• Certified EcoGuides gain the advantage of an industry credential and pathway to a nationally recognised formal qualification that will provide a competitive edge
• Tourism operators gain a sound method of recognising quality guides, a benchmark for training purposes and a greater product appeal by employing and promoting the use of bona fide EcoGuides
• Visitors gain a guarantee of guides who are committed to providing quality nature tourism experiences in a safe, culturally sensitive and environmentally sustainable manner
• Training providers gain a benchmark of best practice eco-guiding qualifications when reviewing permit applications in sensitive areas

• You will receive an EcoGuide Australia sew on badge and certificate, plus a GOA ID card
• Access to reduced cost training materials and guiding equipment
• EcoGuide listing in the Green Travel Directory
• Listing in the Ecotourism Australia EcoGuide & Members Search Page to assist in networking opportunities
• Access to Eco-Jobs page on the Ecotourism Australia website whereby you can list job vacancies and listings of work wanted/services required
• Receipt and contribution to Ecotourism Australia’s EcoBytes newsletters covering issues influencing sustainable tourism
• Member discount to Ecotourism Australia’s Annual National Conference where we have many inspiring local and international guest speakers
• Full voting rights within the organisation such as nominating and selecting board members annually
• Opportunities to provide input to the development of plans and programs related to ecotourism
• Opportunities to contribute to the development of more effective licensing systems for operating in protected areas, and opportunities to advertise, sponsor and align with the Association for improved positioning.

To be eligible all you need to have is a minimum of 12 months relevant work experience as a tour guide or a recognised and approved guiding qualification (Certificate III Tourism Tour Guiding) or other relevant qualification and a minimum of 3 months relevant work experience as a tour guide.  To apply for certification, you will need to register online.

To become an EcoGuide, there is a registration fee of $47, an assessment fee of $130 (based on cost recovery) and a modest annual fee which is renewable each year at a cost of $170 and includes individual membership of Ecotourism Australia. Once achieved, your qualification is valid for life!

A nominal fee will be required for an onsite assessment sometime after you have been certified (approx $80/hour). Ecotourism Australia will contact you to let you know when there will be an assessor in your region and will endeavour to work around a time that is suitable to you. This onsite verification can be done on a group or individual basis and generally only takes about 1 hour.

First Step:
Register online using the following link:
Go to our online application form now >>

Please keep your nominated user name and password in a safe place.  You will be required to enter these details each time you log into your application.

A registration and assessment fee will be required on registration ($47 registration fee and $130 assessment fee).

Application:
Ecotourism Australia will email you once payment has been received for your registration and assessment fee. 

You will be granted access into the online application portal and can start filling out your application.  Please ensure you answer all questions and attach any relevant supporting materials.

You are able to contact our office at any time to seek help with your application.

Assessment:
Once your completed application is received, it is forwarded to an independent, trained assessor who reviews your application, contacts referees and occasionally seeks more information from yourself. 

The assessment process is generally a 14 day timeframe, depending on the complexity of your application and the extent of the background information provided. Applications that are incomplete or are internally inconsistent will require further clarification by the assessor and may take longer to process.

Then…
If your application is successful, you will receive a provisional licence with a kit including a certificate, badges and decals to assist in promoting yourself as a genuine EcoGuide.

Ecotourism Australia will organise an onsite assessment within the first twelve months after receiving your certification to verify the information within your application and you will then be granted full EcoGuide status.

Once certified, Guides of Australia will send you a kit containing your GOA ID Card.  Ecotourism Australia will renew your certification with GOA every 3 years on your behalf, however you will be required to provide evidence of some kind of professional development every 3 years. 

This could be in the form of a workshop, professional studies or career programs.  GOA will contact you regarding this at the end of each 3 year period.

Go to our online application form now >>