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Can you tell me more about the sanctuary?
Australia has the worst record for native mammal extinctions in the world due to loss of habitats and the introduction of predators and competitors. The creator of the sanctuary recognised these problems, and in 1982, a 35-acre area was enclosed with a feral-proof fence. On completion of the fence, the bird life flourished, and the release of many native mammal species began. Three years later, the sanctuary opened to the public and it now sees tens of thousand of visitors each year.
What are the goals of the sanctuary?
By volunteering at the sanctuary through Real Gap, you will be working on on-going, essential projects and your work will have long-terms benefits to the wildlife, habitats and environment.
Some of the goals include;
- Creating a sustainable ecosystem whereby the sanctuary can achieve not only its conservation goals, but also continue to be an iconic tourist destination.
- Enhance areas of high conservation value, and repair areas of low value through a habitat restoration program whereby participants will be able to restore areas from start to finish during their stay, thereby appreciating the work, and seeing the fruits of their labour.
- Develop and put into practice several important research projects involving in particular, platypus, bettongs, bandicoots and the recovery of native flora.
- Monitor the abundance (number) of reintroduced mammals through several nighttime animal censuses.
- Introduce participants to several key species involved in captive breeding.
- Understanding the role of the foraging (looking for food) behaviour of the digging animals upon the health of soils, flora and overall populations.
- Determining the carrying capacity (how many animals of each species can the sanctuary support)
What will I be doing?
Task will vary so you will busy throughout the week helping out. Some examples of the sorts of things you will be doing include:
- Feeding of birds, wallabies and kangaroos
- Platypus and koala monitoring
- Tree planting
- Track and trail restoration and maintenance
- Cleaning enclosures
- Fence maintenanc
- Nest box construction
- Animal husbandry
- Habitat restoration through fencing, weeding, revegetation and erosion control
What is the daily schedule?
- 9am-12.30: Each morning the member of staff you will be working alongside will explain the tasks for the day. The morning will often involve the more labour intensive tasks, such as weeding, fence construction, planting etc.
- 12.30-1.30: Lunch.
- 1.30-4.30: You will be working on monitoring or research projects, as well as working with the captive breeding animals and other general tasks. You will often be working in pairs or small groups.
- Some activities such as platypus monitoring will require you to work outside these hours, such as early mornings and evenings monitoring platypus, but you will not be expected to work longer than 8 hours each day.
- You are also welcome to participant in feeding animals in the sanctuary and going on the evening wildlife walks.
How fit do I need to be?
You will be expected to do physical activity that involves digging, lifting and carrying items but you will not be expected to work beyond your own capabilities. You will also be expected to contribute to the group’s tasks so that the work is spread evenly between participants. A moderate level of fitness is required, as the activities require you to walk to project sites within the sanctuary, which has a varied topography with some steep inclines.
What about transportation?
You will receive a shuttle bus transfer from Adelaide airport to the hostel in the city. Here you will spend two nights relaxing and getting over your jet lag! You will then need to catch a bus from Adelaide to Stirling on Saturday morning (this will cost no more than a few dollars and will take about 40 minutes). From Stirling you will be met and taken to the sanctuary.
Transportation on site is not necessary due to size and terrain. Transport will be available to take you to nearest bus stops, although this will be at limited times.
(You are responsible for paying for your own transport during free time and weekends).
Is food included?
Yes! During your time volunteering, sanctuary staff will be supplying the majority of food, (but you will be cooking), which will include meat, bread, pasta vegetables, milk, tea, coffee, breakfast cereal and fruit. All cooking facilities will be provided with a central eating area and kitchen.
Where is the sanctuary located?
The wildlife sanctuary is located in the Adelaide Hills about 30 minutes from the city of Adelaide, meaning you can easily travel back there at the weekends!
What is the weather like?
The weather conditions are varied. During the Australian winter (June - Aug) day time temperatures are generally between 7-15°C (45-60°F) and night time temperatures 0-10°C (32-45°F). The temperature at other times of the year can be quite high with spring and summer (Sept – Feb) temperatures varying between 9-40°C (48-106°F). Please ensure you check as to what season you will be visiting and bring appropriate clothing. Even if you are visiting during the warmer months you can still expect to experience widely varied conditions so warm clothing and wet weather gear is essential.
Will there be access to banks, shops and Internet?
There are two shopping districts about 5km away from the sanctuary where you will find public phones, supermarkets, fast food restaurants, cafes etc.
There is Internet access available at the sanctuary, but times will be limited. Additionally, by purchasing an international phone card you will be able to use the office phone.
It’s best to change traveller’s cheques, or withdraw money in Adelaide before heading to the sanctuary.
Will I have much free time?
You will have free time each day outside of the scheduled activities. Most free time is available in the evening from about 5pm (except once or twice per week when some animal monitoring tasks are scheduled). Full weekends are always scheduled as free time for volunteers, starting at 5pm Friday afternoon. Sanctuary staff can arrange to drop you off at bus stops if you would like to spend the weekend in Adelaide, though you are expected to return at a reasonable time Sunday afternoon!!!
What can I do during my free time?
In Adelaide
- Botanic Gardens (with moonlight cinema during the summer)
- Art gallery of South Australia
- South Australian museum
- Theatre
- Torrens River cruises
- Adelaide Zoo
- Shopping
- National aboriginal cultural institute
- Adelaide Oval cricket ground
- Lots of restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs!
Beaches
- Glenelg beach - 30-minute tram ride from the city. Calm water to swim and windsurf. Surf skis, body boards and snorkels available to hire. There is also a bike track and mountain bikes to hire. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes.
- Brighton beach – 25-minute train ride from the city. An old fashioned, sleepy place!
- Gulf St Vincent beaches, often know as the wine coast. Good for surfing and snorkelling.
- Victor harbour – where whales, sea lions and penguins can be spotted!
Trips from Adelaide
- Barossa valley is a famous Australian wine-producing region. Day tours of the wineries are available and are popular with other backpackers!
- Fleurieu peninsula. Beaches on the coast and wineries inland – good for walking and cycling!
- Kangaroo Island. An unspoilt island, host to an astonishing range of wildlife.
If you do choose to participate on any activities during your free time, all costs associated with that activity (e.g. transport, tickets, etc) are your own responsibility. Also, any meals missed during free time activities cannot be reimbursed.
When can I start?
The programme starts on the first Thursday of each month. You need to arrange for a flight arriving in Adelaide on that day, and after two nights at a hostel in Adelaide, you will travel to the sanctuary. You will receive an arrival orientation and a tour of the sanctuary and be shown your accommodation. The volunteer work then starts on the Monday!
How long can I volunteer for?
We require a minimum stay of 2 weeks, and recommend a stay of at least 4 weeks so you can really see the difference all your hard work is having! Longer durations are available; please contact the Real Gap office for further information and prices.
Do I need a visa?
If you are planning on spending no longer than 3 months in Australia and you do not wish to undertake any paid work, you only require a tourist visa, also known as an electronic travel authority (ETA).
If you want to spend longer than 3 months in Australia, and you would also like to undertake paid work during your trip, you require a working holiday visa (WHV). The WHV is restricted to those between the ages of 18-30 and is valid for 12 months.
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