Australia Rainforest Wildlife Volunteers
From £1,269 Land Only (trip code: OZRW) Minimum 4 weeks
From £1,269, 4 weeks, Australia
Trip Highlights
- Become part of a dedicated team and make a genuine contribution to the conservation and care of native Australian wildlife at a wildlife habitat in North Queensland
- Get a real hands-on experience behind the scenes with some of Australia’s amazing animals
- Immerse yourself in an exotic environment and observe up close a diverse range of wildlife and flora
- Explore the beautiful beaches and lush rainforest in the surrounding area of Port Douglas
- Experience the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef in your free time whether it be snorkelling, diving, sailing or just relaxing
Trip Summary
See full itineraryWhat's included?
- Airport transfer on arrival
- Transport to and from your project
- Breakfast and Lunch on volunteer days
- Accommodation
- Comprehensive orientation day
- Information pack
- 2 uniform shirts
What's not included?
- All flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Visas
- Dinner
- Return transfer to airport
Become part of a dedicated team at a wildlife habitat in Port Douglas in tropical North Queensland where the Great Barrier Reef meets World Heritage Rainforest.
As a volunteer you'll work with native and endangered wildlife in a naturally replicated habitat and assist one of the wildlife keepers to care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. This fantastic opportunity allows you to have a real hands-on experience behind the scenes with some of Australia’s amazing animals and ultimately the time of your life down under!
When do I want to go?
Showing all departures (44)
| Dates of Departures | Duration | Price (Land Only) | Trip Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 May 2012 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Limited Availability | Call Us 01892 882 737 | |
| 28 May 2012 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Limited Availability | Call Us 01892 882 737 | |
| 11 June 2012 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Limited Availability | Call Us 01892 882 737 | |
| 11 June 2012 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Limited Availability | Call Us 01892 882 737 | |
| 25 June 2012 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Limited Availability | Call Us 01892 882 737 | |
| 25 June 2012 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Limited Availability | Call Us 01892 882 737 | |
| 9 July 2012 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Limited Availability | Call Us 01892 882 737 | |
| 9 July 2012 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Limited Availability | Call Us 01892 882 737 | |
| 23 July 2012 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Limited Availability | Call Us 01892 882 737 | |
| 23 July 2012 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Limited Availability | Call Us 01892 882 737 | |
| 6 August 2012 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Limited Availability | Call Us 01892 882 737 | |
| 6 August 2012 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Limited Availability | Call Us 01892 882 737 | |
| 20 August 2012 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Limited Availability | Call Us 01892 882 737 | |
| 20 August 2012 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Limited Availability | Call Us 01892 882 737 | |
| 3 September 2012 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 September 2012 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Available | Book now | |
| 17 September 2012 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Available | Book now | |
| 17 September 2012 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Available | Book now | |
| 1 October 2012 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Available | Book now | |
| 1 October 2012 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Available | Book now | |
| 15 October 2012 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Available | Book now | |
| 15 October 2012 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Available | Book now | |
| 29 October 2012 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Available | Book now | |
| 29 October 2012 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Available | Book now | |
| 12 November 2012 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Available | Book now | |
| 12 November 2012 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Available | Book now | |
| 26 November 2012 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Available | Book now | |
| 26 November 2012 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Available | Book now | |
| 10 December 2012 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Available | Book now | |
| 10 December 2012 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Available | Book now | |
| 7 January 2013 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Available | Book now | |
| 7 January 2013 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Available | Book now | |
| 21 January 2013 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Available | Book now | |
| 21 January 2013 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Available | Book now | |
| 4 February 2013 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Available | Book now | |
| 4 February 2013 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Available | Book now | |
| 18 February 2013 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Available | Book now | |
| 18 February 2013 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Available | Book now | |
| 4 March 2013 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Available | Book now | |
| 4 March 2013 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Available | Book now | |
| 18 March 2013 | 4 weeks | £1,269 | Available | Book now | |
| 18 March 2013 | 6 weeks | £1,699 | Available | Book now | |
What will I be doing?
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Welcome to Cairns (Orientation)
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Rainforest Wildlife Habitat (4, 6 or 8 weeks)
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A Typical Day (An early start!)
Welcome to Cairns : Orientation
Next LegDestination info
Cairns
With the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef right on its doorstep, a vibrant economy and a passionate local population, it's no wonder Cairns remains Australia's favourite tropical holiday destination.
- Location: Cairns
To get you settled into Aussie life and the tropical North, you'll spend the first night in Cairns. Upon arrival at the aiport you'll be met by a project representative and transferred to your accommodation. You will be staying at a modern backpacker hostel situated right in the heart of the Cairns city centre for the first night and the last 2 nights.
A project representative will perform a meet and greet session the following day. Take this opportunity to ask any questions that you may have. You'll then be transferred to Port Douglas to start your volunteer placement in Port Douglas!
Destination info
Port Douglas
Founded in 1877 after a nearby gold discovery, Port Douglas is the epitome where reef meets rainforest. There is so much to do and see in the area - admire the exotic flora and fauna that exists in the Daintree rainforest and Cape Tribulation; snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef; or watch the sunrise at Four Mile Beach - the choice is yours!
- Location: Port Douglas
Once you've settled into Aussie life in Cairns you'll be transferred to Port Douglas where you will stay during your volunteer project.
Each year the sanctuary cares for sick, injured or orphaned animals brought into the habitat by the local community. Their wildlife rescue programme is run by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Without this facility, the chances of survival for the animals would be limited.
