Weekend day-walk hiking guide

Locals wanting company on a trail, visitors, friend groups, corporate wellbeing groups and walking clubs.

A per-person fee for each walk, or a flat fee for private group bookings. Some guides add a packed lunch or transport for extra income.

• Confident bushwalking and navigation
• Leading and looking after groups
• Knowing the local area and its nature
• Current first aid

• Many parks and reserves need a commercial tour licence or permit, so check with the relevant state park agency or local council before charging for walks
• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance suited to guiding, and check what activities your policy covers
• Group safety: weather, heat, bushfire season and track closures, with a plan for emergencies and no mobile reception
• You will need an ABN, and check whether you must register for GST as turnover grows

Startup costs are typically around $800 to $3,500, depending on gear, first aid training, insurance and marketing. These are estimates, so get quotes for the cover and training you need.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on group sizes, prices and how many trips you run. These are estimates, and insurance and permit costs come out of that.

Check whether parks and reserves need a commercial tour licence or permit from the state park agency or council, what your insurance covers, group safety planning for weather and bushfire, and ABN and GST registration.