Local walking tour guide

Domestic and international tourists, cruise visitors, school and corporate groups, and locals looking for something to do.

Per-person ticket sales through your own website and booking platforms, plus private group bookings at a flat rate.

• Confident public speaking
• Deep local knowledge and storytelling
• Good fitness and time management

• Public liability insurance, and check whether platforms or venues require a certain level of cover
• Council permits for commercial tours in parks, public spaces or heritage sites, check with your local council and relevant land managers
• First aid training is worth considering for leading groups
• Weather and seasonal swings in visitor numbers
• GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your insurance, equipment and how you promote your tours. Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on group sizes, how often you run tours and the season.

Check with your local council and relevant land managers about permits for commercial tours in parks, public spaces or heritage sites. Check what public liability cover platforms or venues require. Consider first aid training, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold.

Expect typically at least around 6 hours a week. Useful skills are confident public speaking, deep local knowledge and storytelling, good fitness and time management. Weather and seasonal swings in visitor numbers can affect your bookings.