Update your personalisation settings to view information about this course.
This course is only available to Domestic students and your preference is currently set to International.
This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.
Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 6 months. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
As part of 'A Shared Vision for Tourism in Kakadu National Park', which includes "enriching and memorable experiences for visitors and a strong and successful partnership between traditional owners, governments and the tourism industry...", an entry-level course providing tour guides with essential information about Kakadu has been developed.
Parks Australia advised that from 1 April 2008, it will become a permit requirement for all commercial tour operators that any guides leading tours within Kakadu National Park have successfully completed the course. Details of individual guide's certification details will be recorded on the commercial permit application and enforcement of this condition will be carried out in the Park from the commencement of the permit period.
The entry-level training and assessment will cover the key areas of visitor safety, understanding the park's natural and cultural values and history, and minimising environmental impact and legal compliance.
Park staff, Bininj/Mungguy (traditional owners of Kakadu) and the tourism industry have been involved in developing the course, which has been endorsed by the Kakadu Board of Management.
In developing the training program, Parks Australia and Charles Darwin University worked with tour operators and guides to ensure the course meets the operational needs of the broader tourism industry.
Career opportunities
Occupations relevant to this qualification in industry sectors include:
>Cultural guide
>Heritage guide
>Historical guide
>Interpretive guide
>Site guide
>Tour guide
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Skills recognition is not applicable to this course. CDU's short courses are highly targeted courses designed to help you improve a specific skill. They will help you improve your career prospects, maintain currency in your field, or allow you to try out something completely new.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Further training pathways from this program include but are not limited to SIT30122 Certificate III in Tourism.
Fees
2025 Fees
| Fee Type | 2025 Course Fees |
| Fee Free TAFE* | Free |
| Full Fee | $575.00 |
If you have successfully completed VTP489 Uluru-Kata Tjuta Knowledge for Tour Guides, you will have already completed two of the units. To undertake the single additional unit SITTGDE013 Interpret aspects of local Australian Indigenous culture, fees will be:
| Fee Type | 2024 Course Fees |
| Fee Free TAFE* | Free |
| Full Fee (SITTGDE013 only) | $425.00 |
*This course is part of the Fee Free TAFE initiative. Fee Free TAFE and vocational education and training is a joint initiative of the Northern Territory Government and Australian Governments providing tuition-free training places to students wanting to train, retain or upskill.
Fee free places are available for eligible domestic students who are NT residents, limited places are available, so secure your place now.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.
International VET Package
Course information flyer(s)
Why study at CDU?
Whether you learn on campus or online, you will be studying with a proud multi-sector university that’s a leader in research and flexible study delivery. CDU is innovative, industry-relevant and student-centred. Our students are at the heart of all that we do.
- Benefit from smaller class sizes for more personalised attention
- Online learners receive the same support as their on-campus peers
- Enjoy inclusive, welcoming learning environments
- Utilise our deep connections with industry, businesses and communities in the Northern Territory, across Australia, and beyond
Why study at CDU?
Whether you learn on campus or online, you will be studying with a proud multi-sector university that’s a leader in research and flexible study delivery. CDU is innovative, industry-relevant and student-centred. Our students are at the heart of all that we do.
- Benefit from smaller class sizes for more personalised attention
- Online learners receive the same support as their on-campus peers
- Enjoy inclusive, welcoming learning environments
- Utilise our deep connections with industry, businesses and communities in the Northern Territory, across Australia, and beyond
What will I study?
To achieve the Vocational Training Program VTP490 Kakadu Knowledge for Tour Guides a total of THREE (3) units of competency must be completed as listed below. This training program covers 3 units of competency taken from the SIT Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Training Package, which is recognised nationwide.
Course structure
Students will be issued with a 'Statement of Attainment' upon the successful completion.
The total Nominal Hours for the sequence listed below is 147.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
| SITTGDE013 | Interpret aspects of local Australian Indigenous culture | 100 |
| SITXWHS005 | Participate in safe work practices | 12 |
| SITXCCS010 | Provide visitor information | 35 |
| Total nominal hours for this training program | 147 | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
There are no formal entry requirements for this program.
To ensure you have the right skills and support to succeed in your course, a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LL&N) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This is a non-award course and a Statement of Attainment will be issued for nationally recognised units of competency successfully completed.
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations: Online
Study Mode: Online
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
Additional information
Contact details
Tourism, Recreation and Beauty Services |
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
How to apply direct to CDU
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
You will need a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner to help you apply
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from theAustralian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like VET and undergraduate.
Share this course