The People Behind Every Great Tour
At Cooee Tours, our guides and drivers are the heart of the experience. They're not just getting you from A to B — they're sharing stories, pointing out hidden spots, and making sure every guest feels welcome, comfortable, and looked after from the moment they step on the coach.
Whether you're on a day trip to the Gold Coast hinterland, a multi-day wine country holiday, or a shopping tour through Brisbane's best outlets, our team's local knowledge and genuine warmth are what make a Cooee Tours trip one worth telling people about.
What Makes Our Guides Different
Our tour guides aren't reading from a script — they're sharing places they genuinely love. Most are born-and-raised Queenslanders (or adopted locals who fell in love with the lifestyle), with years of experience in tourism and hospitality.
They know the best photo spots, the quietest beaches, the friendliest winery cellar doors, and exactly where to stop for the best morning tea in the region. That local insight is what turns a good tour into an unforgettable one — and it's the thing guests most often mention in their reviews.
Professional, Safety-First Drivers
Our drivers are experienced professionals who take pride in getting you there safely and comfortably. Every driver holds a current heavy vehicle licence, first-aid certificate, and undergoes regular safety training to the highest Australian standards.
Many of our drivers double as tour guides, sharing commentary and stories as you travel. They know the roads, the rest stops, and exactly how to handle every vehicle in our modern fleet — from people movers to full-size 61-seat coaches.
- Current heavy vehicle licences
- First-aid and CPR certified
- Regular driver safety and emergency training
- Experienced with accessibility equipment and ramps
Training & Qualifications
Every Cooee Tours guide and driver meets these standards — without exception.
Licensed & Accredited
All drivers hold current heavy vehicle licences. Guides meet Queensland tourism accreditation requirements and industry standards.
First-Aid Trained
Every team member holds a current first-aid and CPR certificate, renewed annually. Trained and prepared for any medical situation on tour.
Safety Certified
Regular safety and emergency response training. Experienced with fire equipment, evacuation procedures, and passenger safety protocols.
Accessibility Trained
Certified to operate wheelchair ramps and lifts, assist guests with disabilities and special mobility needs, and support NDIS participants with dignity and care.
Deep Local Knowledge
Intimate familiarity with tour routes, destinations, and the stories behind the places we visit — from Brisbane to Byron Bay, Tamborine to the Whitsundays.
Hospitality & Customer Service
Ongoing training in hospitality, communication, and customer service. Our team is known for going above and beyond — because that's just who they are.
What to Expect from Your Guide
Every Cooee Tours trip includes these commitments from your guide and driver team.
Warm Personal Welcome
Your guide greets every guest at pick-up, helps with luggage, and makes sure everyone is settled and comfortable before the coach departs.
Live Commentary & Stories
Engaging, informative live commentary throughout the journey — not a recorded audio track. Real stories from real locals who genuinely love this country.
Insider Local Tips
Best photo spots, hidden gems, restaurant recommendations, and local knowledge that goes well beyond anything in the guidebooks.
Flexibility & Attentiveness
Guides adapt to the group's pace and interests. Extra comfort stops, extended photo breaks, or a detour to catch the sunset — they read the room.
Accessibility Support
Trained to assist with mobility aids, wheelchair boarding, and special needs. Every guest receives equal attention and care throughout the tour.
Safety at Every Step
Clear safety briefings, regular comfort stops, first-aid preparedness, and a calm, confident approach to any situation. Your wellbeing is always the top priority.
Guide & Driver FAQs
Yes. All guides and drivers hold current licences, first-aid certificates, and undergo regular safety and customer service training. Many have years of experience in Australian tourism and hold additional qualifications in areas such as cultural heritage, accessibility support, and responsible service of alcohol.
We're happy to accommodate guide requests where possible. Let us know your preference when booking and we'll do our best based on availability and scheduling. We can't always guarantee a specific person, but we'll always match you with someone who knows the tour well.
Some of our guides speak additional languages. If you need a guide who speaks a specific language, please let us know when booking and we'll do our best to accommodate based on availability. All tours are primarily conducted in English.
Many of our drivers double as tour guides, providing live commentary and sharing stories throughout the journey. On some larger tours we may have a dedicated guide separate from the driver — particularly on multi-day tours where the guide is with the group for the whole itinerary.
All team members receive training in operating wheelchair ramps and lifts, assisting guests with mobility aids, and supporting guests with disabilities and special needs. We also offer NDIS-funded travel support. See our Accessibility & NDIS page for full details on how we support guests with accessibility requirements.
Tipping is not expected or required in Australia — all our guides and drivers are paid a fair wage. However, if you feel your guide went above and beyond, a tip is always appreciated and never expected. Many guests prefer to leave a Google or TripAdvisor review instead, which means just as much to our team and helps future travellers.
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Ready to Meet Our Team?
The best way to experience our guides is to join us on a tour. Browse our upcoming trips or get in touch — we'd love to show you Australia.
Acknowledgement of Country. Cooee Tours acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waterways on which we operate and travel, and pays deep respect to their Elders past, present, and emerging. We recognise the continuing cultural connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.