Location

Although most of Australia is semi-arid or desert, it boasts a wide range of diverse habitats from alpine heaths to tropical rainforests, and is recognized as mega-diverse. Many of Australia's eco-regions, and the species within those regions, are threatened by human activities. Numerous protected areas have been created to preserve these unique ecosystems.  

About the Project

All projects start in major cities in Australia such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane (there is a list that you will choose from after registration). The volunteer work is relatively similar at all start points – the main difference between the locations is the climate.  Northern Australia, such as Darwin, Perth, and Cairns offer warm temperatures while Melbourne, Sydney, and Tasmania have cooler temperatures.

The following are examples of typical projects volunteers experience during their placements: 

• A two-week placement in Victoria, starting from Melbourne, could include a week in the countryside of Victoria helping with land restoration, before heading to the Great Ocean Road for a week of boardwalk construction with fabulous views!
• A four-week placement in the Northern Territory could include helping on conservation projects in National Parks along the coast, or in the rainforest, while six weeks in the Alice might include traveling out to Uluru (Ayers Rock) to help control invasive weeds around this Australian icon, or helping with bird surveys on a remote cattle station.
• A six-week placement in Queenslandhere could see you visiting the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island (the world's largest sand island) for a couple of weeks doing  boardwalk construction, followed by some time in and around Brisbane helping with urban conservation projects such as tree planting and weed control, before finishing with a fortnight of rainforest re-forestation.

Volunteer Work and Contribution

The projects offer volunteers the opportunity to contribute in a practical way to conservation of the Australian environment. The projects involves:

• Tree planting
• Erosion and salinity control
• Seed collection
• Construction and maintenance of walking tracks
• Endangered flora and fauna surveys
• Weed control
• Habitat restoration
• Heritage restoration

Working hours and days:

Volunteers generally spend one or two weeks at each project site. Project hours are generally from 8am to 4pm. Projects take place in both urban and rural areas. Be prepared for the weather - different parts of Australia can be very hot or cold, so you'll need appropriate clothing (and sleeping bag) for the climate in the area you've chosen to visit.

Living Arrangements

Accommodations: volunteers' accommodations will vary each week according to the location, and may include caravans, hostels, sharers' quarters, bunkhouses, and camping (tents are supplied). Bring a sleeping mat as well as your sleeping bag, and be prepared to share.

Food: provisions are supplied and everyone helps with cooking, cleaning, and washing up. Dietary requirements such as vegetarian or vegan can be catered for - just remember to let the project organizers know.

Travel Highlights

Australia has lots of activities to offer depending on where your project takes you. Kick back on a beach in Western Australia, lose yourself in Melbourne, visit hundred-year-old giant trees in the forests of Tasmania or simply visit the Sydney Opera House. 

Minimum requirements

• Min age 18 - Max age 70
• Tourist visa to Australia. We recommend applying for the visa 6 weeks before departure.
• Basic English
• Good physical fitness
• Love of the outdoors and interest in the environment