Small group minibus day tours

Tourists staying in hotels and hostels, cruise passengers, small private groups and visiting friends and family.

Per-seat tickets sold directly and through booking platforms, plus private charters at a day rate.

• Safe, confident driving
• Commentary and customer service
• Planning itineraries and bookings

• Commercial passenger vehicle accreditation and driver authorisation, which differ by state and territory, check with your state transport authority
• Specialist passenger transport and public liability insurance, which can be costly
• Vehicle costs, maintenance and registration, a big part of your outlay; a good used or leased minibus can lower upfront cost, while a new one can cost well over $100,000
• Permits or fees for entering national parks and some attractions, check with the land manager
• Quiet seasons, bad weather and cancellations affecting income

Startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $200,000, depending mainly on whether you buy used, lease or buy new, plus insurance and permits. Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on season, routes and bookings.

Check commercial passenger vehicle accreditation and driver authorisation with your state or territory transport authority, as these differ by state. Look into specialist passenger transport and public liability insurance. Check permits or fees for national parks and attractions with the land manager.

Expect typically at least around 15 hours a week. Key skills are safe, confident driving, commentary and customer service, and planning itineraries and bookings. Quiet seasons, bad weather and cancellations can affect your income, so plan for them.