Australia Volunteer Opportunities

Unless otherwise specified, assume that the volunteer listings in this section expect volunteers to be responsible for their own food, transportation, insurance, accommodations, and incidentals.

From the clearing of native forests to the draining of tropical wetlands, Australia’s urban expansion is laying waste to its wilderness. Nearly 3000 natural habitats and almost 1500 species are predicted to disappear in the coming century, so it comes as no surprise that environmental conservation is by far the most popular field for volunteers. Check out www.afconline.org.au for general information from the Australian Conservation Foundation.

Bush Heritage Austalia, P.O. Box 329, Flinders Ln., Melbourne, VIC 8009 (☎1300 628 873; www.bushheritage.org.au). This organization purchases wild bushland and converts it into reserves for the public to enjoy. “Working Bees” volunteers weed, plant, and build fences in a particular reserve for 1 weekend to 1 month; $10 per day provided for meals. Longer “Volunteer Ranger” positions usually require outdoors experience, but accommodations can be provided upon request.
Conservation Volunteers Australia, P.O. Box 423, Ballarat, VIC 3353 (☎03 5330 2600 or nationwide 1800 032 501; www.conservationvolunteers.com.au). Offers travel volunteer packages ($40 per day; concessions available for students, pensioners, and members) that include service opportunities (wildlife and environmental work) as well as accommodation, meals, and project-related transport.
Earthwatch, 3 Clock Tower Place, Suite 100, Maynard, MA 01754, USA (☎+1-978-461-0081; www.earthwatch.org). Australian office 126 Bank St., South Melbourne VIC 3205 (☎03 9682 6828; www.earthwatch.org/australia). Arranges 1- to 3-week programs focused on conservation of native animals and ecosystems. Costs vary by location and duration but average $3500-4000. Total cost covers room, board, transportation (excluding airfare), basic insurance, and program cost.
Landcare Australia, P.O. Box 5666, West Chatswood, NSW 1515 (☎02 9412 1040; www.landcareonline.com). Serves as a network for hundreds of community-based environmental projects, including Coastcare and Bushcare. Also solicits corporate sponsors and donations for conservation. Contact regional headquarters or use the website’s project directory to learn how you can help.
Mareeba Tropical Savanna And Wetland Reserve, P.O. Box 175, Mareeba, QLD 4880 (☎07 4093 2514; www.mareebawetlands.com). This 5000-acre wildlife sanctuary accepts volunteers to help maintain its savannas and wetlands. Expect to build walking paths, monitor animal activity, weed and plant. Alternatively, work indoors in the guest center. Tent accommodations provided. Minimum 2-week stay.
Wet Tropics Volunteers, P.O. Box 2050, Cairns, QLD 4870 (☎07 4052 0555; www.wettropics.gov.au). Numerous local programs offer options for helping out at this World Heritage rainforest, ranging from educating park visitors to caring for injured frogs. Check the online directory for specific group information.

Coastal Preservation

Australia’s coast runs for nearly 26,000km, stretching through sun-bleached sand, rainforests, grasslands, and mangrove swamps. Unfortunately, in a country where more than 80% of the population lives within 100km of the coast, these national treasures are very vulnerable to human development.

Coastcare Australia (http://coastcare.com.au). Working under the umbrella organization of Landcare, Coastcare provides a funding network for over 2000 community groups across Australia. Check the online directory for regional volunteer opportunities and contact info. Activities include building access paths, fencing off dunes, weeding clogged waterways, and educating the public.
ReefCheck Australia, P.O. Box 404, Townsville, QLD 4810 (☎07 4724 3950; www.reefcheckaustralia.org). This UN organization accepts certified advanced divers to monitor coral reef health. Training courses required ($774, students $648) but subsequent volunteer expeditions are usually free. Some 6-month volunteer positions available.

I Have To Pay To Volunteer? Many volunteers are surprised to learn that some organizations require large fees or “donations.” But don’t go calling them scams just yet. While such fees may seem ridiculous at first, they often keep the organization afloat, covering airfare, room, board, and administrative expenses for the volunteers. (Other organizations must rely on private donations and government subsidies.) If you’re concerned about how a program spends its fees, request an annual report or finance account. A reputable organization won’t refuse to tell you how volunteer money is spent. Pay-to-volunteer programs might be a good idea for young travelers who are looking for more support and structure (such as pre-arranged transportation and housing) or anyone who would rather not deal with the uncertainty of creating a volunteer experience from scratch.

