Funding for NT-based tour operators
Provides reimbursement funding to Northern Territory-based tour operators to train new or upskill existing tour guides.
The program reimburses pre-approved training components on completion, supporting a capable tour guide workforce in the NT.
To be eligible, businesses must:
- be legally constituted
- be an Australian-registered business and a Territory enterprise
- have a current Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) listing
- have an online booking system, or be in the process of implementing one
- have a touring product/s that require tour guides
- have a permanent presence in the NT
- be a member of a peak industry body
Entrants must complete all approved training components by 30 April 2026 for applicants to receive reimbursement.
At a minimum, entrants employed by an applicant that conducts tours in either Uluru-Kata Tjuta or Kakadu National Parks are required to complete either VTP490 Kakadu Knowledge for Tour Guides or VTP489 Uluru and Kata Tjuta Knowledge for Tour Guides accreditations to be eligible for any other support component.
Stream 1: up to $5,000 excluding GST is available for NT-based tour operators who conduct tours in the Northern Territory to train new or upskill existing tour guides.
The program will reimburse the applicant for pre-approved training upon completion of any of the following training components:
- HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
- HLTAID013 Provide First Aid in Remote Situations
- Heavy vehicle training and licence (Light Rigid, Medium Rigid or Heavy Rigid)
- MAR20321 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) and MARC043 Transmit and receive information by maritime radio
- MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set
- TLIC0023 Operate a four-wheel drive vehicle (including defensive driving and 4WD training recovery)
- Becoming a Tour Guide (Savannah Guides)
- EcoGuide Certification (Savannah Guides)
- China Guide Ready (ATEC)
- Mandarin language classes (Darwin Language School)
- Other: provide a strong business case as to why an alternative training component that is not listed above is required
Stream 2: Limited funding is available for Chinese and Japanese language speaking guides with commitments to deliver guiding services within Kakadu National Park and/or Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park (eligible components: VTP490 and VTP489).
This is an open non-competitive grant and applications will be assessed as received.
Get a personalised eligibility check — your match score, which criteria you meet, and what to watch out for.
Free to search · No credit card required
Last updated: 12 February 2026