Choosing a Hiking Tour Operator: Safety, Standards and Impact

When I first started hiking, I preferred to hike solo. Not because I don’t like the company of others, but because I valued the solitude it provided. Hiking is a great way to connect with nature while getting exercise. From boosting fitness to improving mental wellbeing, and even supporting our social lives, hiking offers a wide range of benefits. I loved immersing myself in nature, planning my own route, setting my own pace, and walking in silence to appreciate the sounds of the environment. I could start when I wanted and finish late into the night if I chose. When hiking alone, I felt alive and free.

It is not recommended by various authorities that you hike alone, for reasons such as safety and survival. However, deciding whether to hike solo is entirely your choice, and one that should not be taken lightly. If solo hiking is not for you, there are a number of options available that allow you to get outdoors in a safe and social environment.

You can head out on a hike with friends, join a Meetup hiking group or bushwalking club, or engage the services of a commercial tour operator or professional guide (for guided and self-guided itineraries).

Each option offers a different experience, and your choice will depend on the style of hike you are undertaking and the environment you are entering. Your level of experience and confidence will also influence your decision.

So, with so many free options available, why would you choose to pay a commercial tour operator or guide?

6 reasons why guides facilitate better hiking holidays

1. Local knowledge

Guides are passionate about the regions you are walking through and help bring to life the history, culture, flora, and fauna. They can provide a level of immersion that is difficult to achieve independently, helping you get more out of your time on the trail. Guides are trained to educate and are often passionate about answering questions and enhancing your overall experience.

They also understand environmental regulations and local customs, so you can be confident that appropriate protocols are being followed.

2. Increased chance of success

Guides have seen it all and can help you overcome challenges along the way. Think of them like personal trainers who support you through difficult sections, whether that is pushing through the final kilometre or preparing for a long climb.

3. Enjoyment and experience

Guides often have a knack for making good trips great. From informative briefings to shared stories and encouragement when things get tough, they work to ensure the experience is both enjoyable and memorable.

4. Camaraderie

It takes a particular type of person to be a guide. In addition to being knowledgeable, they are often skilled at bringing groups together, creating a shared experience that can lead to lasting connections.

5. Tailored experience

Guides understand the expectations and preferences of travellers. They will work to adapt the experience to suit the group, helping ensure that everyone gets the most out of the journey.

6. Round-the-clock support

Guides are there from the beginning to the end of your trip, working to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely.

Does a guided, commercial tour sound right for you?

How to choose the right operator

If you are familiar with the Meetup platform, you will know that there are many hiking groups available to choose from. Many people join multiple groups to access a wider range of opportunities. It is important to understand that Meetup hiking groups are not commercial operations and are not run by certified professional guides. They are typically organised by volunteers who enjoy hiking and want to share the experience with others.

There is an underlying premise with this model: the organiser is providing a meeting point, not a guided experience. All participants are expected to be self-reliant, meaning the organiser is not responsible for your safety, you are. You should not join a Meetup group expecting the same level of support as a commercial operator.

Some Meetup groups charge fees to cover platform costs. Meetup subscriptions are not free, and organisers may apply small charges to offset these expenses. However, there are cases where significantly higher fees are charged under the guise of a volunteer group.

In some instances, groups charge $50–$75 per attendee per event while still operating without professional guides, insurance, or appropriate permits. This raises serious questions about what participants are actually receiving in return.

For example:

‘Any trips or training are done by experienced volunteers not professionals and there is no insurance provided by the group and/or trip leader/s. On this basis you will ideally have your own ambulance cover and personal accident insurance. There can be significant objective risk on alpine trips that include slips, falls, sprains, burns, avalanche, hypothermia, equipment loss, broken bones and even death. By joining our events, you agree to take responsibility for your own safety and risks encountered and remove the trip leader from any liability and mishaps that may occur within the extent of the law.’

If you are paying to attend a hike, you should expect more than this.

There are legal and safety requirements that legitimate commercial operators must meet. Be cautious of any group or operator charging fees without the following:

• Permits or licences required to guide groups on public land
• Indemnity and public liability insurance
• A registered business or incorporated structure
• Certified guides with training in first aid, food safety, and relevant qualifications
• Demonstrated experience on the tracks they operate on
• Appropriate safety equipment, such as GPS devices or satellite communication
• Clear and transparent inclusions, so you understand exactly what is provided

If you are paying for a guided experience, these are baseline expectations. Professional operators prioritise your safety and are equipped with the training, systems, and support to manage risks effectively.

Looking beyond logistics

Choosing a tour operator is not only about safety, qualifications, and inclusions. It is also about how that operator engages with the landscapes you are visiting.

Not all tourism models have the same impact.

Some operators work within existing track networks, use low-impact infrastructure, and support regional communities without altering the character of the environment. Others rely on permanent infrastructure, exclusive access models, or developments that change how protected areas are experienced over time.

If this matters to you, consider:

• Whether the operator uses existing public infrastructure or relies on new developments
• Whether access remains open and inclusive, or becomes restricted or price-based
• How the experience is framed: self-reliant and immersive, or service-based and structured
• Whether their approach supports long-term stewardship of the landscape

This is not about avoiding guided experiences. It is about choosing operators whose approach aligns with how you believe these places should be used and protected.

So next time you are planning a hike, think about safety first. If you are uncertain about your abilities, look for a commercial tour operator who prioritises safety, professionalism, and responsible engagement with the environments they operate in.

Thanks to Australian Walking Holidays and Tasmanian Expeditions for their assistance with this article.

If you are looking for a guided or self-guided hike, you can explore their offerings for more information.