Field Schools
Savannah Guides Field Schools are our Professional Development Workshops, bringing together tour guides, operators, Traditional Owners, National Parks Rangers, tourism and government representatives, researchers and other like-minded individuals.
At least two Savannah Guides Field Schools are held each year at varying locations across the savannahs, featuring experts in fields such as ecology, traditional culture, land management, guiding techniques and tourism. They are usually 4-5 days in length, making the most of our time together in special places. We have an affordable registration fee plus accommodation and camping options to suit all participants.
What will I do at a Field School?
Learn and have fun! A Savannah Guides “Field School” is not a course with assessment or a qualification. It’s simply a welcoming gathering of Tour Guides and friends undertaking fun workshops and building their networks. We’ll explore stunning landscapes, go behind the scenes at leading regional tourism operations and conduct exercises to build skills in interpretation, guest management, natural and cultural knowledge. The range of social functions and group activities builds strong relationships. The majority of Field School activities are held outdoors.
Who can attend?
Members and non-members are very welcome. Field Schools are a great opportunity for any tour guide, tourism industry member, government or community representative or nature lover to gain a real insight into quality tourism operation.
Our 40-50 participants will include new attendees and long-term members from diverse tourism businesses and organisations, plus many community stakeholders. The professional development opportunity provided at these Field Schools is unparalleled and the personal and professional networking is invaluable.
Why should I come?
For the generous knowledge and skill sharing, connecting with tourism leaders and understanding the country in more detail. Consider whether Savannah Guides is a part of your tourism future, including possible accreditation. Set staff professionalism benchmarks, refresh technical knowledge or explore a new region in a fun, educational setting.
Our UPCOMING and recent field schooLS
Previous field schools
2020’s
- Injune, Nyanda and Carnarvon Gorge QLD: 29 October-3 November 2024
- Longreach QLD: 19-24 March 2024
- The Savannahlander Train QLD: 31 October-4 November 2023
- Winton QLD: 2-6 November 2022
- Kununurra and El Questro WA: 12-16 October 2022
- Ewamian Country QLD: 16-22 March 2022
- Gulf Savannah QLD: 28-31 October 2021
- Airlie Beach QLD: 18-21 March 2021
- Cairns QLD: 20-21 November 2020
2010’s
- Atherton Tablelands QLD: 14-17 November 2019
- Capricorn Caves QLD: 28-31 March 2019
- Fitzroy Crossing WA: 4-7 October 2018
- Kakadu National Park NT: 26-29 April 2018
- Carnarvon Gorge QLD: 22-25 March 2018
- Burketown QLD: 19-22 October 2017
- El Questro WA: 4-7 May 2017
- Cobbold Gorge QLD: 6-9 April 2017
- Longreach and Winton QLD: 1-4 April 2017
- Cooktown QLD: 27-30 October 2016
- Broome WA: 22-24 April 2016
- Capricorn Caves Mobile School QLD: 28 February – 4 March 2016
- Adels Grove QLD: 15-18 October 2015
- Undara QLD: 26-29 March 2015
- El Questro WA: 9-12 October 2014
- Winton QLD: 20-22 March 2014
- Alice Springs NT: 12-15 October 2013
- Chillagoe QLD: 18-21 April 2013
- Nitmiluk National Park NT: 1-4 November 2012
- Capricorn Caves QLD 12-15 April 2012
- Mount Bundy NT – 27-30 October 2011
- Darwin NT: 24-27 March 2011
- Tropical Tablelands QLD: 28-31 October 2010
- Undara Experience QLD: 18-21 March 2010
2000’s
- Darwin NT: 19-22 November 2009
- Darwin NT: Savannah Symposium 17-21 November 2009
- Winton QLD: 26-29 March 2009
- Katherine NT: 6-9 November 2008
- Cobbold Gorge QLD: 27-30 March 2008
- Cape York QLD: Oct 29 to November 2 2007
- Kakadu National Park NT: 12-15 April 2007
- Townsville QLD: 27-30 October 2006
- Mary River Park NT: 1-4 April 2006
- Cairns QLD: 17-20 November 2005
- Lake Bennett NT: 07-10 April 2005
- Mt Surprise & Cobbold Gorge QLD: 16-19 March 2005
- Kununurra WA: 04-07 November 2004
- Longreach and Australia’s Dinosaur Trail QLD: 11-14 March 2004
- Darwin NT: November 2003
- Cooktown QLD: 3-6 April 2003
- Katherine NT: 10-13 April 2003
- Undara Experience QLD: 14-17 November 2002
- Pine Creek NT: 11-14 April 2002
- Adel’s Grove QLD: 25-28 April 2002
- Kakadu National Park NT: 22-25 November 2001
- Mt. Surprise QLD: 26-29 April 2001
- El Questro WA: 5-8 April 2001
- Longreach QLD: 26-29 October 2000
- Mount Borradaile, Arnhem Land NT: 28-30 April 2000
- Mareeba Wetlands QLD: 6-9 April 2000
- Katherine NT: 28-31 October 1999
- Normanton QLD: 15-18 April 1999
- Mataranka NT: October 1998
- Undara QLD: April 1998
- Tyrconnell QLD: October 1997
- Hells Gate QLD: April 1997
- Lawn Hill QLD: October 1996
- Cobbold Gorge QLD: April 1996
- Chillagoe QLD: October 1995
- Normanton QLD: April 1995
- Undara QLD: November 1994
- Borroloola NT: April 1994
- Hells Gate QLD: October 1993
- Shady Lagoon QLD: April 1993
- Kewarra Beach QLD: November 1992
- Cape Crawford NT: April 1992
- Yarramulla QLD: October 1991
- Talaroo QLD: April 1991
- Kowanyama QLD: October 1990
- Agate Creek QLD: April 1990
1980’s
- Mount Surprise QLD: October 1989
- Adels Grove QLD: March 1989
- Cairns QLD: March 1988
Sponsorship
Our Northern Territory Field Schools are proudly supported by Tourism NT and our Queensland Field Schools are proudly supported by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, and Tourism and Events Queensland. Additional sponsors support each Field School.
Testimonials
“I came to the School not knowing what to expect and as a real novice I was blown away by how welcoming and willing to share knowledge everyone was – couldn’t recommend this event highly enough.”
“The Savannah Guides Field School has been the best value for money workshop I have ever attended. The opportunities for deep and genuine cross cultural learning were an absolute highlight.”
“The experience is great – relevant and practical. It has been very valuable for an organisation rep who is a non-guide and first-timer.”
