Good health and well-being are paramount for tour guides,
Maturity - the ability to accept responsibility,
Plenty of energy and enthusiasm. The job is very demanding both mentally and physically and can be quite stressful, for the guide is everything to everybody,
At all times, patience and a friendly personality in dealing with clients, tour operators and the general public,
Group leadership and management qualities to ensure that the itinerary is strictly followed and that all services are correctly provided,
An excellent general knowledge of Australia – its history, geography, geology, government structure, judicial system, education, flora and fauna etc.
Ability to research information – to know where to get up-to-date information on all things a tourist is likely to ask including such general things as taxation rates, interest rates, house prices, the best restaurants, where to buy the best souvenirs,
Confidence and ability to act as a trouble-shooter; to be calm in an emergency and capable of coping with problems that may arise as a result of operational problems, a traffic accident, bushfire, flood and illness, even death,
Good interpretation and language skills that will enhance the visitor experience,
An awareness and tolerance of religious and cultural sensitivities,
The ability to get on with all manner of people - for not all clients are easy to get on with.