Volunteer in Australia

CCI's volunteers have the opportunity to do more than just scratch the surface and instead experience the real Australia first-hand, by working alongside locals and other international volunteers in environmental conservation projects.

About the project

Due to Australia's vast range of landscapes, including its world-famous Great Barrier Reef, outback, rainforests, and highlands, there are endless types of environmental conservation and animal rescue projects seeking help from volunteers around the world. Projects exist in both urban and rural areas of the country and usually last for 1-2 weeks, meaning that within a 4 week trip you will be exposed to 3-4 projects in differnt locations.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Depending on the particular project, you may be involved in:

• Tree planting
• Erosion and salinity control
• Seed collection
• Habitat restoration
• Fence building/repair
• Path construction/maintenance
• Animal rescue and conservation
• Beach clean up
• Heritage protection
• Flora and fauna surveys

Specific project placements are designated upon arrival and depend on seasonal conditions and where volunteers are needed most at that particular time.

Accommodation and Meals
Accommodation is generally on-site group housing, such as cabins or bungalows near the project location. Volunteers should be prepared to bring a sleeping bag, as some projects require camping in tents.

All meals, accommodation, and project related travel is included starting after orientation on the Friday of arrival. Breakfast may include things such as fruits, cereals, and toast. Lunch usually consists of sandwiches and side items, and dinner entails casseroles, pastas and other warm dishes. While meat is prepared and served regularly, there are often vegetarian options as well.

Location

While volunteers may not choose the exact project, they may request up to 3 regions of preference. Regions include the Outback, Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Australia Captial Territory, and Tasmania. We will try our best to accommodate these requests.

Travel Arrangments and Transportation

Volunteers are responsible for booking round trip airfare to Australia, as well as making any necessary travel arrangements to the assigned, regional partner office for Friday orientation. After the program commences, all project related transportation is arranged and included, and volunteers will travel together in comfortable vans or mini-buses to each project throughout their stay.

Orientation and Support
Orientations are organized every Friday at 11am at all regional offices to give you an introduction to Australia's culture and your particular project(s). You will be given a volunteer voucher before you arrive, which you must present to the orientation leader in order to start your program.

Throughout your stay, a mentor will be assigned to you in order to assist you with questions and concerns. This person will usually be your project leader or someone who will be traveling with you at all times.

Dates, Duration and Application Deadlines

Projects range from 1-12 weeks, and you may choose your own start and end dates, although we ask that you keep the following guidelines in mind when selecting dates: 

Volunteers will report to the nearest office in the region of their first project placement at 11:00 am on a Friday. It is highly recommended that volunteers arrive on the Thursday before to avoid being late due to airport delays. Projects end on Fridays around 4:00pm, and volunteers are taken back to the regional office where they started. It is suggested that return flights be booked on Saturdays.

Applications are due at least 8 weeks prior to your intended departure date. Late applications may be accepted on a case by case basis.

Requirements

Volunteers should be in good physical condition and willing to engage in manual labor during conservation activities. Flexibility and an appreciation for nature are also necessary characteistics.

Program Costs

Fees may be paid by personal check, money order or credit card. To view the cost of the Volunteer program in Australia, click the Program Fees link below:

Program Fees

Cancellation Policy and Conditions of Participation

Need more information?
Request a Brochure

Send us a message

Feel free to contact us by phone toll free (in the U.S. only), 1-888-ABROAD-1 (888-227-6231).

Other Programs in Australia

Volunteer in another country

Volunteer application (pdf)

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