Overview
Join the wildlife volunteer program in Australia and make a meaningful impact by caring for orphaned, injured, and displaced native animals. This program gives you the chance to work closely with experienced Australian wildlife carers in a peaceful rural setting, helping with the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of kangaroos, wombats, wallabies, and other native species.
The project is located in Granya, Victoria, approximately 370 km northeast of Melbourne. It’s a beautiful countryside region where volunteers can immerse themselves in authentic Australian nature and community life.
The objectives of the project are as follows :–
To raise and care for injured and orphaned wildlife.
Rehabilitate and release native animals back into their natural environment.
Training carers & volunteers in the appropriate care of native Australian wildlife.
Ensuring that we maintain the best standards of care.
Raising public awareness of wildlife issues.
Ensuring that the donations we receive are put to their most effective use in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of native Australian wildlife.
Maintaining a 24 hr/day, 7 days/week phone service to receive reports on sick, injured or orphaned native Australian animals.
If you're an animal lover, then this would surely be a delightful choice for you! Not only will you get to work for a noble cause, but it'll be a great chance for you to meet people from different parts of the world and explore Australia like never before! This program would be the best choice for high school/ college students, backpackers and gap year travelers who are looking for some meaningful work abroad.
For more than a decade, this wildlife care initiative has provided a lifeline for injured and orphaned native animals. Led by an experienced wildlife carer, the shelter focuses on ethical, community-based care and the safe release of rehabilitated animals back into the wild.
During the devastating bushfires that swept through the region, the shelter became a frontline refuge — organizing food and water drops for stranded animals and providing essential care to wildlife in need. Today, it continues to stand as a place of hope, compassion, and hands-on conservation.
Project Goals
Rescue, raise, and care for orphaned and injured native animals with compassion and expertise
Rehabilitate and release wildlife safely back into their natural habitat
Train volunteers and carers in responsible, up-to-date wildlife care techniques
Maintain the highest standards of animal welfare and ethical practices
Raise awareness about key conservation issues such as habitat loss, road trauma, and climate impacts
Why Join This Wildlife Volunteer Program
This wildlife shelter receives no ongoing government funding and relies entirely on volunteer help and public donations. By joining the program, you’ll make a direct, lasting contribution to the welfare of native wildlife — and gain an unforgettable, hands-on conservation experience in rural Australia.
Whether you’re a student, gap year traveller, backpacker, or simply an animal lover, this program is an incredible way to give back, learn new skills, and explore Australia beyond the typical tourist routes. Meet like-minded people from around the world, work for a meaningful cause, and experience the rewarding joy of helping animals return to the wild.
Volunteer Work Schedule
Volunteer Work Schedule
Care for the animals is required 365 days a year and the project operates a flexible seven day working week.
Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities
Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities
At this wildlife rescue placement, you won’t just be a visitor—you’ll become part of the daily rhythm of life in a working animal shelter. Volunteers live on-site, share meals and responsibilities, and take part in the physical and emotional work of wildlife rehabilitation.
You’ll work closely alongside an experienced wildlife carer, learning not only what needs to be done, but also why every action matters. Expect to gain practical skills, hear inspiring stories, and develop a deep sense of purpose through every task you take on.
Your role may include:
Bottle-feeding wombats and joeys up to four times a day
Cleaning night feed stations, cots, and playpens
Filling and sanitising water bowls and feeding dishes
Preparing milk, cleaning bottles, and assisting with laundry
Harvesting fresh grass and native browse for feeding
Building or repairing outdoor enclosures and habitats
Transporting feed to soft-release sites
Playing, socialising, and observing animal behaviour to support rehabilitation
What You’ll Gain
A chance to contribute meaningfully to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native Australian wildlife
Hands-on knowledge of wombat care, enrichment, and soft-release protocols
A behind-the-scenes understanding of what it takes to manage a real wildlife shelter
A deeply personal and emotionally rewarding experience you’ll carry with you long after you leave
Project Requirement
Project Requirement
Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program. Every volunteer is required to show proof of Tetanus vaccination prior to joining the program. The program is suitable for those with a keen interest in animal and wildlife conservation. However, the program is open to all and you do not need the necessary qualifications to join the program. Participants should be prepared to work outdoors and should be fit and healthy.
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Photo Gallery
Living
Living
Airport Transfer
Volunteers need to fly into Sydney to reach Albury in NSW. You can take a flight from Sydney to Albury Airport (code ABX) where you will be picked up by the project staff. Volunteers must arrive in Albury during daylight hours, as the final leg of the journey to Granya involves rural
roads and wildlife crossings. The staff will collect you from Albury and drive you to the shelter—around 1.5 hours away. If your arrival is later in the day, you’ll need to arrange overnight accommodation in Albury and schedule your pick-up for the following morning. Detailed travel instructions will be provided once your placement is confirmed.
Orientation
Volunteers are picked up by a staff member at Albury and transferred to the project. Once you arrive, you are shown to your room and given a brief induction regarding first aid, safety, toilets, showers, laundry, generator power and work duties. You are given instructions on how to behave around the wild animals that wander around the shelter. Depending upon when you arrive and how busy the shelter is at the time, you may have some time to settle in, relax and acclimatize or you may be thrust into work straight away. Make yourself at home and it becomes familiar very quickly.
