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Fee Free Tafe

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Great news, this course is included in Fee-Free TAFE* for courses commencing in 2024.

To be eligible for a Fee-Free place you must be:

  • a resident of Tasmania or working in Tasmania
  • an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident, an eligible VISA holder, and
  • of working age

*Fee-Free TAFE covers your tuition fee only. Other fees may apply. See Fee-Free TAFE Eligibility for more information.

Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education is a joint initiative of the Australian and Tasmania Governments providing tuition-free training places to students wanting to train, retrain or upskill.

Locations

  • Drysdale Launceston
  • Drysdale Hobart

Attendance options

  • Full-time
  • Part-time

Study type

  • Mixed Learning
$

Tuition Fees

  • Subsidised $ 1,846.00
  • Concession* $ 390.00
  • Fee-Free TAFE NO FEE

Additional fees may apply. For more information, see Fees, payments and other costs.

Please note: The course overview is intended as a guide only. Not all courses are available at all locations or through all study types and attendance options. Please check Locations, Dates and Times below or enquire for further information.

Looking for a career that allows you to share your passion for Tasmania with others? Then this course may be for you.

This course has two distinct streams – general tour guide or bushwalking tour guide. You have the option to choose to enrol in one of the following:

General Tour Guide Stream

The course is designed to give people the knowledge and skills to work as a tour guide in Tasmania in the following contexts: bus tour guide; local cruise-boat guide; tourist attraction guide; city walking guide.

The course is comprised of thirteen units (subjects) that cover everything from good customer service; knowledge of some of Tasmania’s unique natural and cultural heritage; communication techniques to share these with tourists in an informative and entertaining way; managing risks and keeping people safe; and looking after groups of people on part-day and full-day tours.

The training and assessment will be a blend of on-campus, online and some off-campus at popular tourist destinations. Students will be given plenty of opportunities to practice their tour guiding skills at these locations.

On successful completion of this course you will have the skills you need to seek employment as a Tour guide and will receive nationally accredited SIT30322 Certificate III in Guiding.

Bushwalking Tour Guide Stream

Delivered from Hobart only, the course is designed to give people with recreational bushwalking experience the specific knowledge and skills to work as tour guides on day and multi-day bushwalking tours on Tasmania’s iconic walking tracks in our spectacular national parks.

The course is comprised of thirteen units (subjects) which will give students the essential knowledge and skills required to work as a guide to a high standard, including:

Bushwalking clothing, equipment and techniques; Personal organisation and time management; Campsite set up and maintenance; Risk management, safety and responding to emergencies; Leading and managing dependent groups of people in the bush; Introduction to Tasmania's native flora and fauna, its spectacular landforms and its cultural and historic local heritage; Caring for the natural and cultural environment; Communication techniques for sharing and interpreting Tasmania's special natural and cultural heritage with visitors.

The training and assessment will be a blend of on-campus, online and off-campus in a selection of Tasmania’s national parks. Students will be given plenty of opportunities to practice their tour guiding skills on day and multi-day bushwalks in national parks and reserves.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and have their own personal bushwalking clothing and equipment. Applicants must have a very good level of physical fitness so they can participate in the practical training and assessment activities in the course.

On successful completion of this course graduates will receive a nationally recognised Certificate III in Guiding.

Graduates from this course are in high demand from the major tour companies in Tasmania who employ bushwalking guides.

Information sessions

CampusDateLocationTimesRegister
North
Drysdale LauncestonFriday, 24th May 2024(Tour Guide Stream) Drysdale Launceston, 93 Paterson Street, Launceston
11am
South
Drysdale HobartFriday, 24th May 2024(Bushwalking Stream) Drysdale Hobart, 59 Collins Street, Hobart
11am

Locations, dates & times

CampusDateAttendance/DurationStudy typeApply/Enquire
North
Drysdale Launceston22 Jul 2024 -
29 Nov 2024
Full-time

TOUR GUIDE - Attendance is 3-4 days per week across monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Training is a combination of on-campus, online and at a range of outdoor locations.

Mixed Learning
South
Drysdale Hobart17 Jul 2024 -
15 Nov 2024
Full-time

BUSHWALKING GUIDE – Attendance is 3 to 4 days per week across Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm. Training is a combination of on-campus, online and at a range of outdoor venues with overnight stays.

Mixed Learning

Career opportunities

  • Bus tour guide
  • Local cruise-boat guide
  • City walking guide
  • Tourism attraction guide (historic site, museum, brewery, etc.)
  • Bushwalking tour guide

Career opportunities

  • Bus tour guide
  • Local cruise-boat guide
  • City walking guide
  • Tourism attraction guide (historic site, museum, brewery, etc.)
  • Bushwalking tour guide

We’re here to help…

At TasTAFE, we understand that everyone's journey is different and sometimes you might need some extra support to achieve your study or career goals.

Whether you are at the very start of your training, returning to study after a long break, or looking to upskill in a specific area, we're here to help you to be successful in your chosen field of study, apprenticeship or traineeship.

Our student support services are available for all students, and aim to provide the support you need to make your learning experience just that little bit easier.

Find out more about what support is available