Forming in Queensland’s Gulf Savannah Country in 1988, Savannah Guides have grown into a leading collective of trained and expert guides and tour operators, taking visitors into the heart of some of the most stunning and naturally diverse environments across northern Australia. These ‘tutors’ of nature help visitors experience and understand the natural environment through informed interpretation of the landscape’s ecology, culture and history.
The first Field School was held in Cairns in March 1988 and saw 14 guides, researchers, rangers and Traditional Owners come together to connect, learn from each other’s expertise and build on existing skills and knowledge. The 2023 Field School will see 50 Savannah Guides and community members descend on Cairns before traversing Savannah Country on the historic Savannahlander Train.
Speaking ahead of the 80th Field School, Savannah Guides Manager Russell Boswell said the milestone is a credit to the organisation’s stalwarts who built Australia’s leading tour guide professional development provider into the collaborative network it is today.
“Clocking up 80 Field Schools is a tremendous achievement for our not-for-profit organisation which to this day relies on considerable volunteer input,” said Mr Boswell.
“Over the five-day Field School, we run specialist workshops on topics such as guiding skills, flora and fauna identification and cultural awareness, while also sharing learnings and insights collaboratively and inclusively.”
For many, it is the opportunity to become immersed in a community of like-minded nature lovers that draws participants to the Savannah Guides network and Field Schools. Mr Boswell himself was first introduced to Savannah Guides in 1990 when his family’s business, Wilderness Challenge, was formed. He says he was instantly attracted to the shared values and spirit embodied by the organisation.
“We admired the ethos of being ‘Protectors and Interpreters of the Outback’ and wanted to be a part of it. We became the first mobile Savannah Guides, linking sites such as Undara Volcanic National Park, Cobbold Gorge, the Gulflander Train and Adels Grove,” explained Mr Boswell.
“Being a Savannah Guide instils a sense of pride in showing visitors some of Australia’s most inspiring natural and cultural wonders. Guests are transformed by these experiences and take away a new sense of appreciation.
“The standards we set for ourselves as Savannah Guides means we are constantly learning and working on our delivery, comparing notes at Field Schools and researching new content. It’s really quite stimulating - with the guests, seasons and landscapes changing you are never bored. It has to be one of the best jobs in the world.”
Mr Boswell and his father-in-law ultimately became Presidents and Life Members of Savannah Guides, with Mr Boswell and his wife, Sam, now at the helm managing the organisation. Mr Boswell said even after all these years he remains inspired by the incredible people across the guiding network.
In the spirit of bringing a community together, the Savannah Guides Field Schools are not an exclusive event, with members of the public and wider tourism industry invited to attend and gain an understanding of how the network operates.
"We often say that our Field Schools are the glue that brings our network together. The camaraderie and learning experiences fuel us and drive the standards we set. At every Field School we welcome new friends and open new opportunities for people exploring the world of tour guiding,” said Mr Boswell.
“We have regulars who are not tour guides but enjoy the interaction and opportunity to experience a new destination, joined by aspiring tour guides and of course our core group of members with years of experience.”
“Some people join as Friends of Savannah Guides first to access member rates, others just come along to see what it’s all about. We encourage anyone who would like to join a Field School to give us a call.”
Mr Boswell said there is a strong future for Savannah Guides as the organisation continues to grow and find a wider audience wanting to be involved.
“From a humble group of passionate guides coming together in Far North Queensland 35 years ago, our experience, knowledge base and reach is constantly expanding. Our online courses are growing in popularity, we have extended to support guide training in Sri Lanka and South Africa and our EcoGuide program is being implemented by Parks and Wildlife Rangers and other guide networks across Australia,” said Mr Boswell.
“Our membership is also at a record high, demonstrating the increased interest in continued learning and expanding on knowledge and skills.
“Savannah Guides will continue to be protectors and interpreters of some of Australia’s most precious landscapes and we’ll keep having a lot of fun doing it.”
Visitors to the Sunshine State can bathe in the allure of nature alongside a Savannah Guide with any of the 12 Queensland-based tourism operators that are members of the Savannah Guides network. These include Cobbold Gorge, Talaroo Hot Springs and Discovery Parks Undara along the Savannah Way, Carnarvon Gorge Eco Tours in Carnarvon Gorge, Capricorn Caves outside of Rockhampton, Winton’s Australian Age of Dinosaurs and Red Dirt Tours, Outback Aussie Tours in Longreach and Red Cat Adventures out of Airlie Beach, just to name a few. Answer the call of the wild and plan a holiday submersed in nature at queensland.com.
For more information on the Savannah Guides network, enquire about becoming a Savannah Guide, or join an upcoming Field School, visit the Savannah Guides website or call 0408 772 513.
* Tourism and Events Queensland
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