Please note : Do not handle the animals unless you are asked to and shown how to.
The first week involves lots of on the job training as each volunteer learns the different tasks involved in caring for the animals and the different jobs that need to be carried out to support the animals and the maintenance of the project. There is always something to do so feel free to use your initiative and suggest a new project you are interested in. You are briefed by the carers however other volunteers can assist and you quickly learn the routine. As the carers work other jobs, you may be left to care for the animals during the day unsupervised. This is an opportunity to utilize and strengthen your leadership skills.
Accommodation
Volunteers live on-site in a remote, off-grid home powered by solar and reliant on collected rainwater, making conservation and conscious living part of the daily rhythm. The shelter has 3 rooms (double, queen and bunks) for 3-5 people. Volunteers will usually be in individual rooms unless they are travelling together. On occasion, volunteers will share the room with the bunk beds.The bathroom is shared, with hot running water available—volunteers are asked to keep showers short to help conserve water, especially in dry seasons.Wi-Fi is available but limited, best suited to messaging and light browsing. We suggest buying your own TELSTRA SIM or eSIM for some coverage. This is a place to switch off from noise and reconnect with nature, rather than stream or scroll.
Meals
All meals—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks—are provided, with ingredients supplied for volunteers to prepare their own meals. A communal guest kitchen is available, equipped with a fridge, microwave, toaster oven, and kettle. Staples like fresh fruit, vegetables, rice, and pasta are provided, and vegetarian or vegan diets can usually be accommodated. Volunteers often cook together and are expected to share in meal preparation and clean-up. Personal food items can be stored, but any extras or preferences must be purchased independently from the local town Tallangatta (20mins away). Although trips to town are not regular. You’re welcome to bring a few of your favourite snacks from home, and you can request a quick stop at the shops during your airport pick-up if needed.
During Free Time
During free time volunteers get involved in popular pas times such as taking photographs, reading, blogging and spending time with the animals. Volunteers are not always given an opportunity to visit the local town, however, there are outings and sightseeing opportunities scheduled only if the shelter is quiet. Please note that not all volunteers get the opportunity to go on outings and the expectation is that they will work a 7 day work week.
Dates
Dates
January
08
15
22
29
February
05
12
19
26
March
05
12
19
26
April
02
09
16
23
30
May
07
14
21
28
June
04
11
18
25
July
02
09
16
23
30
August
06
13
20
27
September
03
10
17
24
October
01
08
15
22
29
November
05
12
19
26
December
03
10
17
24
January
07
14
21
28
February
04
11
18
25
March
04
11
18
25
April
01
08
15
22
29
May
06
13
20
27
June
03
10
17
24
July
01
08
15
22
29
August
05
12
19
26
September
02
09
16
23
30
October
07
14
21
28
November
04
11
18
25
December
02
09
16
23
Costs
| Duration |
Program Fee
|
Choose your currency
|
|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | $913 | |
| 2 Weeks | $1415 | |
| 3 Weeks | $1935 | |
| 4 Weeks | $2210 |
Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. A 5% international banking fee is charged for credit card payments of program fee in USD/AUD.
Inclusions
Not Included
- Flights
- Return transfers to airport
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Spending
- Visas
FAQ's
Accommodation, Meals and Daily Life
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Can I know more about the accommodation and food arrangements?
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Volunteers live on-site in a remote, off-grid home powered by solar and reliant on collected rainwater, making conservation and conscious living part of the daily rhythm. The shelter has 3 rooms (double, queen and bunks) for 3-5 people. Volunteers will usually be in individual rooms unless they are travelling together. On occasion, volunteers will share the room with the bunk beds.The bathroom is shared, with hot running water available—volunteers are asked to keep showers short to help conserve water, especially in dry seasons.Wi-Fi is available but limited, best suited to messaging and light browsing.We suggest buying your own TELSTRA SIM or eSIM for some coverage. This is a place to switch off from noise and reconnect with nature, rather than stream or scroll.
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Can vegetarians and vegans be accommodated?
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Yes, however you must inform us in advance and also mention about any dietary requirement in your application form.
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Are there more expenses once I arrive in Australia?
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Your program fee covers your Accommodation, Food and In country Support. You will need to cover your personal expenses, such as local transport, telephone, internet, shopping, weekend trips etc.
However, you should carry around $70-80 per week for your basic personal expenses. This amount can vary and you would need a higher amount if you go on weekend sightseeing tours.
Connect with Past Volunteers
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How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Australia alumni and other former and current volunteers?
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We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions program participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering Solutions Facebook Group to communicate with other participants. To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet a Volunteer page on our website.
Flights, Arrival and Visa Information
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Do I need a visa to go to Australia?
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All travelers to Australia, except Australian citizens and New Zealand citizens, need a valid visa or electronic travel authority (ETA). To find the right visa, use the visa finder on the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website. ETA-eligible passport holders can apply through the Australian ETA app. All other passport holders must apply for a visa before they travel. You need to get a visitor visa to travel to Australia.
