Meet An Anzac Gallipoli Tour Leader

For many Australians, visiting Gallipoli on ANZAC Day is a deeply personal and emotional experience—an opportunity to walk the ground where Australian and New Zealand soldiers fought in 1915 and reflect on the values that continue to shape national identity.

For tour leader Will Willis, helping people connect with this historic site is more than a job—it’s a lifelong passion rooted in his experience of living in Turkey and his connection to Australia’s military past. Now leading ANZAC Gallipoli tours with Timeless Tours and Travel, Will brings a personal touch and deep historical insight to every journey.

How Did You Become a Gallipoli Tour Leader?

“I think it chose me, actually.” Will reflects. “As an Australian living in Turkey for several years, it was almost inevitable I’d end up guiding Australians visiting Gallipoli for ANZAC Day. For me, it’s not a job—it’s a passion.”

After starting his own tour company and eventually returning to Australia, Will found himself continually drawn back to Turkey. Fourteen years on, he continues to lead tours that connect Australians to their past.

What Makes an ANZAC Tour So Meaningful?

“It’s different for every person,” Will explains. “Some have relatives who fought or died at Gallipoli. They bring letters, medals, and want to stand where those memories were made. Others—new Australians—come to better understand the history of the country they’ve chosen as home.”

He adds that helping travellers make emotional and cultural connections is one of the most rewarding aspects of the role.

What Do You Need to Consider When Leading a Tour?

“You need to understand what motivates each group. Some come for history, others for personal or cultural reasons. A good tour leader tunes into that and adapts the experience accordingly.”

Will emphasises that the key is empathy, adaptability, and deep respect for the subject matter.

What Training Do You Need to Become a Tour Leader?

“I don’t come from a traditional travel agent background,” Will says. “I got into this because I love travel, and now I’m studying military history at university to deepen my knowledge.”

He recommends a mix of real-world travel industry experience and subject matter expertise. Interested in history or cultural tourism? Consider studying history, tourism and travel, or event and tour coordination.

What Skills Make a Good Tour Leader?

Will says it’s a combination of people skills and logistical savvy. “Tour groups have high expectations—it could be the trip of a lifetime for them. At the same time, you’re managing logistics and budgets for the tour company. It takes time and experience to balance both.”

Other must-haves include:

• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Resilience in unpredictable environments (e.g. health issues, weather, transport delays)
• Emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity

What’s Been a Career Highlight?

One of Will’s most powerful experiences came during a Dawn Service at ANZAC Cove:

“An Australian man wearing his father’s Gallipoli campaign medals was approached by a Turkish man. They discovered their fathers had fought on opposite sides of the same landing. Despite that history, they connected—and have stayed in touch since. It was a beautiful moment of reconciliation and shared remembrance.”

What Are the Challenges of the Job?

“You’re dealing with real people and real logistics. Once, we had a traveller lose her passport and money. We had to get a replacement sorted and still manage the needs of the group. Things go wrong—that’s the reality.”

That’s why adaptability and quick thinking are essential qualities for success.

Advice for Aspiring Tour Leaders

Will’s advice is simple: follow your passion.

“Study the region or topic you love. Whether it’s military history, photography, food or art—bring something unique to your tours. And don’t do it for the money—do it for the experience. If you want to see the world and really get to know people and yourself, it’s a career that can’t be matched.”

Want to Work in Travel or Heritage Tourism?

If you’re inspired by Will’s story and want to explore a career in tourism and travel, cultural heritage, or community engagement, consider studying an accredited course that gives you both knowledge and hands-on experience.

Whether you want to become a historical guide, eco-tourism leader, or international tour director, there’s a pathway to suit your passion and purpose.