Our guides are an enthusiastic and informed lot who thrive on taking travellers through what they know and love about their country.
Before hitting the road as trip leaders, all ATA guides must complete a comprehensive in-house training program. It’s this training that ensures our guides are qualified to operate their tours at the highest possible standards. The program incorporates both practical and knowledge-based components.
As part of gaining their qualifications, ATA guides must attain both First Aid certification and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) accreditation, complete a course in Aboriginal culture and regional geology, and gain Charles Darwin University’s highly regarded Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Tour Guide Accreditation.
Not only will your guide be practiced in driving and vehicle maintenance, first aid administration, fatigue management, environmental awareness, cooking, food handling and catering, they’ll also be well-versed in the histories, First Nations cultures, geology, ecology, botany and bush craft of the regions you’re travelling through.
Once guides have completed their training they undertake an on-the-road traineeship with a senior guide. It’s during this time, serving as assistant guide, that they finish honing their skills, knowledge and confidence in preparation for their first outing as tour guide.
Learn more about the ATA difference >
“What I love about my job is that it never gets old. Watching new people having new experiences as the country changes throughout the season is constantly inspiring.”
“I love showing people my backyard, being able to slow them down enough to feel the heartbeat of the country without the distractions of their busy life, phones and WiFi.”
“My favourite part is showing people what’s behind the scenes. People think they are coming out to see a beautiful big rock but we really open their eyes to the local Aboriginal culture you can find here and the significance of it.”