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How to Become A Leisure Consultant

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What is a Leisure Consultant

A Leisure Consultant is a professional who helps people find and enjoy great recreational experiences. The role spans many settings. You might plan group travel, run fitness programs or design activities for aged care residents. The goal is always the same: making leisure meaningful.

Leisure Consultants work in resorts, travel agencies, local councils, schools and community centres. No two days are the same. One day you might plan a group tour. The next day, you could be running a wellbeing program or finding new activity ideas.

The role blends creativity with planning. You will research activity options and talk to clients about what they enjoy. Then you coordinate logistics and work with venues to make things happen. Strong communication and organisation skills are key.

This career suits people who love working with others and enjoy variety. You will make a real difference in how clients spend their leisure time.

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Career Outlook for Leisure Consultant

The leisure and recreation sector is a lively place to build a career. Around 1,700 Recreation Officers work across Australia, and Leisure Consultants sit within this group (ABS Census, 2021).

The median age in the field is 37. About 57% work full-time and 43% work part-time. That mix suits people at the start of their career or those still studying (ABS Census, 2021).

Pay is solid for a community role. Salaries average $75,000 to $85,000 a year across Australia (SEEK, June 2026). More skills and experience push earnings higher. Growing demand in health care and aged care is creating new jobs. Skilled leisure professionals are well placed to benefit.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

How to Become a Leisure Consultant

Step 1: Complete the Certificate IV in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation (SIS40122)

Enrol in the Certificate IV in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation (SIS40122) at a TAFE or RTO. This course takes around 12 months full-time or up to 2 years part-time. It covers activity planning, client talks, program delivery and event work. It is the core entry-level course for Leisure Consultant and Recreation Officer roles.

Step 2: Get a First Aid and CPR Certificate

Complete Provide First Aid (HLTAID011) at a registered training organisation (RTO). The course takes one day. Most employers in recreation, hospitality and local services need a current First Aid cert before you can start work.

Step 3: Build Hands-on Experience in Recreation or Hospitality

Look for entry-level work as a recreation assistant or activity coordinator. Leisure centres, resorts and local councils all have these roles. Aim for 6 to 12 months in a client-facing job. This builds the program and service skills that employers want most.

Step 4: Get a Working with Children Check

Apply for a Working with Children Check through your state government. The process is online and takes a few days. You need this when working with clients under 18. It applies in all Australian states and territories.

Step 5: Advance with the Diploma of Sport, Aquatics and Recreation Management (SIS50122)

Enrol in the Diploma of Sport, Aquatics and Recreation Management (SIS50122) at a TAFE or RTO. This course takes 1 to 2 years full-time or part-time. It covers strategy, money management and team leadership. This diploma opens the door to senior Leisure Consultant and program management roles.

Step 6: Join Parks and Leisure Australia

Become a member of Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) at parksleisure.com.au. Membership gives access to industry events, ongoing training and a national network of leisure professionals. This keeps your skills fresh and helps you move into expert or leadership roles.

What does a Leisure Consultant do?

A Leisure Consultant works with clients every day to make their free time count. They find out what clients enjoy, then plan activities, events or travel experiences that match. This means talking to clients, researching options and coordinating with venues and providers. They may plan a group tour, run a community program or set up activities for a care facility. The role is varied, client-focused and hands-on.

Tasks

A Leisure Consultant plans and runs leisure experiences for people and groups. The role blends creativity with hands-on work. You will work across events, travel, local programs and care settings. The goal is to help clients make the most of their free time.

  • Client consultation: meet clients to check their leisure preferences and suggest fitting activities.
  • Program development: design and develop leisure programs, events and activities.
  • Budget management: create and manage program budgets to keep costs on track.
  • Marketing and promotion: promote programs through local channels to attract people.
  • Vendor collaboration: work with local businesses and venues to source resources and spaces.
  • Evaluation and feedback: collect feedback and use it to improve future programs.
  • Community engagement: build ties with local groups and organisations.
  • Administration: handle scheduling, record-keeping and reporting on program outcomes.

Skills for Success

Leisure Consultants need strong people skills above all else. You must listen well, speak clearly and make clients feel heard. The ability to turn client wishes into real, fun experiences is the heart of the job.

You also need solid planning skills. Running multiple programs, bookings and client tasks at once is the norm. Good time management keeps everything on track.

A love of recreation and an eye for new trends help too. Clients expect fresh ideas. Staying curious about what is hot in leisure, travel and wellness gives you a real edge.

Skills & Attributes

  • Clear communication and active listening
  • Client service and relationship management
  • Knowledge of leisure, tourism and recreation trends
  • Program planning and event coordination
  • Problem-solving and adaptability
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team
  • Networking and relationship-building
  • Time management and organisation
  • Marketing and promotion skills
  • Budget management and financial awareness
  • Flexibility and resilience
  • Enthusiasm for leisure activities and community wellbeing

Average Salaries

A Leisure Consultant in Australia earns around $75,000 to $85,000 a year on average (source: SEEK, June 2026). Entry roles start around $65,000. Senior and expert consultants can earn $95,000 or more. Pay rises with experience and skills.

min $65 K

max $95 K

av $80 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.