|
 GUIDE
INTERVIEW - Guide 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.
|