The work that you will be involved in at the wildlife habitat will be extremely hands-on and varied. Typical duties performed by volunteers will include;
- Preparing food for native wildlife (this is often a daily task)
- Cleaning and maintenance of animal enclosures
- Koala leaf collection and distribution
- Upkeep of displays and exhibits
- Park maintenance
Volunteers may also be given the chance to participate in:
- Animal handling
- Plant identification and collection
- Caring for injured and orphaned animals
- Assist with record keeping duties under supervision
Please note: Itineraries and activities are subject to change.
A Typical Day: An early start!
Destination info
Port Douglas
Founded in 1877 after a nearby gold discovery, Port Douglas is the epitome where reef meets rainforest. There is so much to do and see in the area - admire the exotic flora and fauna that exists in the Daintree rainforest and Cape Tribulation; snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef; or watch the sunrise at Four Mile Beach - the choice is yours!
- Location: Port Douglas
Your volunteer work will start at 7am and you will work five days a week. You will need to get a bus to your placement.
Once you have arrived at your placement, you will be teamed with one of the project's experienced wildlife keepers for the day, which means that you will learn a variety of skills from different keepers. Each wildlife keeper will assign tasks for you to complete and will help you when necessary.
Each morning you will get a 20-minute break followed by a 30-minute lunch break.
Your working day will finish mid afternoon allowing you time to relax in Port Douglas.
Trip Notes Download
Trip Notes include a full itinerary, country guides and travel advice on visas, money, insurance and the local weather. By filling in your details you'll also be kept updated on all the latest news, offers and stories on this particular trip. Happy reading!
Additional Information & FAQs
Minimum age
Minimum age 17 with parental consent, maximum decided on potential participants health.
Accommodation
All your accommodation is included during your time on the programme.
Your first night and last 2 nights will be spent at a backpackers resort in Cairns. For the remainder of the programme you will stay in Port Douglas.
Cairns Accommodation
Centrally located in Cairns city centre, you will stay at a backpackers resort which is the ideal base from which to explore the tropical north. It is also situated in a great location to explore the inner-city streets with its shops, cafes, night markets and eateries as well as the Esplanade Lagoon to relax and cool off in the heat!
You will stay in a dorm room with ensuite bathroom and air conditioning. The hostel prides itself on having friendly local staff and modern, clean facilities which include a Swimming Pool, Bar, Outdoor Entertainment Deck, 24 hour reception and check in, Travel Desk, Big screen TV area, Chill Out area, Laundry with free iron hire, dining and lounge area, communal kitchen and Games Area.
Port Douglas Accommodation
During your time on the project you will stay in a friendly lodge in Port Douglas. The lodge is situated within walking distance to the heart of Port Douglas Village, Four Mile Beach and the marina.
You will stay in a dorm room with a shared ensuite bathroom and air conditioning. Facilities include a tropical lagoon style pool, bar & bistro, internet access, laundry room and a communal kitchen. Linen is provided.
Meals
Breakfast and lunch will be provided at your placement on your volunteer days, however you will need to arrange this yourself for your days off. Dinner is not included in the programme. You can either visit one of the great restaurants and bars in the centre of Cairns or Port Douglas or you can make your own dinner with food from the local supermarket and using the kitchen at your accommodation.
Is this trip for you?
Prior experience is not necessary to take part in this programme, as you will receive on-the-job training during your time at your project. An orientation session will be conducted on your first day of the programme, this will provide you with information regarding what activities you will be involved in during your time your volunteer work. Shirts will be given to you during this session for you to wear while working.
Advice & Safety
Throughout your programmes you will have the support and guidance of the programme co-ordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
You will be assigned a personal travel advisor who will co-ordinate your programme with you. Feel free to contact them at any time before you go, or when you are on your travels.
In addition, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
FAQ
1. What visa do I need?
If you are just visiting Australia as a tourist you will need to apply for the 3 month e-visitor visa. If you are planning to work whilst you are out there after your programme you will need to apply for the 12 month Working Holiday Visa.
2. How many volunteers tend to take place each month?
The sanctuary is a very popular place for volunteers and spaces fill up very fast. They are able to accept 10 volunteers per month.
3. I have certain dietary requirements, will this be a problem?
Not at all! Special dietary requirements can be catered for.
What will I see in North Queensland?
16 photos
What other travellers thought
I've done this trip
Write reviewJosephine Marcher Sandig - December 2010
Great experience Friendly locals and volunteers Small townenviroment Made friends Worked with animals - loved it Met my new travelling buddy
Working at the Wildlife Habitat was really great. I met the so many nice people, and I loved working with the animals. The weird part was that there were so many danes,.
Have an open mind, and try not to have too many expectations, especially if you've tried something like this before.
Yes
Yes
Charlotte Vance - July 2010
Awesome, worked with amazing people, made lots of new friends from around the world, best work placement I have ever done, unforgettable, once in a life time experience, fun, chilled out, totally loved it
Being able to have close contact with all the animals, working with a great bunch of people and doing getting help to face my phobia of snakes
Buy mosquito spray out there as it is really good compared to home products, prepare to have lots of fun and make the most of your experience as it is a really great place to volunteer
Yes
Yes
Sarah Mills-paton - May 2010
Great Experience, nice staff, met some new friends, held koalas
Getting to do hands on things with the animals.
Be prepared to do hard work in the heat as there is a lot of it involved with the programme.
Yes
Yes
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