Volunteer in Australia with Volunteering Solutions on meaningful and ethical wildlife conservation volunteer programs across different cities down under. You can choose to participate in Wildlife Conservation Program in Victoria, Penguin Care Project in Tasmania, or Endangered Species Conservation Program in Queensland. All the Volunteering Programs in Australia are perfectly designed to provide the participants with an ethical, fun-filled and thrilling experience where they can work for the ecosystem and help to create a better environment.
Gap year travelers and backpackers who are looking for enriching international work experience can travel to the Southern Continent and be a part of these projects, to spend some time amidst nature and effectively contribute towards Nature's wellbeing.
Volunteering Solutions is one of the best volunteer organizations in Australia as:
- Trusted by more than 18,000 past volunteers
- Offers amazing volunteering opportunities from 2 to 12 weeks
- Provides low-cost volunteer projects including meals and accommodation
- Provides 24/7 on-ground staff support and 100% financial protection
- Offers incredible weekend add-on tours in and around Australia
- Start Dates : All Year Round
- Duration : 2-12 Weeks
- Program Locations : Gladstone, Tasmania & Yackandandah
- Minimum Age : 18 years+
- Certificate - Offered after Program completion
Australia - Quick Facts
Program: Conservation Program
Volunteering in Australia was really fun! The team leader was super nice and took us sightseeing after work each day. The work was good and I didn't struggle at all. Local coordinators were very friendly and supportive. The overall living experience was excellent. It was very comfortable and homely stay with all the facilities that I could have asked for
Projects available in Australia
Be a volunteer for the Conservation Of Endangered Animals in Australia and make a meaningful impact while gaining first-hand work experience.
Join the Wildlife Conservation Program in Australia and contribute towards protecting Mother Nature, being a responsible traveler.
Ready to be a part of the Wildlife & Penguin Care Volunteer Program in Tasmania and gain some first-hand international work experience.
Programs in Australia are located in different destinations and weekend travel options vary as per the project destination.
Weekend travel options for Volunteers in Tasmania
Volunteers can enjoy their afternoons relaxing around the shelter or going into town. Once you are in town, it is easy to explore the local area on foot as there is a lot to do in a small area. Visit the shops, go on a scenic walk to Rocking Rock, the Blowhole, and along the sandbar to Diamond Island Nature Reserve. Trips into town are dictated by the shelter’s needs.
A penguin tour is the best way to see penguins in the wild and safely without disturbing them or hurting yourself. You can also choose to arrive early or stay on after completing the project. There is accommodation available in Bicheno or hire a car and tour the whole island. Within driving distance from Bicheno, you can visit vineyards, National Parks, and beaches. Governor Island Marine Reserve has some of the best diving spots in Australia, with kelp-covered reefs and spectacular sponge gardens. This water wonderland can also be experienced by a glass-bottomed boat.
From Hobart, there are local attractions and popular day trips to suit everyone including Bruny Island and the lighthouse, Port Arthur Historic Site, wineries, Cascade Brewery, Mt Field, Mt Wellington, Maria Island, the Derwent River, and the Tasman Peninsula.
Best things to add to your checklist:
- Visit the Lavender Fields at Bridestowe Estate
- Visit the Cradle Mountain National Park
- Visit King Island off the coast of Tasmania
- See Maria Island Painted Cliffs
- Traverse the Tamar Valley Wine Region
Weekend travel options for Volunteers in Gladstone
Gladstone is situated on Queensland’s central coast and is built around a deep-water lagoon that has become Queensland's largest multi-commodity shipping port. Gladstone is located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef and its sub-tropical climate is perfect for year-round boating, fishing, and swimming. With 14 offshore islands, Gladstone offers the perfect base to explore all the Great Barrier Reef has to offer, including uninhabited coral cays, secluded beaches, and an array of beautiful marine life.
Volunteers may choose to spend time in Gladstone or embark upon some of the interesting things to do in the surrounding areas, either before or after the project. Gladstone comes alive at night, with a selection of restaurants, bars, and clubs to tempt you. Enjoy the free live entertainment at Library Square on Friday and Saturday nights or catch a stage show at the Gladstone Entertainment Centre.
