Tour Guide Interview with TK (Scott Russell)

Thank you for talking with us. What made you decide to become a tour guide?

I always wanted to see my country, and love working in the out doors. Originally I was working full time as a tree surgeon, I was very happy doing that job but I had an accident and broke my wrist and was unable to continue climbing trees. Looking through the internet one day for a new job and stumbled across an article about touring in Central Australia and the Top End. Sounded fun.

Why the Northern Territory?

I originally started in Alice Springs. I think I was attracted to the remoteness of the place. It was quite appealing to me to pack up and move to a place so different for where I had lived my entire life, Sydney. There were jobs being offered in different parts of Australia with roughly the same types of tours but the ones in the Northern Territory were more attractive. The whole sleeping under the stars in the Outback just did it for me.

What kinds of training/experience do you have?

I studied Botany for three years at uni to be an Arborist so that gave me a good background with the Flora to be seen out there. Then after I was hired I went through a training course to learn all aspects of the are I was working. That lasted for about 1.5 months during which we spent time with National Park Rangers, Anthropologists, and senior tour guides to teach us the finer details of the job.

In an average week, what does your schedule look like?

It varies quite greatly from week to week
In our busy season May to October, I can be working up to 6 days a week. This is when all the tourists arrive and the weather is very comfortable.
In the quieter wet season time (monsoon rains, high humidity) I will be working 3 or 4 days a week. This is great as I can rest up after working hard during the busy times, and I can even fit in time to do fishing in-between my tours.

What do you enjoy the most, and the least, about your job?

The best parts of the job would have to be meeting so many people from so many different places and cultures and getting to show them this beautiful country. I learn as much from passengers as I hope they do from me. I don’t really have a least favorite part though I really don’t like doing any paperwork.

What are some common misconceptions people have about Australia?

The pure size of the country would have to be number one it is so much bigger then most people can grasp until they visit. Then there is that the snakes and spiders are every and will go out of there way to get you. Just not true snakes and spiders in Australia avoid human contact as much as possible.

What recommendations do you have for visiting the Northern Territory? Why should we choose this area?

The Territory’s vastness and variety make it stand out as a must see while visiting Oz. The habitats range from swampy wetlands in the north to deserts in the south. Tall waterfalls in the North around Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks and the natural phenomenon’s of Uluru and Kata Tjuta to the south. Its natural beauty is amazing but can also be unforgiving. If you do come out here make sure you use sunscreen, hat and drink lots of water.

What sites should we see?

The must see’s would have to be Uluru Kata Tjuta and Kakadu National Parks. As well there is Kings Canyon, Devils Marbles, Litchfield and hop on a crocodile cruise somewhere in the top end to see one of Australia’s amazing animals. If you like fishing or just think you want to give it a go then try your hand at some Barramundi.

Any advice for planning the trip or packing?

Don’t under estimate on time, give yourself a few extra days just in case you want to spend more time at a place or if you find something different you want to do. Your traveling a long way to get here make it count. Pack light, travel on what you feel is your bare minimum so that way you have a little extra room for souvenirs.

How long a trip do you recommend?

In the N.T. a minimum of nine days to see all of the sights worth seeing. If your looking for the whole country then how long is a piece of string. I would take at least thirty days but you could take a lot longer. Just remember to work out a minimum amount of days then give yourself a few extra.

What local foods simply shouldn’t be missed when visiting?

Well here in Oz we like to eat a variety of foods. On Sunday you can have Kangaroo, Monday Emu, Tuesday Camel, Wednesday Crocodile, Thursday Buffalo, Friday Barramundi and Saturday night on the way home from the pub there is nothing better then a kebab from your local shop.

Where are you from originally?

Born in Sydney and lived there until I moved to Alice Springs for this job. These days I live in Darwin

What are your other interests?

I enjoy fishing, hiking, rock climbing and caving, four wheel driving and having a few beers with my mates