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What are the recommended airlines to fly to Australia ?
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All the major cities in Australia have connectivity with all major airlines around the world. The recommended airlines are :
- Qantas Airways
- British Airways
- Thai Airways
- Air New Zealand
- Malaysian Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
Airlines that fly out of Albury include Qantas, Regional Express (Rex), and Virgin Australia. Qantas and Rex are the main carriers for domestic routes, with Qantas offering services to destinations like Melbourne and Brisbane and Rex providing regional flights.
Free Time and Weekend Travel
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Can you tell me more about the local area and things to do in freetime?
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The wildlife shelter project is located near Granya, in the foothills of Victoria’s Snowy Mountains. The area is quiet and rural,surrounded by bushland, native wildlife, and winding country roads. While there’s no town centre within walking distance,volunteers can enjoy scenic walks, wildlife spotting, and the slow rhythms of bush life. On rest days (if arranged), you might visit nearby towns like Tallangatta or Corryong for groceries, coffee, or a local bakery stop. The region offers beautiful drives, swimming spots, and national parks. The pace here is gentle—perfect for reading, journaling, or simply resting between feeds. Mount Granya State Park and Lake Hume are some of the destinations that can be visited.
Health, Safety and Support
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How safe is Australia?
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Australia is a tourist friendly destination. The country welcomes you with open arms. However, you have to use your prudence to stay out of the harm’s way. For example, stay in a group or with the fellow volunteers, especially when you want to hit the bar or go grab a drink. Inform your coordinator if you have plans to explore the city alone, keep your emergency contact details always with you. Your pre-departure booklet is a good source of information for you and you must read that diligently.
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What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
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You are working on an animal project where direct contact with animals occurs, therefore additional medical precautions may be necessary.These precautions are necessary both for the protection of you and the animals. When you travel, you should always arrange a visit to your doctor to receive the latest health advice and arrange immunizations.
Some immunizations are taken orally and some require a series of injections, so this visit should ideally be arranged as early as you can before your departure date. Make sure you inform your doctor that you will be working with animals and that you will be based at an animal shelter.
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Do I need to buy a health insurance?
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Yes, for all participants it is mandatory to have a travel medical insurance.Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider. To read more about the insurance coverage, please click here
Program Overview and Application Process
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Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Australian volunteer programs?
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Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Australian volunteer programs?
Below are the necessary requirements to participate in the Australian volunteer projects :
- The minimum age requirement for the volunteers is 18 years and above.
- Need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
- The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
- Participant must be in good health.
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Can I know more about the program location in Australia ?
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The Project is located in Granya, approximately 370 km northeast of Melbourne and about 40 minutes east of Albury-Wodonga, near the Victoria–New South Wales border.
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How do I apply for a program and when do I need to pay?
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You can book your slot by filling the application form online and pay the application fee. You can pay your program fee later and also, in installments, however, the complete payment should be made 45 days prior the start of the program.If you are volunteering in a group, you can also fill a group application form. The initial application fee is refunded in the unlikely event that we’re not able to offer you a place on the program, and you have the flexibility to request a change of start date up until the 45 day payment deadline (this is subject to availability for other dates).
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When should I apply for the conservation volunteer program in Australia?
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As we have limited spots available in our programs and we follow the first come first serve basis, it is recommended that potential volunteers book their programs well in advance to get confirmed placements. Applying and securing your place in advance also allows you to prepare better for your trip - to get any recommended or mandatory vaccinations and to book your flight in good time to get the best price. Additionally, securing your place in advance means that you will keep the price on the website at the time of application and won’t be subject to any annual fee increases.
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Can I apply with a friend?
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Yes! On our application form you can detail the name of the friend(s) or partner you are applying with. You will be placed in the same project and accommodation and in the same dorm (subject to restrictions regarding male and female dorms).
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How long does it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?
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After you complete your application, your personalized ‘My Account’ will be active.You will need to upload your CV/Resume along with your photo in the same. Our backend team and the placement site takes around 10-12 days to review your application. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’. Some projects need a mandatory criminal background check and the same is mentioned in the project info of your program. Approval of your application depends on your qualification,eligibility criteria as well as availability for each project.
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Will I be in contact with animals?
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The amount of contact volunteers have with the animals is dependent upon the project. Volunteers are not allowed to touch or interact with animals without prior permission of the wildlife carers.
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When do I need to arrive and depart from the program ?
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All volunteers are required to arrive on Wednesday and depart on Wednesday.
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Does Vol Sol provides a reference or a certificate after program completion?
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Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.
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Does Vol Sol provides discount if I choose more than one program or if I am a returning Volunteer?
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If you are planning to come for multiple programs in your trip, you will have to pay the application fees just once. Your application fees is valid for a year's time (from the date of application). You will not have to pay the application fees again if you come within the mentioned time frame. If you decide to volunteer in separate programs in multiple countries, you will need to fill separate applications.
Wildlife and Conservation