Wildlife Protection And Rescue

The Australian continent is known throughout the world for its strange, fantastic wildlife. Unfortunately, human expansion and the encroachment of non-native species have also saddled Australia with the highest mammalian extinction rate on the planet. Hundreds of animals currently occupy spots on the government’s list of endangered or vulnerable species, including emus, bats, bandicoots, wallabies, parrots, and kangaroos.

Birds Australia, Suite 2-05, 60 Leicester St., Carlton, VIC 3053 (☎03 9347 0757; www.birdsaustralia.com.au). Call to register as a volunteer for the Threatened Birds Network; the national office sends updates about protecting endangered avian species.
Cape Tribulation Tropical Research Station, PMB 5, Cape Tribulation, QLD 4873 (☎07 4098 0063; www.austrop.org.au). Volunteers, students, interns, and researchers conserve threatened lowland tropical ecosystems and coastal environments. The station also works to save the spectacled flying fox. Min. 2-week commitment. Volunteers 25 and older preferred. All station members expected to assist with station cleaning in addition to conservation work. Inquire about fees. Cost includes 3 meals per day and accommodations. Transportation and insurance are not provided.
Cape York Turtle Rescue, P.O. Box 3352, Bangor, NSW 2234 (☎07 4069 9978; www.capeyorkturtlerescue.com). Work with the local Indigenous Australians to remove washed-up nets and other threats to the sea turtles while learning about indigenous culture. 5 nights $2125 per person; 3 nights $1275 per person. Accommodations, meals, and all transportation (minus flight) included.
Koala Preservation Society Hospital, P.O. Box 236, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 (☎02 6584 1522; www.koalahospital.org.au). This group takes volunteers to help care for sick, diseased, and injured local koalas. Internationals will work the morning shifts for one month, assisting with rescues, releases, visitor info, yard work, and intensive care.
Monkey Mia Reserve, 89 Knight Terrace, Denham WA, 6537 (☎08 9948 1366; www.sharkbay.org). Wild bottlenose dolphins are hand-fed 3 times per day at this popular tourist spot. Volunteers can expect to clean the facilities and trails, provide information for visitors, and assist with dolphin feeds. Minimum 4-day commitment; maximum 2 weeks. Positions in high demand, so fill out the online application early.

Community-Based Projects

Although Australia has become one of the world’s most developed countries, not all communities have benefitted equally. Indigenous regions are particularly affected by this disparity, and they offer most of the community-based service opportunities. Volunteers in these communities typically work to promote economic self-sufficiency through education and construction projects.

Cape York Partnerships, PMB1, Cairns TAFE, Room 120, J Block, Newton St., Cairns, QLD 4870 (☎07 4042 7200; www.capeyorkpartnerships.com). Facilitates placement of volunteers in Indigenous communities throughout Cape York. Volunteers work on projects in education, business, land management, preservation, and other projects. Offers a variety of programs from 4 weeks to 12 months of service. Provides basic accommodation only; volunteers are responsible for all other expenses.
Habitat for Humanity Australia, Level 1, 173 Pacific Hwy., North Sydney, NSW 2059 (☎02 9919 7000; www.habitat.org.au). Offers volunteer opportunities in Australia to build houses for needy families in a host community. Donation ($950, full-time student $750) and medical insurance (approximately $70) required.
International Volunteers for Peace, 499 Elizabeth St., Surry Hills, NSW 2010 (☎02 9699 1129; www.ivp.org.au). Arranges placement in Australian community work groups for members 17 and up. Membership $35. Work camp fee ($350; concessions $300) includes accommodations, food, and very basic insurance. Outside of Australia, contact IVP’s affiliate Service Civil International (SCI) in your home country (www.sciint.org).
Involvement Volunteers, P.O. Box 218, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207 (☎03 9646 5504; www.volunteering.org.au). Offers volunteering options in animal care, education, and farming. Prices range from $1200-3360 and generally include room and board.
Volunteers for Peace, 1034 Tiffany Rd., Belmont, VT 05730, USA (☎+1-802-259-2759; www.vfp.org). Arranges placement in work camps in Australia. Camp projects vary each year, but usually include environmental and social work, as well as arts projects. Membership (US$30) required for registration. Programs average US$300 for 2-3 weeks; program fee includes room, board, and work materials.