Best things to add to your checklist:
- Visit the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum
- Head off to Mount Larcom
- Chill at Heron Island
- Take a trip to Lake Awoonga
Weekend travel options for Volunteers in Yackandandah
When you can get away, some activities you may enjoy from the shelter are nature walks in the forest, wildlife photography, wildlife watching, reading, watching television, and socializing with other volunteers. Depending upon how busy the shelter is (how many animals are at the shelter and new arrivals) and how much free time you get, you can plan your weekends accordingly.
The shelter is in Stanley State Forest, a beautifully preserved natural bushland overflowing with vegetation and magnificent wildlife. Rich in history and in natural resources (granite, gold, clay & sparkling spring water), this thriving region is built upon the solid values and vision of its pioneers and miners.
Home to many talented artists and artisans from around the world, it is brimming with arts, crafts & antiques and has earned an impressive reputation for its spectacular annual festivals and events. The nearest town is Yackandandah, which is a former gold mining town located in the northeast of Victoria, between Beechworth and Albury/Wodonga.
Yackandandah’s entire commercial center has been classified by the National Trust and features many well-preserved buildings which date back to the mid and late 1800s during the height of the town's gold mining days. Highlights include the Athenaeum (built-in 1878), the courthouse (1863) which is now used as a community hall, the Bank of Victoria building (1860) which now houses a museum, and the old post office (first built as a timber structure in 1856) where the local visitor information center is located.
Volunteer in Australia - Faq's
FAQs - Australia
FAQ's Application and Program Details
As we have limited spots available in our programs and we facilitate on ‘first come first serve’ basis, it is recommended that potential volunteers book their programs well in advance to get confirmed placements. You can book your slot by filling out the application form online and pay the application fee of $250 + bank charges. You can pay your program fee later and also, in installments, however, the complete payment should be made 45 days prior to the starting date of the program. If you are volunteering in a group, you can also fill a group application form.
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.
We encourage our participants to volunteer in a group. We take special care in providing you a placement and also customize your itinerary to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Also, we can design special group programs for groups of 5 or more. Our programs are designed to be safe, affordable and offer a great group volunteering experience to the volunteers.
In our experience of more than 12+ years, we have enabled and facilitated volunteer program placements for student groups- college groups, university groups, high school groups, group of families, group of couples as well as a group of colleagues.
Visit Group Volunteering page for more information.
Volunteering Solutions provides placement to volunteers in different cities of Australia. The preference of the city should be specified in the application form. The available program locations are:
- Cairns
- Rural Gladstone
- Yackandandah
Yes – many volunteers choose to make bookings from two or more starting locations. If you choose this option, you’ll need to arrange and pay for your own travel between starting locations. You should either leave a week in between your bookings, or arrange to rejoin at your new starting location on Monday morning as we cannot accommodate volunteers arriving on weekends.
The amount of contact volunteers have with the animals is dependent upon the project. Some are very hands on and others have limited contact.
All volunteers are required to arrive at the nearest airports at their preferred location in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney. The Australian programs are located near Melbourne, Sydney, Gladstone and Cairns Airports.
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.
Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.
Flights and Visa
Volunteers traveling to Australia need to have a valid visa. We provide with the necessary supporting documents for your VISA application processing.
More information shall be provided after you become a Volunteering Solutions enrolled participant.
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
Emirates
Malaysian Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Air Asia
Health and Safety
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.
We recommend you consult your physician or travel doctor before travelling to Australia.
Generally the following vaccinations are recommended for travellers going to Australia :
– Yellow Fever (Required if travelling from a YFV infected country)
– Hepatitis A and B
– Typhoid
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.
Connect with Past Volunteers
We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions Australia program participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook Group to connect with other participants.
To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet a Volunteer section on our website.
Accommodation and Living
Accommodation will vary according to each project location. Typical accommodation includes volunteer houses, caravans, hostels, and bunkhouses. Volunteers are allotted accommodation on a sharing basis.
Yes, however you must inform us in advance and also mention about any dietary requirement in your application form.
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.
Plenty of money exchange counters and ATMs are available in Australia. at the airport as well in most Australian cities.
Volunteers work for 3 to 8 hours a day depending on their program. However, volunteers need to be flexible, open-minded and understand that work requirements can change as well on certain occasions.
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