Jobs and Skills Australia Occupation Shortage List (OSL) for the first time. The OLS is a list of occupations in high demand across the country, used to determine eligibility for skilled migration visas, enabling foreign workers with specific skills to fill labour shortages in various industries. But there’s also plenty of opportunity for locals to train as guides and step into this growing field.
If you love the outdoors, meeting new people and sharing stories, this could be the perfect job for you! However, it’s not just about exploring nature — tour guiding can also take you through bustling city streets, historical landmarks and cultural centres, where you’ll have the chance to engage with people in a variety of settings.
WHAT ARE THE PERKS?
Being a tour guide in WA offers a unique chance to explore stunning locations and share their beauty with others. From the sparkling Coral Coast to the rugged Golden Outback, you’ll introduce visitors to some of the most breathtaking sights in Western Australia.
As a guide, you’ll generally spend your days outdoors, experiencing dramatic coastlines such as Ningaloo Reef, the striking red rocks of Karijini National Park, and the ancient trees in the Valley of the Giants — all while meeting people from around the world.
If you’re more drawn to urban environments, city tours provide the opportunity to highlight the rich history, architecture and culture of our towns and cities. From the heritage architecture in Fremantle to the modern art scene in Perth, city tours allow you to bring history and culture to life in an entirely different way. Alternatively, as a tour guide in a museum or gallery, you can bring exhibits to life, guiding visitors through collections and sharing the stories behind them.
WHAT DO I NEED TO SUCCEED IN THE ROLE?
To thrive as a tour guide, you need a mix of knowledge, people skills and passion for nature and culture.
You’ll need to be friendly, approachable and able to tell engaging stories. Sharing interesting facts is key but weaving those facts into a memorable narrative is what sets you apart.Flexibility and patience are also important — things don’t always go as planned, so being able to adapt to changes in weather or schedule is essential.
And a sense of humour helps too — keeping the mood light ensures your guests enjoy the experience!
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS ARE REQUIRED?
While you don’t need a university degree, certain qualifications can give you an edge:
- Tourism or guiding certification: A Certificate III in Tourism or Guiding is a great starting point, covering key skills such as customer service, communication and safety. For more information on study pathways, click here.
- First aid certification: Especially for outdoor or remote tours, current First Aid and CPR certification is often required.
- Driver’s licence: If you’ll be driving a tour group, a valid licence is necessary; a heavy vehicle licence may also be needed for larger groups.
You’ll need to be at least 15 years old to work legally in Australia, but there’s no upper age limit — many guides continue sharing their passion for travel well into later years
OTHER USEFUL SKILLS
- Local knowledge: A solid understanding of Western Australia’s geography, wildlife and culture will help you connect with guests. While you don’t need to be an expert, a passion for learning and curiosity is essential.
- People skills: Being personable, patient and an effective communicator is key — and a second language is a plus!
- Flexibility: Whether you’re guiding remote tours or managing last-minute changes, staying calm and adaptable will help you handle any situation.
If you’re passionate about sharing the natural, historical and cultural highlights of Western Australia with others, being a tour guide could be your perfect fit. So, grab your hat, lace up your boots and get ready to lead people through the wonders of our beautiful state!