Indigenous Ranger to Tour Guide Program

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) recognises that First Nations tourism experiences provide a vital pathway to creating sustainable livelihoods for Indigenous Queenslanders, broadening Queensland’s economy, and enriching the experiences of both Australian and international visitors by showcasing the unique cultural and environmental heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This program for Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers will empower Rangers to deliver high-quality, culturally rich tourism products in Queensland.

The Indigenous Ranger to Tour Guide Program is proudly funded by the Australian Government, supported by the Queensland Government and delivered by Savannah Guides.

The Program includes:

  • Pre-course information and Teams meeting
  • Ranger to Tour Guide Introductory Online Course
  • Tour Planning exercise including Risk Management Assessment
  • 3 Day On Country Tour Guide training, tailoring content to specific group needs and including Cultural Protocols discussions with local Elder
  • Training Workbook on Best Practice Tour Guiding
  • Guide Assessments to measure skill progress
  • Pathways to EcoGuide Certification
  • Follow up Support Plan
  • Linkages to tourism industry partners

Ranger groups can undertake the program under a funded 2025-26 program. The framework will then be available for future delivery on an individual basis. For further information please contact [email protected].

Read about indigenous tour guide training

Indigenous ranger to tour guide – Lesson 1

This discussion space is designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guides as they prepare for their Savannah Guides training. It’s an opportunity to connect, share stories, and explore what to expect in the upcoming sessions. Whether you’re new to guiding or already working on Country, this conversation helps you feel confident, supported, and ready to start your training journey.

Being a tour guide – Lesson 2

In Lesson 2: Being a Tour Guide, we explore the heart of guiding on Country — your role as a cultural storyteller, preparing for safety and visitor engagement, and respecting Country and community. This lesson is crafted especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants ready to step into authentic guiding with confidence and pride.

Pre-training online course discussion – Lesson 3

Lesson 3 of the pre-training online discussion is your chance to deepen connection, share strengths, and explore how to bring your stories and perspectives into guiding. This space is built for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guides: to listen, ask, reflect, and walk into training with clarity and community behind you.