Australia Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteers - Kangaroo Island

The Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at the Western end of Kangaroo Island, South Australia. The Sanctuary was first established in 1997, covers an area of 3,845 hectares, with 14km of spectacular coastline and is the largest privately owned conservation property on KI. Within the sanctuary you will find many different species including wallabies, kangaroos, pigmy possums, echidnas, koalas and possums. The area is also a bird watcher's paradise, with large and small species calling the sanctuary home.

The sanctuary’s conservation work is funded by beachfront accommodation; a backpacker lodge, guided nocturnal tours and self guided koala tours. This is truly an exceptional place with its abundant wildlife and pristine coastline. The animals live free in their natural habitat and environment, which the sanctuary offers them. Nocturnal tours are conducted each evening to give visitors to the Island the ultimate wildlife experience.

Once you have arrived at the sanctuary, you will be given a detailed orientation and tour by the programme coordinator. This is a great opportunity to ask questions. Topics covered will include;

• An introduction to the sanctuary
• Health and safety briefing
• Workplace ethics
• Meals and accommodation
• An introduction to the area
• What you can do in your free time

Throughout your stay you will have the support and guidance of the sanctuary staff and coordinator. They will provide you with assistance and help you with any questions or advice you need during your stay. In addition, you are also able to contact our staff 24 hours a day should you need to, via our emergency contact number.

All volunteers are picked up in the morning from the main town of Kingscote or KI airport by the project staff to spend a few hours in Kingscote before being transferred to the Wildlife Sanctuary.

As a volunteer, you will work various hours, weather and temperature permitting, five days a week, doing all sort of different duties depending on the priority at the time.

The feral proof fence, which is vital to maintaining the habitats within the sanctuary, is checked each morning with a drive around. Once a week you will need to walk around the fence to check for minor damages at the base. Each morning the volunteers will need to check on the activities on the Koala Avenue for any public hazards and rubbish as well as making sure that the bird feeders and water containers are full.

One regular daily activity will involve watering the Tree Factory where the seeds and plants are growing ready for planting.

Some days volunteers may be asked to assist with the cleaning of accommodation units on the beachfront on Farmhouse Hostel. This is crucial work for the sanctuary, as much of its funding comes from these units. Depending on the time of year, firewood collection and cutting may be needed.

Revegetation of the sanctuary and other ground maintenance, including clearing and hazard reduction on the paths, is always ongoing at the sanctuary. This is vitally important to help maintain the habitat and attract tourism to the area. During these activities volunteers are encouraged to interact with the many international and local visitors to the sanctuary, have a chat and show them around.

Volunteers are encouraged to help marshal the nocturnal tours that run each evening, however they are optional so they can choose to relax instead. Feed drops for the local wild kangaroos and wallabies takes place each evening before each tour. This is a remarkable experience and a highlight for many, as it is a truly unique opportunity to get close to wild large kangaroos.

Please note: Itineraries and activities are subject to change